Seven Star Crags (Qixing Yan)

Welcome to the Seven Star Crags, or Chi-shing Yen, a place often referred to by scholars and travelers alike as the 'Mini Gway-leen' of southern China. As we stand here at the threshold of this eight-square-kilometer sanctuary,…

The entry into the Seven Star Crags is an experience in transitions. There are three primary gates located on different sides of the park, each offering a unique perspective as you move from the bustling streets of Zhow-ching…

We now arrive at one of the more thrilling features of the park: the Iron Cable Bridge. For many visitors, this is a highlight that provides a touch of adrenaline amidst the peaceful scenery. …

Beneath the towering exterior of the crags lies a hidden world of limestone caverns. We are now entering one of these caves, a space where the geological history of the region is written in stalactites and stalagmites. …

As we emerge from the caves and walk along the base of the cliffs, look upward at the vertical rock faces. You are looking at a 'Forest of Steles'—not made of standing slabs of stone, but carved directly into the living rock of…

The Seven Star Crags are not only a feast for the eyes but also a sanctuary for the soul. Throughout the park, tucked into crevices or perched on scenic overlooks, you will find a variety of Buddhist and Taoist idols. …

For those seeking a more rigorous challenge, the climb to the tallest point of the Seven Star Crags is an essential endeavor. The path upwards is steep, consisting of hundreds of stone steps carved directly into the side of the…

As our journey through the Seven Star Crags comes to a close, we find ourselves back near the water's edge, where the reflection of the limestone peaks ripples in the gentle wake of a passing boat. We have traveled from the…