Climb the "Eye of the Universe" in Pinggu Shilin Gorge to see the stone forest, waterfalls, and colorful pools

Number of days: 1 day
Tour kinds: self-driving, free travel, weekend tour
Updated: 2022.06.06

The world's largest "UFO" glass observation deck in Shilinxia, Pinggu District, Beijing

The "Eye of the Universe" mentioned here is neither the dwarf star discovered by scientists nor the energy source sought in "Seer 7." Instead, it is the glass "UFO" observation deck built on the main peak of Shilinxia Scenic Area in Pinggu District. Because the observation deck is modeled after a flying saucer and floats in the air, its majestic and imposing shape resembles an eagle's eye, it is called the "Eye of the Universe."

Returning to the Shilinxia Scenic Area in Pinggu District several years later, I found that the area had changed, and so had I. It had become more beautiful, and my feelings about the mountains and waters had also changed.

The Shilinxia Scenic Area is the core area of Huangsongyu Geopark, named after the four towering and majestic stone peaks within the canyon. The scenic area covers approximately 12 square kilometers and boasts over 50 scenic spots of varying sizes. Different seasons offer distinct scenery and experiences: spring outings and flower viewing, summer escapes the heat and cools down, autumn brings vibrant colors to the forests and ginkgo trees to the roads, and winter brings majestic peaks blanketed in snow.

Shilin Gorge, with its rock formations, gorges, water, peaks, and forests, creates a picturesque landscape of unique beauty, danger, tranquility, and seclusion. The "UFO" Observation Deck is located at the highest peak, Longwangding, at the "First Bell of Ancient and Modern Times" attraction. You can reach the summit by taking a cable car followed by a 30-minute hike, or by hiking first and then taking the cable car. Each experience offers its own challenges and unique charm. We chose to hike first and then take the cable car. The Stone Forest Gorge is known for its stunning rock formations. Along the rugged mountain roads, boulders and unusual rocks of various shapes can be found everywhere. The towering, steep peaks, each one sculpted and sharp, resemble a towering stone forest, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The lush, verdant pines and cypresses add a lush green to the valley in summer. A poem praises this scene, "If I had known the Stone Forest existed in the south, I would have realized my meager knowledge now."

Mountains and water are beautiful. Walking along the canyon, a winding path leads to a secluded spot where a pool of clear water reflects the gorge, quietly awaiting a beautiful woman's arrival. This tranquil and beautiful place resembles the landscapes of the Yangtze River Delta. This section is called the Cool World, and it truly is cool. Arriving here in March, the mountains outside are already in full bloom, while here, the snow and ice at the foot of the Yinshan Mountains have not yet melted. Hiking in the mountains is cool and refreshing, making it a great place to escape the summer heat.

Water is the spirit of the mountains, and trees are the soul of the mountains. Water is in the mountains, mountains are in the water, trees are in the mountains, trees are in the water, and water is in the trees. Mountains, water, and trees are all in me, and I am in you. They tolerate each other, nourish each other, and complement each other, living in harmony. Only when I came here did I understand what it meant to be as gentle as water. Water is so soft and beautiful, so beautiful that it moves people, and so gentle that it makes people's hearts flutter. Looking at the clear stream before me, the deep and shallow natural clarity, the mundane affairs of the outside world are transformed into a bay of clear water here, leaving behind a quiet and peaceful feeling in my heart. Along the way, lush trees line the landscape, birds chirp, streams shimmer, and the water ripples. The mountains, a vibrant yellow, stretch across the path, their shadows etched against the sun. Further along, bizarre rocks, resembling crescents like barnyard oxen and giant rhinoceroses, lie dormant at the valley floor or along the road. Sitting on one of these rocks, gazing at the winding green stream and listening to its gurgling sound, is a truly fascinating experience. A sign at the mountain pass tells us we've arrived at the "Earth Science Valley." According to the guide, the rocks here were formed by marine sedimentation 1.8 billion years ago, and after millions of years of vicissitudes, the diverse wind and forest landscapes of today have emerged. There is another village after the dark clouds and bright flowers. The walls are made of rocks like gods, the low rocks in the yard are like bonsai, the towering walls are full of verdant green, and the dead branches cover the roof, creating a Zen atmosphere. It seems like a quiet courtyard. You see, "the trees have no shape, the stones have no position, the houses have no grandeur, and the heart has no worries." You can hide away here, listen to the wind and rain, and listen to the breathing of nature. Even if you look at the sky from a well, you can still see through the sky and see the world as empty. As the saying goes, “One acts only when heaven sees what one does.” There truly is a God above us. Look up to the “Eye of the Universe,” and observe the waxing and waning of the sun and moon, the ever-changing winds and clouds. Look down at the earth, witnessing the blossoms of spring and the fruits of autumn, the rushing streams of the mountains and rivers. The Eye of the Universe, the Eye of Watching.

The mountains and streams are graceful and deep, the rocks are rugged and majestic, the streams are like a network, the pools and waterfalls are like splashing jade, and the abundant water gives birth to strange waterfalls. There are more than ten pools in the valley, which are inexhaustible all year round, like pearls and chains, forming a stunning scenery of large and small pools and waterfalls connected together, which is extremely poetic.

Shilinxia Sky Ladder. Remember, the ladder leads to Jiutian Waterfall, where you can take the cable car to the summit. The ladder has over 200 steps, and halfway up, I was practically out of breath, my mouth was dry, and my throat was burning. I had to stop to rest, feeling completely out of shape. When I was here before, there weren't these iron mesh and steel frames. The staff told me they were repairing the elevator, and that if I had come a few days later, I could have taken the elevator up the mountain. After climbing the ladder to heaven, I am higher than the mountain, but I know in my heart that there are mountains beyond the mountain...

Finally, I arrived at the deepest part of the Stone Forest Canyon. The cascading waterfall, the deep pool, and the lonely canyon, this turned out to be a world of its own - Jiutian Waterfall. The Jiutian Waterfall is more than 80 meters high and has four levels. The highest level has a drop of more than 40 meters. The waterfall cascades down, and the roaring sound of the water is like a dragon's roar. The soft white figure is like a fairy, rushing into the dragon pool with the might of a dragon. Now, a colorful pool has descended from the sky beneath the waterfall, resembling a seven-colored canvas, like a fairyland on earth. No need to go to Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, or even the Grand Prismatic Mirror in the United States. You can simply visit Shilin Gorge and see this "fairyland on earth." Check in and take photos here, and the scenery and people are even more beautiful. After visiting the Colorful Pool, you can take the cable car to the summit. From there, you can admire the eastern and western stone forests, each of which is breathtakingly majestic. Some tower like giant pens, others pierce the sky like jade bamboo shoots, some resemble a forest of spears and halberds, some resemble lions marching into battle, and some resemble graceful jade maidens, divine monkeys exploring the moon, dragons coiling around jade pillars, and old elephants emerging from the mountains. The scenery is breathtaking and breathtaking. It is truly a case of "exploring the canyon to experience its mysterious tranquility, and ascending to the peak to take in the vast mountains and valleys." Finally, you can get up close and personal with this "UFO," the world's first cantilevered glass bridge corridor. This "UFO-like" glass observation deck, resembling a flying saucer, is designed using a combination of titanium alloys, alloy steels, cables, and bulletproof glass, all commonly used in the aerospace industry. The extensive use of titanium alloys ensures their lightness, strength, and resistance to acids, alkalis, and extreme temperatures, ensuring safety. The maximum cantilever length of the observation deck is 32.8 meters, the platform is 800 meters above sea level, the total construction area is 713 square meters, the passenger area is 434 square meters, and it can accommodate 1,900 people at a time.

Because I had walked the Glacier Skywalk in Jasper, Canada before, standing on the world's first suspended transparent cliff walk at that time, overlooking the glacier and the Rocky Mountains...So I didn't pay much attention to this "UFO" and walked straight to the middle disc. When I walked a quarter of the way around the disc, my legs felt weak and my heart was pounding. I had to hold on to the inner railing to move forward. As I moved forward, I could clearly feel the observation deck "trembling", so I had to stop and calm down. The observation deck is about 400 meters from the bottom of the cliff and is 360 degrees transparent. In the middle of the huge flying disc is a flying saucer cabin with two aliens in red clothes and blue faces inside, who seem to be ready to take off at any time. Standing on crystal-clear glass 150 stories high, with no obstructions to your gaze and no support, it's truly breathtaking. Not only will this thrilling experience test your heart, but you'll also be able to admire the magnificent Panshan Mountain, the emerald waters of Jinhai Lake, and the majestic Stone Forest Gorge from afar. Immerse yourself in nature. Looking at this magnificent and largest "Eye of the Universe," I can't help but wish I could watch the sunrise and sunset from here. What a spectacle that would be! Climbing to the top of Shilin Gorge, the "Eye of the Universe" offers a panoramic view of the vastness of the universe, just as the poem "Preface to the Lanting Collection" puts it: "Looking up at the vastness of the universe, looking down at the splendor of all things."