Heizhugou: The Eastern Bermuda Triangle of Yin and Yang
Known for its mysterious vanishings, "The Bermuda Triangle" has a counterpart in Sichuan's Ebian Yi Autonomous County, often called the "Eastern Bermuda." This area features a peculiar magnetic field that causes disorientation in people and animals, frequently resulting in tragic endings...
"The Eastern Bermuda" - Heizhugou
Heizhugou is nestled deep within the forested region of Ebian Yi Autonomous County in Leshan, Sichuan Province, about 144 kilometers from the city of Leshan. This mountainous terrain features elevations ranging from 1,500 to 4,288 meters and spans an area of 575 square kilometers, with an additional 263 square kilometers designated as a protected zone. The area's untouched ecological state is home to a rich diversity of wildlife and plant species, thriving amidst unique environments like high mountains, lakes, and glaciers, offering stunning vistas.
Due to its pristine conditions and exceptional preservation, Heizhugou is often referred to as a "green gene pool." However, the 20th century saw several uncanny disappearances in this locale, positioned on the infamous 30th parallel north, leading to its ominous nicknames "Eastern Bermuda" or "Devil's Gully."
Mysterious Disappearances
In 1950, reports emerged of a Nationalist army unit, consisting of over 30 men, entering Heizhugou—none survived.
In 1966, a Communist Party surveying team encountered a situation where three soldiers vanished while gathering supplies in the area.
In 1976, three members of a forestry exploration team from Sichuan were lost without a trace in this region.
July 2007 saw a television crew filming in Heizhugou send four specially trained homing pigeons into the vicinity; none of them returned after seven days, all disappeared.
In August 2014, an adventurous hike by five individuals resulted in three of them going missing. After 40 days of relentless search and rescue operations, only two bodies were recovered, and the team leader remains missing. The following year, another young man from Chongqing vanished after entering Heizhugou alone.
Expert Investigations
In light of these baffling disappearances, the Sichuan Provincial Department of Land and Resources launched an official investigation in 2014, assembling a team of experts. This team included academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, esteemed geologists, engineering specialists, and medical professionals to conduct thorough field investigations.
Their findings revealed that Heizhugou is located in a geomagnetic anomaly zone, with many areas displaying irregular magnetic readings. As one nears the basalt-rich areas of Heizhugou, compasses may deviate by up to 20 degrees. These unusual magnetic conditions, likely caused by the iron-rich basalt formations, can significantly interfere with compasses and navigation devices. Such geomagnetic anomalies are believed to lead individuals astray, trapping them fatally.
Furthermore, these geomagnetic anomalies have influenced the area's flora and fauna. It is rumored that rare species inhabit Heizhugou, and observable wildlife displays unusual traits and behaviors. For example, the region boasts towering trees, ranging 50 to 60 meters tall, and local pandas reportedly exhibit a surprising taste for meat, fueling various intriguing legends.
Shimen Pass
Nested deep in Heizhugou is "Shimen Pass," commonly referred to by locals as the "Yin-Yang Boundary." Many disappearance incidents have been recorded around this area. Notably, three members of a Sichuan forestry team went missing after venturing into Shimen Pass.
After two years of painstaking research, it was discovered that Heizhugou contains a geomagnetic anomaly extending 60 kilometers, particularly at Shimen Pass, where magnetic field intensity readings greatly surpass surrounding areas. Hence, not only do navigation tools malfunction, but the fluctuating magnetic fields also affect everything within the 60-kilometer radius, posing a risk to any passing humans or animals.
Modern medical studies have indicated that appropriate magnetic field exposure can alleviate conditions such as hypertension, headaches, insomnia, and arthritis. However, exceedingly strong magnetic fields can trigger "magnetic dizziness," causing symptoms like disorientation and nausea.
Hidden Dangers in Beautiful Scenery
On February 22, 2000, Heizhugou was officially designated as a "National Forest Park" and incorporated into a "National Nature Reserve," also recognized as a "Provincial Scenic Area" in Sichuan.
Despite the breathtaking beauty of this landscape, the natural environment conceals many lethal hazards, and mishaps can occur anywhere, highlighting the inherent risks of outdoor activities. Therefore, while exploring these magnificent terrains, always remember that "safety first" is paramount!