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 Ticket prices, opening hours, transportation, and contact information mentioned in the text may be outdated.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.
Shuirao Simen (Water Winding Around Four Gates) is located in the heart of Wulingyuan, serving as the east gate of Zhangjiajie Forest Park and the west gate of Suoxiyu Scenic Area, situated downstream of Jinbian Stream. It gets its name because four streams—Jinbian Stream, Suo Stream, Yuanyang Stream, and Longwei Stream—wind and converge within this valley basin of less than 200 square meters. Standing within it, one sees 'water flowing among the mountains, people seeming to swim in the water'—truly a wonder of the world.
The Golden Whip Stream flows here, and together with Longwei Stream, Yuanyang Stream, and Kuangdong Stream, the four waters weave through the four mountain gates in the east, south, west, and north, jointly supporting a beautiful sandbar. The sandbar is called Tianzi Zhou, the place where King Tianzi proclaimed himself king and established the Tianzi Kingdom. Look, the row of three stone peaks opposite, along with the dozens of stone peaks standing around, were anciently called "the brush holder, the brush rack, the ten-thousand-year tablet, and the forty-eight general rocks." Legend says they were all left behind by King Tianzi.
Shuirao Simen was originally named Zhima Ta, also called Zhima Ta or Tianzi Zhou, 2 kilometers from the entrance of Shili Gallery. Because three streams flow out from the western, northern, and southern valley mouths respectively, then converge and flow into Suoxi, it is called Shuirao Simen (Water Surrounds Four Gates). There are two legends: one says that Zhang Liang, a founding elder of the Western Han Dynasty, saw Empress Lü seize power and kill loyal ministers indiscriminately, so he resigned from office, traveled through famous mountains with Master Chisongzi, and sought a secluded paradise. Passing the Yangtze River, crossing Dongting Lake, and traveling up the Li River, he learned that Qingyan Mountain was exceptionally beautiful and spiritually refined, so he rode his horse here. Seeing mountains winding and waters turning, strange peaks embracing, dense forests and tall bamboo, with a basin in the middle, broad in momentum and refreshing in atmosphere, and surrounded by trickling streams leading to deep and secluded places, it was a rare blessed land and cave-heaven. Overjoyed, he dismounted and never returned, hence the name Zhima Ta. The second legend says that during the Ming Dynasty, the local native leader Xiang Dakun, dissatisfied with court rule, raised a rebellion here. With the help of paper soldiers and paper horses, he proclaimed himself Tianzi, hence the name Tianzi Zhou, also called Zhima Ta. In this small scenic area, the best sights are Shuirao Simen and Nine Heavens Silver Ribbon.
Shuirao Simen is a treasured geomantic site. Legend says that Zhang Liang, the Marquis of Liu of the Han Dynasty, was buried at the excellent burial site where the waters of Simen converge; on Xianglu Rock there is the old fort, the tomb of Zhang Liang, Marquis of Liu of the Han Dynasty. In May 1992, two officials sent by UNESCO for inspection walked all the way along Golden Whip Stream. Dr. Sancerre, who had spoken very little along the way, finally spoke. He said: "Clear streams, intact vegetation, and such a long stretch with no human habitation—this is rarely seen in Asia!" Shuirao Simen radiates outward and connects with various scenic areas and spots. To the right, you can take a vehicle through Longweiba Village to Zhangjiajie Park or go down the mountain into town; ahead, you can take a vehicle to Shili Gallery, to the Tianzi Mountain cableway station, to Jundiping, Yellow Dragon Cave, and Baofeng Lake; to the left, you can take the elevator to tour Yuanjiajie, and then go to Tianzi Mountain.
