Evolution of the Huangshizhai mesa: tectonic activity created two sets of nearly parallel vertical joints in the quartz-sandstone platform. Water continually eroded along these joints to form gullies and ravines.
Star-picking Terrace is the highest aerial viewpoint on Huangshizhai, formed from two naturally stacked layers of quartz sandstone. The guidebook records a base rock of about 20 square metres and roughly 5 metres high; the upper rock is about 10 metres tall and 5 metres in diameter, with an old pine standing on top.
The terrace overlooks a deep valley, with clouds overhead and wooded peaks below. On misty rainy days the surrounding pillars appear and disappear in the cloud sea. Under a bright moon, the stars seem close enough to pluck by hand. In November 1993, State Councillor Zhang Jingfu visited the terrace and gave it this name.
The Remaining Piers of the Heavenly Bridge are a row of elliptical pillars more than 200 metres high rising steeply out of the gorge. Tall and striking, they resemble naturally formed bridge piers. They were shaped by water continually eroding, cutting and sculpting along multiple sets of joints in quartz sandstone.
