Mountain Forest Ancient Trail as Beautiful as a Painting

Qibugou Scenic Area is located in Huoshui Township, Wu'an City, Handan, Hebei Province, situated on the eastern foothills of the Taihang Mountains. It is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction that integrates natural scenery, Buddhist culture, and revolutionary history. The following introduction covers both historical culture and travel tips: 1. Historical Culture 1. Name Origin Qibugou was originally called "Qipugou" because before the Ming Dynasty, lacquer trees were abundant in the mountains, and locals made a living by running lacquer shops. Since the Tang Dynasty, Buddhist monks have lived and practiced here, naming it after the Buddhist story of the "Seven-Step Lotus." During the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, it was renamed "Qibugou." The "Luohan Cave Stele" from the Kangxi era praises it as "neither heaven, nor earth, nor the human world," reflecting its extraordinary spiritual charm. 2. Religious Culture • Buddhist Holy Site: Inside Luohan Gorge, there are 500 stone statues of Arhats, each with unique expressions; the Luohan Cave on the cliff is a natural cave used as a practice site since the Eastern Han Dynasty. Eminent monks attained enlightenment here during the Tang Dynasty and were revered as Arhats. Baiyun Zen Temple was relocated within the scenic area; historically, it was a famous northern temple with over a hundred monks at its peak. Existing buildings include the Mahavira Hall and Guanyin Hall, with continuous incense offerings. • Folk Beliefs: The Wusheng Laomu Temple is nestled in the mountains. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the folk religion "Wuwei Sect" spread here. The Hermit Pagoda and Recluse Tomb bear witness to the secluded history of Wuwei followers in the Ming era, holding significant value for the study of Chinese folk religion history. 3. Military and Revolutionary Marks • Han Dynasty Military Site: Mawu Fort is the main peak of the scenic area (elevation 1566 meters). It is said that Eastern Han general Ma Wu camped here for eight years. Remnants of the camp and rope trenches remain, and Han Dynasty weapons have been unearthed at the summit. • War of Resistance History: The former site of the 129th Division's field hospital of the Eighth Route Army is hidden in the mountains. Commander Liu Bocheng personally selected the location, and from 1941 to 1942, many wounded soldiers were treated here. Nearby stands a 12.9-meter-high Anti-Japanese Martyrs Monument, commemorating the tragic battles of the Lianggou Defense and Wan'an Ambush. 2. Travel Tips 1. Basic Information • Address: Qibugou Village, Huoshui Township, Wu'an City, Handan, Hebei Province. • Opening Hours: 08:00-18:30 (Winter ski resort night sessions open until 21:00). • Tickets: Peak season (April-October) 80 RMB, off-season (November-March) 60 RMB; half price for students and seniors aged 60-69, free for seniors over 70 and military personnel. Winter ski resort package (including equipment) about 150 RMB for 2 hours. 2. Core Attractions and Routes • Classic Hiking Route (6-8 hours): ◦ Mountain Gate → Tianmen Lake → Hundred Waterfalls Gorge → Tianjing Lake → Luohan Gorge → Baiyun Zen Temple → Luohan Cave → Hermit Pagoda → Red Maple Lake ◦ Highlights: Hundred Waterfalls Gorge features cascading waterfalls during the rainy season; Tianjing Lake is surrounded by mountains like an emerald; Luohan Gorge has a strong Buddhist atmosphere; Red Maple Lake is covered with red leaves in autumn. • Leisure Route (3-4 hours): ◦ Mountain Gate → Tianmen Lake → Water Park → Tianjing Lake → Luohan Gorge → Baiyun Zen Temple → Hermit Spring → Mountain Gate ◦ Suitable for: seniors and families, with water entertainment options. • Challenge Route (requires physical fitness): ◦ Mountain Gate → Hundred Waterfalls Gorge → Tianjing Lake → Mawu Fort (1600 meters elevation) → Hongshi Fort → Return ◦ Highlights: Climb to the top of Mawu Fort for a panoramic view of the Taihang Mountains; Hongshi Fort features Danxia landform with red cliffs. 3. Special Experiences • Thrilling: Longtou Cliff Rainbow Glass Walkway (U-shaped suspended design) and high-altitude cableway, ideal for adventure seekers. • Winter Fun: The first ski resort in southern Hebei opens in winter, offering skiing, snowmobiling, and more. Nearby folk performances include mighty gongs and drums and Ergui wrestling. • Red Education: Visit the former site of the 129th Division's field hospital to learn about the harsh medical conditions during the War of Resistance and the spirit of unity between soldiers and civilians through exhibits. 4. Practical Tips • Transportation: ◦ Self-driving: 2-3 hours from Shijiazhuang, Taiyuan, Jinan, Zhengzhou; exit at Dunjingkou on Taihang Mountain Expressway, then 19 km to the site. ◦ Public Transport: Take bus No. 58 from Wu'an city to Qibugou Station, then walk 1.7 km; or taxi for about 50 RMB. • Accommodation: The scenic area has a four-star Tianmen Lake Hotel; nearby farmhouses offer unique stays, priced around 100-300 RMB per night. • Food: Local specialties such as Wu'an pulled noodles, donkey meat rolls, guokui stuffed with meat, and millet braised rice can be enjoyed at scenic area restaurants or farmhouses. • Notes: ◦ Wear non-slip shoes for hiking and bring rain gear during the rainy season; ◦ The area is a key fire prevention zone; carrying fire sources is strictly prohibited; ◦ Winter skiing requires advance booking of equipment and attention to safety. 5. Best Visiting Time • Spring and Autumn (April-June, September-November): Cool climate, blooming mountain flowers or fiery red leaves, ideal for hiking and photography. • Summer (July-August): Average temperature 23°C, Hundred Waterfalls Gorge offers cool respite, with water activities available. • Winter (December-February): Ski resort open for winter sports and folk festival experiences. Qibugou, with its unique charm of "a view at every step, emotions at every pace," blends natural wonders and cultural history. Whether seeking the tranquility of ancient temples, the grandeur of the Taihang Mountains, or the profoundness of revolutionary memories, visitors can find a spiritual home here.