We arrived at our hotel in the late afternoon and decided to treat ourselves to a lavish dinner after our long journey. Dishes featured well-known local Jiaozuo herbs and vegetables, such as Rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch), which can reduce blood sugar levels and alleviate pain and swelling, Ox Knee (Achyranthes bidentata), whose roots promote blood circulation, Bosom Chrysanthemum, whose flowers enhance liver functions and improve eye sight, and yams, highly recommended in Traditional Chinese Medicine for nourishing the lungs, kidneys and stomach. The species produced in Jiaozuo commonly known as the Steel Bar Yam is relatively thin with a dense texture. In the 16th century it was selected to present as a tribute to the imperial court.
The rain resumed after we retired for the night, and before falling asleep I offered up a prayer for clear weather.
Red Rock Valley
It seemed my prayer was answered, as I awoke the next morning to rays of sunshine. After breakfast we and other tourists boarded an electric bus bound for the mountain. Our first stop was the landmark Red Rock Valley.
As its name implies, the valley is a red sandrock formation. The region was part of a seabed before crustal movements in the Sinian Period 600 to 800 million years ago that elevated lands and created mountains. Its crimson hues result from the chemical reaction brought about by exposure to the elements of iron in the sandy sediment.
The valley is no place for anyone afflicted with acrophobia, as upon entering it the next step is to cross a natural stone bridge spanning two bluffs. Those who dare are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the surrounding peaks and an emerald pool below. Rainfall the day before enhanced the red sheen of the vertical cliffs that contrasted dramatically with the lush vegetation springing out of their cracks and crevices. The calm water far below us appeared as a splash of crystal cyan mottled with glittering sparkles of sunshine and a medley of moving dots that reflected our party crossing the bridge.
The stream of tourists soon swelled, causing congestion on sharp turns and steep stairways. As rain had made the narrow path particularly slippery we advanced with extreme care, relaxing vigilance only after the zigzag trail reached the relatively even valley floor.
Red Rock Valley is a linear vale 2,000 meters long and 80 meters deep, measuring 10 meters at its broadest point and just three meters at its narrowest. This structure insulates the valley, effectively restricting North China’s standard four seasons to spring and autumn. The pool maintains a temperature all year round of around 10 degrees Celsius.
The sightseeing trail is carved into the cliffs at their midway point, their rocky walls determining its breadth and height. At some sections we had to stoop as we walked, and at others to squeeze sideways through narrow passes. At several points we thought we had met a dead-end until turning a corner to be greeted with the vista of a seemingly unexplored new world where the strip of sky overhead and dazzling spectacle of land far below gave us the feeling of walking in mid-air.
We saw en route numerous springs, waterfalls, pools and creeks. Glittering streams of water wind their way down the mountain, converging into larger flows and cascades halfway through their downward journey that leave verdant courses of moss against the red rock backdrop.
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