Zhangbu "Savior Stone" Scenic Area

Scenic Area Introduction

Nestled within the verdant gorges of Pingtao County, Guizhou, lies the Zhangbu “Star-Saving Stone” Scenic Area—hailed as a “world geological wonder.” This site is not only a national AAAA-level tourist attraction but also an ancient celestial book unfolding upon Earth's surface, inviting every distant visitor to co-read a 270-million-year-old chapter of our planet's history.

The core marvel of the scenic area is a massive rock known as the “Saviour Stone” or “Character-Hidden Stone.” Most astonishingly, its fractured surface naturally reveals five characters arranged in an orderly fashion, resembling brush-written Chinese characters: “中国共产党” (Communist Party of China). Following multiple on-site examinations by academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and authoritative geological experts, these characters were confirmed to be non-artificial. Instead, they were formed through the natural dissolution and weathering of ancient biological fossils and organic debris dating back approximately 270 million years, shaped by prolonged geological processes. The probability of such formation is extremely low, making it a true “stroke of genius” by nature. After breaking off from the central cliff face, this massive 170-ton boulder split into two pieces, revealing the characters clearly on the fracture surface. Each character averages 25.2 cm in height and 17.8 cm in width, leaving all who see it in awe.

Beyond this extraordinary rock formation, the Zhangbu Scenic Area is a fascinating karst landscape ecological wonderland. The gorge showcases the “Seven Wonders”—unique rocks, caves, mountains, waters, bamboo, trees, and fish. Stroll through the cool canyon to admire the verdant waterfall woven from vines and bamboo, seek out the “kissing fish” that swim close to visitors in the river, or explore the Yin-Yang Cave with its distinct cold and warm water streams. As a Buyei ethnic enclave, immerse yourself in authentic minority culture by visiting nearby villages—learn mountain songs, experience pounding glutinous rice cakes, and savor the region's rich, unspoiled traditions.

Zhangbu's “Star-Saving Stone” scenic area seamlessly blends the wonders of geological science, the marvels of nature's creation, and the warmth of human culture. It offers not only a visual spectacle but also a profound journey through time, spanning millions of years, allowing you to touch the very pulse of the Earth.

Address

Within Guizhou Pingtang National Geopark, Provincial Highway 422, Pingtang County, Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture.