Yunnan's hidden gem - Shimen Pass.
Shimen Pass is an important part of the Cangshan Mountain World Geopark in Dali, with its unique canyon landform and rich natural and cultural landscapes. Not only does it have the spectacle of "Heavenly Stone Gate" in Xu Xiake's writings, but it also has exciting activities such as glass plank roads and via ferrata rock climbing, as well as natural hot springs.
- Transportation: I chose to drive to Shimen Pass Scenic Area. Departing from Dali city, following the route indicated by the navigation, passing through a section of the highway and provincial road, then turning into a country road, driving for about 40 minutes, I saw the towering Shimen Pass with clouds sandwiched between the two walls. There is a large parking lot at the entrance of the scenic area, which is very convenient for parking.
- Ticket purchase: After arriving at the scenic area, I bought tickets at the ticket office, priced at CNY 60 per person. At the same time, I learned that the opening hours of the scenic area are 8:30-17:00.
Tour process
- Entering the scenic area: Entering the scenic area, the first thing that comes into view is the stone bridge across the "Yingke Pool". Standing on the stone bridge and looking forward, the canyon is deep within the upright cliffs, the woods are lush, the mountains are stacked with greenery, the clouds and mist are steaming in the distance, making people feel mysterious. Between the canyons, the turbulent stream gushes out, impacting and swirling among the large and small stones at the bottom of the valley, splashing clusters of white waves, all the stones have been washed smooth, without any edges and corners. When the stream reaches the flat pit, it forms a pool. At this time, the waves disappear and ripple into the beautiful ripples of the green waves.
- Going along the canyon: Along the path and plank road, going upstream and heading towards the depths of Shimen. Along the way, the peaks turn, the cliffs stand tall, and the strange rocks are rugged. A curtain of waterfalls and springs, a pool of green waves and streams, are endless. Some waterfalls fall straight down from cliffs tens of feet high, with a majestic momentum, spraying beads and splashing jade, which is shocking; some mountain springs fall from the hanging rocks, like a fairy scattering flowers, people passing by, as if they are in a rainstorm. The further you go, the more rugged the pass, the more beautiful the peaks, the more peculiar the waterfalls, and the more beautiful the scenery.