Explore Shimen Tan and appreciate its unique scenery

Shimen Tan is located in Bagongshan District, Huainan City, Anhui Province, and is a famous scenic spot in Bagong Mountain. It is situated between Yuntiao Mountain and Yinxi Mountain to the east of Nantang, where steep cliffs soar into the clouds and strange rocks abound. According to ancient county records, Yuntiao Mountain and Yinxi Mountain stand opposite each other to form the Stone Gate, which is 20 zhang high, facing west to north and south, with a pool in the middle that is 10 zhang in diameter and three feet deep, and the water in the pool never dries up all year round. From the hinterland of Nantang, following the babbling stream from north to east, one will soon reach the opposing Yuntiao Mountain and Yinxi Mountain. Between the two mountains, a giant pool is formed, which is more than 400 meters long, more than 100 meters wide, and more than 30 meters deep, known as Shimen Tan. The water in the pool is clear and visible to the bottom, never drying up all year round, and as clear and blue as a mirror. When the breeze blows, the water ripples and sparkles with glistening waves and ripples. There are many myths and legends about Shimen Tan, including Erlang God shooting the mountain and Zhao Kuangyin splitting the mountain. According to legend, when Erlang God Yang Jian chased the evil dragon to this place, he mistook the treacherous mountain for the evil dragon and shot it, splitting the mountain in two, with the east side becoming Shimen Tan and the west side forming a natural fairy stove, which the locals call 'Half Mountain' or 'One Arrow Valley'. Zhao Kuangyin is said to have been trapped in Nantang and left the Stone Gate by splitting the mountain with a divine whip. If you love natural scenery, Shimen Tan is indeed a great place to visit.