This attraction introduction is compiled from historical materials in the "Zhangjiajie Tour Guide Network" (33519.com · Scenic Spots section). Ticket prices, opening hours, transportation, and contact information mentioned in the text may be outdated. Please refer to the latest official announcements from the scenic area before traveling; some content consists of historical background/cultural introductions and is for reference only.
From the Qiankun Pillar viewing platform, turning west around a bend, there is a rock spur with a flat top jutting about 6 meters out from the cliff edge. On the half facing the precipice are four natural obtuse angles of equal side length, enclosed by silver-gray copper-pipe railings, with stone benches arranged on either side, distinctive and elegant. Leaning on the railing and gazing into the distance, six giant peaks face each other in pairs, arrayed in formation, towering to the sky with magnificent momentum. Another two peaks stand like a screen, cutting across the horizon. In the valley between the two screen peaks and the six pillar peaks, four slender rock peaks descend in sequence, from far to near, from high to low, forming a line more than two thousand meters long, like a staircase. In the upper middle part of these four slender rock peaks, two more giant peaks lean close together, round and full as pillars. They are said to be two fingers extended by the Buddha, and no one to this day can explain their purpose. Below them is a natural temple formed of huge rocks; on clear days after rain, the Buddha images inside the hall can be faintly seen. The top of a peak on the right resembles a boot, said to have been left there when the immortal who climbed the "Step by Step Higher" heavenly ladder left in such a hurry that he forgot one. Climbing the railing and looking down, at the foot of a precipice more than 300 meters deep, two rows of peak bodies stand like ancient city gates, arranged in a splayed formation, their walls mottled and variegated, ancient and desolate. The ancient city gates and the Step by Step Higher heavenly ladder form a delightful contrast: people of old climbed the steps to heaven, and here only the ancient city gates remain. Who were the "people of old"? In which dynasty was the "ancient city gate" built? These questions are left for later talents to solve. Though many puzzles here leave one perplexed, the place is full of secluded wild beauty and is captivating.
