Shamao Rock

( chinadaily.com.cn )

Updated: 2011-03-31

At the center of the Wucaiyang, there is an outstanding stagmalite. From its top, it looks like a black gauze cap worn by the officials of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), so people call it “Shamao (literally “Gauze Cap”) Rock”.

It is said that long ago, a county magistrate passed by this place and was amazed at the beautiful mountains and clear waters. Fatigued by the ups and downs of officialdom and deciding to live in seclusion, he threw his black gauze cap into the water, whereupon the cap turned into a rock.

Today this rock reflects the otherworldliness of the ancient Chinese scholars. In the words of a Chinese poem: “As a government official, I visit here. I like the clear water and tranquil scenery. Today the water purifies my soul and I live in seclusion, I will throw my gauze cap into the middle of the water”.

The shape of the rock varies depending on the angle it is viewed from. When you look up at it from the left, it looks like a huge turtle carrying a pile of treasure. People call it "Golden Turtle Carrying Treasure". Viewed from the front, it also resembles a fully opened sail, earning the rock its second name "Plain Sailing". Thus, in total this attraction has not one name, but three.

Wulao Peak Before your visit to Baishuiyang, you must climb Wulao (five old men) Peak. From the top of the peak you have a panoramic view of Baishuiyang. Wulao Peak has a beautiful shape and stands by Baishuiyang. A small plateau at the mountain’s peak is known as “Chessboard Top”. Legend has it that long long ago, five immortals played chess on the Chessboard Top. They thought hard over the game and sat there hundreds of years, finally becoming part of the Wulao Peak.