The last 'Shangri-La' in East China: Gongbu
Gongbu scenic area is known for its towering presence, with the entire Gongbu standing majestically, creating an imposing atmosphere. Cliffs connect to cliffs, stretching endlessly, with each peak standing independently, forming its own entity. The stone forest cliffs each have their own charm. The main attractions include: Ke Jiusi's former residence; Twenty-four Lang; Gongbu Cliff; Bamboo Forest; Dragon Waterfall; Twin Lions Guarding the Heavenly Gate; Dragon Mother Cave; Flagpole Rock; and Little Dragon Gate.
Gongbu scenic area borders the Thirteen Cities scenic area and is close to the Xianju's Fairy Dwelling and Jingxing Rock. Along with Danzhu and Thirteen Cities, it is one of the five major scenic areas in Xianju, known as the 'Shangri-La of East China.' Gongbu Village is located in the Tian Market town area of Xianju, situated at an altitude of 600 meters. It is a high mountain village divided into Upper Ping and Lower Ping, forming one administrative village with the branch office located in Lower Ping. Surrounded by peculiar peaks with altitudes around 1000 meters, the village is nestled in a small basin formed by the mountains. Climbing up the back of Gongbu to the south of the village, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery. Gongbu features a volcanic lava landform with complete vertical development, exposed rock bodies, and many independent stone pillars concentrated in distribution. The average height of these pillars is about 200 meters, with richly shaped and lifelike formations.
Gongbu Rock is located on the south side of Gongbu Ridge in Xianju, Zhejiang. It is a giant east-west cliff, 1200 meters long and 150-200 meters high, with steep walls and a majestic presence. There is a colorful and smooth collapsed remnant on the lower west side, with the upper part protruding and sheltering from rain, the middle part rich in texture resembling cliff carvings, and the top part flat, possibly a remnant ancient planation surface. The cliff stands abruptly and isolated on the hillside, deep and heavy. From the side, it appears thin as a blade, with many changes, shifting shapes, resembling a large crocodile or a rhinoceros, embodying the beauty of 'looking like a ridge from the front and a peak from the side.'
The beautiful bamboo forest can be seen in each scenic area, ranging from needle-like small to tree-like large, tall and graceful, especially the Danzhu.
Within the Gongbu scenic area, the mountains are full of graceful bamboo, beloved by literati, poets, and tourists. Nurtured by nature and subtly influenced by the environment, generations of literati and poets have created many bamboo-themed poems and paintings. The 'Ink Bamboo Painting' and 'Bamboo Manual' by the painter Ke Jiusi are expressions of his long-standing affection for this place. The charm and elegance of the bamboo are enchanting.
To the east of the Dragon Mother Cave on Flagpole Rock, there is a solitary column peak about 100 meters high. From the south, it looks like a single-standing flag, while from the north, it resembles a round mushroom top.
The Dragon Waterfall is located within the Gongbu scenic area, upstream of the former Xiaxi Village, with an elegant environment and peculiar creek stones. The waterfall has four folds and three pools, reaching a height of seventy to eighty meters. Each fold and each pool has its own unique scenery. The first fold is over 20 meters, with water cascading like a flying horse and spraying like shattered jade, pouring down like cold ice; the middle section is over 40 meters, with an arc-shaped curtain, sounding like thunder, resembling a silver dragon, shooting pearls and splashing jade, like a thousand yards of white silk hanging into a round, 10-meter-deep blue pool; the third fold flows gracefully into the embrace of giant rocks, slowly winding down into the three pools, meandering and slender, with water trickling away. Below the waterfall, with the rising columns, listening to the waterfall sound, watching the waterfall view, and bathing in the waterfall mist, one truly feels refreshed and delighted.