In April, 1990, the discovery of the Strange Slop in Shenyang,
Liaoning Province drew attention worldwide. Its fame continues to
spread as visitors from home and abroad flock to see this rare
sight.
Strange Slope is located 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from the
northeastern portion of Shenyang. The slope descends eastwards from
its western peak, occupying an area of nine sq kilometers (5.6 sq
miles). It is 80 meters (262.5 feet) long and 15 meters (49.2 feet)
wide. Its uniqueness lies in its apparent violation of gravity. If
a car stops at the foot of the slop, it will run to the top of the
slop without any difficulty. The contrary occurs when cars attempt
to drift downwards. Experts and scholars have attempted to discern
the mystery of the Strange Slope. Commonly scholars attribute this
phenomenon to magnetic fields and optical illusions. Owing to the
lack of evidence for a solid explanation, Strange Slope is still
regarded as a mystery.
Today, Strange Slope lies at the heart of the Strange Slope
Scenic Area, which also features a number of other natural
attractions, including those which comprise the area's well-known
'Three Mysteries' and 'Five Great Mountains'.
Xiangshan is located on a hillside 100 meters (328 feet) away
from the Strange Slope. Here, when one stomps on the hillside,
he/she hears a loud sound resonating from the earth below. Its
name, Xiangshan, means a hill which produces a heavy sound.
Wongding is another hilltop located close by. Similarly, its name
(pronounced 'wong') describes the sound which results from a wooden
hammer or a stone hitting the ground. Together with the Strange
Slope, these sights comprise the 'Three Mysteries' of the scenic
area.
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The area surrounding the Strange Slope Scenic Area is lush and
mountainous. Yunmaoshan Mountain is tranquil yet prominent with its
lofty peak remaining veiled by clouds year-round. Wolongshan
Mountain winds up and down like a crouching dragon with valleys on
its foot covered with Chinese scholartrees. Every year during May
and June, petals whirl around covering the whole valley with a
snowy guise. Guibeishan Mountain, which looks like three tortoises
floating in the water, together with other two mountains,
Changkongshan Mountain and Dagushan Mountain, make up the famous
'Five Great Mountains' of the Strange Slope Scenic Area.
There are many other attractions around the Strange Slope such
as enchanting lakes and a fresh spring, Xiamei Spring. There is a
labyrinth between the Strange Slope and Xiangshan, as well as a
path with 518 steep steps. The view from atop the steps is fully
worthwhile; here visitors can view a panorama of the scenic area as
well as the nearby Wolong Temple.
Travel tips:
Admission Fee: 20 yuan
Opening Hours: 05:30-16:30 (Summer) 09:00-17:00 (Winter)
Bus Route: 331, 330, 4304, 328 Tourist Bus
(travelchinaguide.com )
