Golden Whip Stream

Golden Whip Stream takes its name from Golden Whip Rock, which it flows past. In the upper reaches of the Suoxi River, the stream extends for about 7.5 kilometres and offers a distinctive place to walk beside the water and follow its course. Unusual peaks and facing cliffs rise on both sides, while flowing water links clear, deep pools. The gorge has been praised as “the most beautiful gorge in the world”. A walk along the stream passes more than 20 scenic sights, including Golden Whip Rock and the Journey to the West rock formation. Views change at every turn, revealing the grace and character of the Zhangjiajie landform.

Boudoir Gate is formed by more than ten quartz-sandstone pillars. One resembles a giant with recognisable facial features, hands clasped over its chest and a slight smile; it is called Welcome Rock. To its right, a sheer cliff stretches across the skyline, with greenery on its crest and shrubs hanging from its face like a screen. This is Boudoir Gate Rock. Together the two rocks suggest a doorway opening, an image of a woman emerging from her private chamber to welcome guests.

Golden Whip Rock has a relative height of more than 350 metres. Steep and sharply edged, with a broad base tapering to a slender top, it resembles a long whip planted in the earth. Its quartz sandstone glitters in sunlight, giving the rock its name. A peak of similar height stands to its left and resembles a mountain eagle: its wings are half-spread as if beginning to beat, its beak slightly open, and it seems ready to swoop down and defend the whip from an intruder. This striking, lifelike silhouette is known as Eagle Guarding Golden Whip.

Qianli Xianghui, or Couple’s Reunion from Afar, consists of two quartz-sandstone pillars joined at the base but separate at the top. They resemble a husband and wife meeting after a long separation and gazing affectionately at one another. The husband appears tall and imposing, wearing a helmet and armour as though returning from a distant journey; his waist and head bend slightly as if comforting his wife. She has a well-proportioned, full figure, short hair and a graceful bearing. Her left hand rests around his waist and her face tilts upward, as though quietly sharing the feelings of their time apart. The rock forms express both nature’s extraordinary craftsmanship and a human story, bringing the rugged character of the mountains together with affection through immense geological time.