Pipaxi Stream in Zhangjiajie

Pipaxi Stream (琵琶溪) is located in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (张家界国家森林公园). Major attractions include the Couple’s Rock (夫妻岩), Nine-Story Immortal Pavilion (九重仙阁), Wanglang Peak (望郎峰), and Chaotian Viewing Platform (朝天观). The area around Pipaxi Stream is densely wooded, with rugged peaks, creating a stunning landscape within the forest park. The stream lies in the western part of the park, serving as the upper reaches of Golden Whip Stream (金鞭溪).

Geographical Features 

The valley of Pipaxi Stream presents an asymmetrical “V” shape, with some parts of the valley being broad. The flow direction changes significantly, with the upper reaches flowing northward from the Three Sisters Peaks (三姊妹峰) before abruptly turning east at Longfeng Temple (龙凤庵) in the middle reaches. The stream is 5 kilometers long and drops 200 meters, merging into Golden Whip Stream at Laomowan (老磨湾). The stream’s width varies from 5 meters at its narrowest to 40 meters at its widest, with an average width of 10 meters.

Scenic Spots 

• Couple’s Rock (夫妻岩)
• Nine-Story Immortal Pavilion (九重仙阁)
• Wanglang Peak (望郎峰)
• Chaotian Viewing Platform (朝天观)

Origin of the Name

The name “Pipaxi” is derived from two possible origins: One theory suggests that the stream’s constant tinkling sound, resembling the strumming of a metal pipa (琵琶, a traditional Chinese instrument), inspired the name. The other theory suggests that the stream originates near a grove of loquat trees, which led to the name “Loquat Stream” (枇杷溪).

Pipaxi Stream, with its dense forests and rocky peaks, is one of the most picturesque areas in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, attracting visitors for its natural beauty and scenic landscapes.

Main Attractions

Pipaxi Stream (琵琶溪) is a scenic area within Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (张家界国家森林公园), known for its lush forests and striking rock formations. The main attractions include:

• Husband and Wife Rock (夫妻岩)

• Nine-Level Fairy Pavilion (九重仙阁)

• Wanglang Peak (望郎峰)

• Chaotian Temple (朝天观)

Wanglang Peak (望郎峰)

Wanglang Peak is a stone peak resembling a peasant woman. Legend has it that, when viewed from different angles, “she” appears in three forms: a youthful maiden, a mature woman, and an elderly lady.

According to local folklore, from Baisha Well (白沙井), travelers can spot this stone figure on the opposite mountain. She gazes longingly into the distance, waiting for her husband, who was taken by the King of Wuling (武陵王) to build his harem. Over time, the migrating geese and returning swallows came and went, but her husband never returned. As the saying goes:
“The rope can saw through wood, and the gaze can pierce stone.”
(绳锯木断，眼望石穿)

Tour Route

The Pipaxi Stream tour begins at Qingfeng Pavilion (清风亭), ascending Husband and Wife Rock (夫妻岩) and Tianjiatai (田家台). Then, it climbs up to Chaotian Temple (朝天观), loops around Longfeng Nunnery (龙凤庵), and passes through Nine-Level Fairy Pavilion (九重仙阁), Wanglang Peak (望郎峰), Bianzipu (鞭子铺), and Shanhehua (山荷花, also known as Magnolia officinalis var. biloba), finally reaching the “Mountain Zhong Kui” (山里钟馗) formation.

Key Landmarks

Qingfeng Pavilion (清风亭)

Qingfeng Pavilion is the starting point for the Pipaxi Stream tour. It offers a peaceful resting spot surrounded by nature.

Husband and Wife Rock (夫妻岩)

Located at the summit of a stone peak, the Husband and Wife Rock resembles two heads leaning close together. Their facial features are vivid — one wears a gentle smile, while the other has a calm and steady expression. It is said these “spouses” have stood here for billions of years, weathering the winds and rains, remaining faithful to each other.

The viewing platform near Tianjiatai (田家台) offers the best vantage point, particularly from the Yangtian viewing platform (阳天观景台). This natural sculpture, with its rocky “bones,” mountain “body,” and plant “hair,” forms a striking image of a couple carved by nature.

Chaotian Temple (朝天观)

Chaotian Temple, a historical site, is located in the southern part of Zhangjiajie. Perched on a steep mountain, it is flanked by cliffs on three sides, with only one side connected to the mountain. Visitors often describe a sense of floating like an immortal upon arrival.

Built during the reign of Emperor Ming of Han (汉明帝), Chaotian Temple was once a grand complex with fifteen halls, including the Golden Hall (金殿), Guest Hall (客堂), and Guanyin Hall (观音殿). There were also 48 side rooms carved into the cliffs. The temple honored the deity Zhenwu (真武菩萨), with annual offerings and rain-seeking rituals held by villagers on June 6th and September 9th.

During the early liberation period, local bandits used the temple as a stronghold, and the military resorted to shelling the site, leaving the temple in ruins. Despite this, many cultural relics and ancient artifacts remain.

Longfeng Nunnery (龙凤庵)

Situated on Huaxiangpo Pass (化香坡垭), Longfeng Nunnery is well-preserved, surrounded by towering ancient trees and serene scenery.

The name “Longfeng Nunnery” derives from the site’s landscape — with a rocky wall resembling a crouching dragon and forest greenery forming the shape of a flying phoenix. According to an inscription from the Guangxu period of the Qing dynasty (光绪年间), titled “Record of the Reconstruction of Longfeng Nunnery at Huaxiangpo” (重修化香坡龙凤庵化功德序):

“Longfeng Nunnery is an ancient temple, rooted in the Qingyan Mountain range (青岩山). It extends along rugged ridges and sheer cliffs, perfectly situated along the mountain spine.”

The nunnery, established during the Ming dynasty (明朝), is over 500 years old. The original structure included three courtyards and two halls. The first hall enshrined a statue of Guan Yu (关公); the second featured Guanyin (观音) seated on a lotus, with Hua Tuo (华佗) to the right and the Three Immortal Maidens (三仙姑娘) to the left. Annual temple fairs were held on June 6th and September 9th, attracting large crowds.

Though the statues were destroyed during tumultuous times, visitors today can still explore the site, study ancient inscriptions, and admire the calligraphy of the past.

Nine-Level Fairy Pavilion (九重仙阁)

Located on a high mountain opposite Longfeng Nunnery, the Nine-Level Fairy Pavilion resembles a stone palace, complete with a roof, beams, walls, and gates. Legend has it that the Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝) used this stone sedan chair during his inspections.

Surrounding the pavilion are mythical figures — Jade Rabbit (玉兔), Red Osmanthus (丹桂), Chang’e (嫦娥), and Tai Bai Jin Xing (太白金星). Below, a troop of stone monkeys adds to the mystical charm of the site.

Twin Maples in Autumn 

Beneath Bianzipu Path (鞭子铺横道), two enormous maple trees stand tall like giant umbrellas. When autumn winds sweep through, their leaves blaze with a fiery red hue, evoking the poetic line:

“Frosted leaves are redder than February flowers.”
(霜叶红于二月花)

Mountain Zhong Kui 

Between Bianzipu and Qingfeng Pavilion, an incredible natural formation known as “Mountain Zhong Kui” can be spotted. With a high nose bridge, wide lips, and two prominent front teeth, Zhong Kui stands tall and stern — a formidable figure believed to be the demon-slaying god.

Legend holds that Zhong Kui vanquished 5,600 ghosts and 3,600 demons in Zhangjiajie, preserving the region’s beauty for centuries.

Pipaxi Hotel 

Founded on June 18, 1990, Pipaxi Hotel is located within Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The three-story hotel offers 180 rooms, each spanning 20 square meters.

Recognized as the “State Guesthouse of Zhangjiajie” (张家界的国宾馆), Pipaxi Hotel was jointly established by the Hunan Provincial Tourism Bureau (湖南省旅游局) and Beijing Shoulu Tourism Group (北京首旅游集团).

The hotel, surrounded by the core scenic spots of Huangshizhai (黄石寨) and Jinbian Stream (金鞭溪), provides guests with a natural “oxygen bar.” Over the years, it has hosted prominent figures such as Li Peng (李鹏), Zhu Rongji (朱镕基), Wu Bangguo (吴邦国), and foreign dignitaries like Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa (本杰明·威廉·姆卡帕) and Thai Princess Sirindhorn (诗琳通公主).

With its beautiful setting, modern amenities, and excellent service, Pipaxi Hotel is an ideal choice for leisure, sightseeing, and business conferences.