The beautiful water of the Máng River. The water of the Máng River comes from caves, flows along the mountains and streams, forming waterfalls where it hangs, pools where it falls, rapids where it runs, and deep pools where it stops. This creates scenic views such as the Little Huangguoshu Waterfall, Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl, Divine Turtle Pool, Three Dragons Flying Waterfall, and the Máng Lake. The scenery is picturesque, forming a unique landscape known as the "Little Guilin of North China."
The Máng River Ecological Tourist Area is located in the southeastern part of Yangcheng County, Shanxi Province, at the end of the Taihang Mountains, 40 kilometers away from Yangcheng County, within the Máng River Golden Monkey National Nature Reserve, which is a national forest park. To the north, it connects with Mount Ta Yue; to the east, with the Taihang Mountains; to the west, with Mount Zhongtiao; and to the south, with Mount Wangwu. The area stretches 15 kilometers from east to west and 9 kilometers from north to south, covering a total area of 55.73 square kilometers, of which 45.74 square kilometers are forested, giving a forest coverage rate of 82%.
The Máng River Ecological Scenic Area belongs to a rocky mountainous region, mainly composed of crystalline and metamorphic rocks. The topography is mostly characterized by deep ravines, canyons, strange peaks, and waterfall pools. The highest peak inside is Zhi Zhu Mountain (elevation 1572.6 meters), while the lowest point is Guai Zhuang (elevation 300 meters). There are four main valleys: Hou Da He Valley, Yang Zhuang He Valley, Nan He Valley, and Guai Zhuang Máng River Valley, all interconnected. Major peaks include Stone Person Mountain, Peacock Mountain, Chessboard Mountain, Zhi Zhu Mountain, Cave Mountain, Three Platforms Mountain, Two Finger Peak, and Dream Pen Blossom, among others. The undulating mountains, crisscrossing ravines, and towering strange peaks form a perilous landscape of steep peaks and deep valleys.
The lush forests of the Máng River. The forest coverage rate of the Máng River reaches over 80%. In spring, the mountains are covered with fresh greenery, and flowers bloom in competition for beauty. In summer, the dense foliage provides a cool and refreshing atmosphere. During the golden autumn season, the hillsides are ablaze with red leaves, and the fields are laden with abundant fruits. Looking up, one sees layer upon layer of forests dyed in various hues, creating a heartwarming and invigorating scene.