Extreme Beauty High Chair Ridge
Chenzhou's Danxia landform develops on top of purple-red sandstone and gravel, with landscapes primarily consisting of Fangshan (square mountains), rounded peaks, and steep cliffs with precipitous walls and steep slopes featuring (steps). It encompasses Danya Fengzha (Danxia peaks and villages), Tanhe (cave dwellings), Wallu (valley), and Guanxia (pass), exhibiting a myriad of shapes and forms, presenting a vibrant and captivating scenery. It is said that Chenzhou's Danxia landscape possesses 'everything the world has, and this has it all.' Gaoqiling (High Chair Ridge) is the most outstanding and beautiful representative of Chenzhou's Danxia landform.
Red rock embraces numerous small pools of water. The water is 'rootless water,' accumulated from rainfall in depressions, with the rock forming basins that retain water without leakage or flow. This has created a pristine ecological environment with azure water and a clear appearance. The Danxia red rock contrasts beautifully with the blue sky and white clouds, creating a stunning scene in the border area between Chenzhou's Suixian County, Qikou Town, and Rizheng City.
An aerial shot of Gaoqiling resembles a giant lizard sleeping on the ground, having dozed for millions of years. The Danxia landform is mainly composed of sandstone, making it difficult for tall plants to grow. However, Gaoqiling's sandstone is covered with low-lying shrubs. Local government statistics show that the forest coverage rate here reaches 95%. Gaoqiling's mountains are relatively gentle and undulating, not imposing or majestic, but rather remarkable for its danger and peculiarity. Steps have been carved into the cliff faces, flanked by deep, seemingly bottomless ravines, presenting a thrilling and perilous spectacle. Locals believe this is the dragon's resting place on the Long Ridge, and visiting Gaoqiling will bring good fortune and blessings. Some adventurous tourists pose for pictures at the edge of the cliff, seemingly oblivious to the awe-inspiring power of nature.
At the foot of the mountain, a lake nestles, the mountain embracing the lake, and the lake embracing the mountain – a profound display of affection and enduring sentiment. The interplay of gentle stone and resilient water creates a breathtaking landscape. The water softens the stone, and the convergence of water and stone creates an even more vibrant blue and red, resulting in a beautiful scene. The water's surface reflects the surrounding scenery – lush foliage, peculiar rocks, hazy distant mountains, and beautiful figures – creating a painting-like stillness and a dreamlike illusion. Gaoqiling's three elements—Dan (rocks), Green Trees, and Water—constantly shift and change color.
In the azure water, the rocks resemble a lizard's short legs, a dragon's elongated neck and body, or an octopus's tentacles. Gaoqiling is a place of wonder.
The weather during Gaoqiling's photography was unfavorable, and it waited for two days, with the same gloomy, overcast weather, occasionally punctuated by light rain. A frustrated freelance writer couldn't get good pictures and was disappointed.
