Water Rapping Around Four Doors

Shuirao Simen is located at the center of Wulingyuan, serving as the eastern gate of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and the western gate of Suoxiyu Scenic Area. It is named for the convergence of four streams—Jinbian Stream, Kuangdong Stream, Yuanyang Stream, and Longwei Stream—in a valley basin of less than 200 square meters. The area is surrounded by stunning peaks and rocks, with babbling streams, lush bamboo, and trees, creating a fragrant and vibrant environment. Among the peculiar peaks and stone walls lies a verdant oasis, with mountain streams carving out four mountain gates in the directions of east, south, west, and north, hence the name Shuirao Simen. Originally called Zhima Ta, also known as Zhima Ta and Tianzi Zhou, it is located 2 kilometers from the entrance of the Ten-mile Gallery. There are two legends about Zhima Ta: one tells of Zhang Liang, a founding elder of the Western Han Dynasty, who, upon seeing Empress Lü's tyrannical rule, resigned and traveled to famous mountains. Discovering the spiritual beauty of Qingyan Mountain, he rode here, enchanted by the surrounding peaks, lush forests, and the basin with streams, deciding to dismount and stay, hence the name Zhima Ta. Another legend speaks of Xiang Dakun, a local chieftain during the Ming Dynasty, who, dissatisfied with the imperial rule, rebelled here with the help of paper men and horses, proclaiming himself emperor, thus the name Tianzi Zhou, also known as Zhima Ta. The small scenic area is renowned for its Shuirao Simen and Jiutian Yinlian attractions.