The amazing rock formations of Shiba Dong Tian

Follow the steps beside the rock down, and the sheer-sided cleft of Shiba Dong Tian will come into view below. This beautiful place was somewhat disfigured many years back when locals erected a shrine of corrugated iron and metal supports above the gorge.

The worst of the eyesore was removed a few years back, but the ugly tile paths and a few remnants of constructions still detract from the fine scenery of rock and water a little. Ignore the man-made monstrosities though and enjoy the view into the shallow but sheer-sided ravine through which the river courses.

By the time it reaches this spot, the Dabao Stream is almost a river, and it has eroded several impressively large potholes into the sheer cliffs that hem in the blue-green water on either side into a narrow, deep, and fast-moving channel. Further shallow potholes lie above the cliffs, carved into the smooth, horizontal rock, filling with water after rain and attractively reflecting the sky above.

Interesting as they are though, even more impressive is the natural arch cut into a large rock outcrop that, for want of a better name, could be called the Elephant's Head Rock. Carved out of a narrow rib of rock jutting out into the river by the charging water, a small arch has been worn through at its base, giving the rock the distinct likeness of an elephant's head and trunk.

The rocky chasm finishes just above the elephant's head, and a trail leads down to the water's edge, giving fine views up the river, now shallow and wide. It looks like a great place for playing in the water, but don't. The Dabao ('big panther') Stream truly is like a wild animal, and takes the lives of several swimmers every year. This is one piece of beautiful water scenery that should definitely be enjoyed with clothes on — from the riverbank.

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