Gillick's World Explores China: Hunan, Guangdong and Guanxi | Page 7

The next day, despite a slight drizzle, we sat

Afterward we had the privilege to connect with
the dramatic landscape. We visited the Pepper
Peak Scenic Area, part of Mount Lang Shan.
We walked the cliff side pathways and climbed
the hundreds of stairs between Candle Peak
and Camel Peak, including a crouching stair
climb through a dark rock crevice called the
Dragon Mouth.

The mountain peaks are part of a landform called ‘Danxia’ that
consists of red sandstone that has eroded over the centuries into
columns, resembling chili peppers, candles and camels. (The
formations recall the Karst (limestone) landscape in Guangxi
Province).
The 99-Step Ladder is the final stage of the climb to the top of
Camel Peak with four serendipitous surprises in store.
The first surprise was the small alter at the top dedicated to the
local hero, Yang Kuifa who in true Robin Hood style, stole from
the rich and gave to the poor. Eventually he was pursued by
local officials and killed for his alleged transgressions. A small
wooden statue pays tribute to his adventures. According to local
legend, those who visit the site are bestowed with happiness,
longevity and safety.