The Millennial Code in the Loess Hills, Civilizational Imprints in Place Names

The Longmen Mountains: The "Western Backbone" of the Chengdu Plain, Nature's Ecological Poetry

As the natural barrier on the western edge of the Chengdu Plain, the Longmen Mountains stretch over 200 km in a northeast-southwest direction, with elevations soaring from 2,000m to over 3,000m westward. The main peak, Jiuding Mountain, stands like a pillar of heaven, towering at 4,989m and overlooking the world below. The dramatic vertical drop here creates breathtaking layered landscapes: at lower elevations, the forests of Bailu Forest Park cycle through the seasons—spring azaleas blaze like fire, while autumn foliage glows like sunset; mid-slope, the Baishui River Nature Reserve shelters a haven for giant pandas, where over 4,000 species of wildlife thrive together; and at the summit, Jiuding Mountain’s perpetual mist weaves a magical scene of "four seasons in one mountain," unfolding in all its glory.

The people of Pengzhou’s love for mountains is embedded in three ecological landmarks: the rugged peaks of Jiufeng Mountain (Flame Peak, Vermilion Bird Peak, etc.), standing like cliffs carved by blades, majestic and mysterious amidst swirling clouds; the crystal-clear streams of Baishui River nourishing all life, serving as a sanctuary for countless rare species; and the oxygen-rich air of Bailu Forest, a "natural remedy" for urbanites escaping the hustle and bustle. These mountains are not just a barrier but a gift, sculpted over eons into the most captivating ecological tapestry of Sichuan.

Pengzhou’s charm lies in the grandeur of the Longmen Mountains, the myths of Jianshan, the allure of its three major branches, and the rings of time in Jiulong Mountain. These ranges not only uphold the ecological shield of the Chengdu Plain but also cradle the origins of ancient Shu civilization and the cultural fusion of Sichuan and Chongqing. When you stand atop Jiuding Mountain watching the sea of clouds, listen to golden snub-nosed monkeys calling in Baishui River, or trace the legacy of "Jiulong" in Jiulong Mountain, you’ll understand: the mountains are Pengzhou’s skeleton—and its soul.

This city embraced by peaks is never just scenery—it’s a symbiosis of nature and culture, a symphony of history and reality.

Post by 趣游假期 | May 14, 2025