The Most Unusual Attraction in Changzhi, Shanxi: A Road Hanging on a Cliff
The vastness and diversity of China have always been its advantages. Due to the country's varied geography and abundant natural ecology, many people enjoy exploring peculiar geographical phenomena, which has triggered a tourism boom. In China, there are countless villages of different sizes. Due to the differences in local ethnic customs, each village has its own characteristics, and many very peculiar villages are still unknown to the public, and their secrets have been preserved until now. Today, I'm going to introduce one of these villages called Xibi di Village, located in Pingshun County, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province.
The most peculiar thing about this village is its environment – it's surrounded by trees and mountains, with an endless, winding embrace around the whole village. The village itself looks very small and exquisite when viewed from a distance. The village is located at the foot of a mountain, and transportation is inconvenient. If the locals want to go out, they have to climb over a 10,000-step stone staircase, to get out. Previously, goods were transported solely by manpower or animal power. Later, due to trade between the Shanxi and Henan provinces, this place gradually became a small transit station, and some inns and shops were built here.
Because of its special environment and to facilitate villagers going out to study, this village has started to build a road in recent years. However, this road is also a great wonder. The entire road winds around the middle of the mountain, dividing the cliffs along the middle of the mountain into segments and building a road. It looks like a road hanging on a cliff, so it's called 'Gua Bi Road'. Walking on it is very exciting. If you look at this road from a distance, you can see that it's like the eyelashes of the entire mountain – this peculiar road has also attracted some tourists, which has also added a little tourism income for the local villagers. 'Gua Bi Road' was built by the villagers themselves, taking 15 years.
Some tourists who come here for the first time will pass by 'Gua Bi Road' on the way to the village. Some are out of curiosity, but more people are out of fear. When you pass through it, it's like passing a checkpoint, entering one cave after another. Outside is a sheer cliff, which is very exciting. However, from another perspective, the scenery here is also unique. Countless sunbeams penetrate the small holes and shine, with intersecting light and beautiful patterns. Looking out at the world from the small hole, you'll also feel a sense of shock. Notably, this 'Gua Bi Road' was built by the villagers themselves, taking 15 years.
Everyone should have seen the movie 'The Story of Pi,' and it has been many years. Because the movie was shot here at that time, after the movie became popular, this place also became a tourist attraction. Many interested tourists will come here to punch in and see the environment with their own eyes. Living in such a remote, cliffside residence, whether it's looking at clouds and mountains or crossing the cliff and walking across the suspension bridge, your curiosity can be satisfied.
Many people who come here will also experience climbing the 10,000 steps to enter and exit the village. Many people can't persevere until they're exhausted. In the head of Xibi di Village, there's a dam with 9 (kaoyangdong - are cave dwellings) carved out in the middle, and the water flows out from there in a regular and orderly way. Especially when the water flows powerfully, it rushes down and merges with the lake and mountains. Because the water is extremely clear, the blue sky and white clouds reflect in the water, it's very beautiful and natural. Most tourists come here to admire the lake and the strange peaks and rocks.
Some people who love excitement can walk along the cliff here, just like passing through a puzzle in a game, but when you actually enter the village, you'll find another beautiful scenery. The small village has its own unique charm, and here the small courtyard is elegant and unique, allowing visitors to rest again. If it's a foggy day, the sky and water are connected in a blurred state, which feels very illusory.
So, do you have any experience traveling to Shanxi? Do you know this village? What do you think of this village? Do you think this road is exciting? Do you think it's worth it to expend all the effort to build such a road? If you have time in the future, would you come to travel here? Welcome to leave comments in the comments section, thank you for reading!
