Chenzhou Gaoyi Ridge: Poetic Dwelling in Earth's Palm Prints

Standing on the ridge of Gaoyi, the scene before you might make you wonder if you've wandered into the blank space of a Chinese ink painting—reddish-brown sandstone winds like a giant dragon, emerald lakes resemble a palette spilled by the sky, and in the distance, layers of Danxia peaks appear and disappear in the mist. This is Gaoyi Ridge, dubbed by netizens as "the secret realm forgotten by God," a place where photographers willingly camp with tripods for three days, reluctant to leave. --- I. Geographical Background: A "Red Rock Sanctuary" Carved by 300 Million Years Gaoyi Ridge is located in Suxian District, Chenzhou, Hunan, a geological gem at the intersection of the Nanling and Luoxiao mountain ranges. The Danxia landform here formed during the late Jurassic period 300 million years ago, when tectonic movements lifted underwater sandstone into mountains, which were then eroded by water and weathered, ultimately sculpting today's spectacular red cliff formations. Unlike other Danxia scenic areas, what makes Gaoyi Ridge special is its "water-embraced Danxia"—azure lakes wrapping around reddish-brown mountain bodies, like jade belts fastened around the mountains by Mother Earth. The most iconic spot, "Dragon Ridge," features an 800-meter-long narrow ridge resembling a coiled dragon, with sheer cliffs on both sides. Walking along it, you'll find yourself between knife-cut rock formations below and sparkling lakes in the distance—a perfect blend of thrill and beauty. --- II. Travel Highlights: Every View is Cinematic 1. Hiking Through the Danxia Wonderland The trail from the entrance to the summit observation deck is about 3 kilometers, but the real treasures lie hidden along the side paths. Following local guides on these "wild routes," you'll discover secret viewing platforms: "Sky Ladder" requires climbing steep rock faces using both hands and feet, but from the top, you'll overlook the entire lake area, feeling like you're in a scene from "Inception"; there's also "Golden Triangle," where three isolated peaks surrounded by water catch the golden sunrise light on their rock faces—the ultimate goal for photography enthusiasts. 2. Ink Painting-Like Lakes The tributary of Dongjiang Lake forms a mirror-like surface beneath "Dragon Ridge"—Tiffany blue on sunny days and muted gray on cloudy days. The reflections of the Danxia formations in the lake create stunning compositions with minimal effort. With a drone, you can capture even more breathtaking scenes: among the red rocks and blue waters, a few crooked trees grow stubbornly, reminiscent of Pandora from "Avatar." 3. Bangliang Ancient Village: A Journey Through Century-Old Daily Life Just a 10-minute drive from the scenic area, Bangliang Village is a well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty settlement. In courtyards of gray tiles and blue bricks, elderly residents sit on doorsteps shelling beans while yellow dogs lazily bask in the sun on stone paths. Be sure to try the homemade rice wine and listen to stories about how Zhu De rested here during the "Southern Hunan Uprising." --- III. Local Culture: Slow Living Nurtured by Mountains and Waters Chenzhou, where Gaoyi Ridge is located, has been known as a "forest city" since ancient times. Locals speak with a soft southern Hunan accent and welcome visitors with steaming bowls of Qifengdu fish noodles, so spicy they make your forehead sweat yet impossible to stop eating. Even more fascinating is the mountain dwellers' wisdom of coexistence with nature: herb gatherers can identify over 200 medicinal plants, fishermen cast nets from small boats on the lake, and drought-resistant herbs grow in rock crevices. In the evening, sitting at a lakeside tea stall, watching the sunset turn the Danxia formations purple-red while listening to the proprietress humming Chenzhou folk tunes, you'll suddenly understand what it means to be "nurtured by mountains and waters." --- IV. Travel Tips: Details for a Better Adventure 1. Timing The best seasons are April-May and September-October when the Danxia colors are most vibrant. Arrive at the viewing platform one hour before sunrise to secure a spot and witness the sea of clouds rising from the valley, turning the red rocks golden. ⚠️ Hiking is not recommended on rainy days due to slippery paths, though the "misty Danxia" on cloudy days has its own ink-painting charm. 2. Equipment Checklist - Footwear: Anti-slip hiking boots (some sections are steeper than Zhangjiajie) - Clothing: Light jacket (large temperature differences at the summit) + sun protection (intense UV radiation) - Others: Power banks (weak signal), garbage bags (protect the Danxia landform, no littering) 3. Pitfall Guide - Official shuttle buses are available at the scenic area entrance; don't trust "black cabs" soliciting along the road - Homestays in Bangliang Ancient Village offer better value, 50% cheaper than accommodations near the scenic area - Want to photograph the sunrise? Check the weather forecast in advance—on rainy days, the mirror lake turns into a "mud lake" --- Epilogue: A Place for the Soul to Rest What makes Gaoyi Ridge most touching isn't just the scenery, but its "tenderness amid ruggedness." As you cautiously inch along "Dragon Ridge," the mountain breeze suddenly carries the folk songs of distant herb gatherers; when you crouch to photograph rock textures, you discover stubborn wildflowers hidden in the crevices. This mountain, forgotten by time, awaits every traveler willing to make the journey—it doesn't cater to tourists, yet at some turn, with a splash of red rock, a pool of emerald water, or cooking smoke drifting halfway up the mountain, it makes you want to pause, sit on a rock with the locals, drink a bowl of plain tea, and listen to ancient legends about mountain spirits.