Liugu River Rafting

Liugu River Rafting

Liugu River Rafting is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

As the premier rafting experience beyond the Great Wall, this project holds 120,000 cubic meters of water. The entire reservoir area forms the shape of a gourd, hence it is called “Gourd Pool.” The shimmering lake sparkles under the sun, with azure waves gently rippling. Flowers on the western bank cast reflections in the water, while fish dart among the floral shadows; the undulating mountains on the eastern shore create distinct light-and-shadow curves in the water. Boats gliding across the lake present a scene reminiscent of a “northern water town,” uniquely characteristic of the north. Nighttime rafting on the Liugu River is accompanied by songs echoing along the ten-mile stretch and lights glowing on both shores. During the day, activities such as skiing, archery, wrestling, and horseback riding are available.

Longwan Gorge Scenic Area is located upstream of the main rafting course, about 500 meters from the starting point. The mountain resembles a dragon’s head, which is why it is called Old Dragon Bay. The waters here are deep but calm, the gorge serene with birdsong, offering a uniquely tranquil vibe akin to “gazing leisurely at the southern mountain.” Naturally formed “islets” among the riverside poplar groves are encircled by flowing water, creating a romantic scene of “playing amidst green fields and solitary islets.”

Phoenix Cave is located about 1,000 meters from the end point, where the water is deep and the currents swift. The eastern side features steep cliffs and rugged rocks. Above the spot where the rapids crash against the cliff, there is a large karst cave. Local legend says a phoenix once lived here, hence the name “Phoenix Cave.”

At the end point, a backwater dam collects the surging waters of the Liugu River into a beautiful lake. Since this is the hometown of Zheng Guilin, a hero of the War of Resistance against Japan, locals call this lake “Guilin Lake.” At the mountaintop stands a giant rock resembling a human head, complete with hair, eyebrows, nose, and lips. Because Zheng Guilin was nicknamed “Zheng Tiangou” (referring to the celestial dog that devours the sun), locals named this rock formation “Tiangou Rock” in honor of their hero. The rafting course on the Liugu River features Gourd Pool at the start, Guilin Lake at the end, Old Dragon Bay upstream, Phoenix Cave downstream, and Orange Isle in the middle—each spot breathtakingly scenic. Rafting here lets you unleash boundless enthusiasm and return to your most primal self.

The Premier Rafting Beyond the Great Wall is situated along the middle and lower reaches of the Liugu River, making it the first rafting experience outside Shanhaiguan, hence the name “Premier Rafting Beyond the Great Wall.” The Liugu River, also known as Shouji River, was called “Fengda Water” during the Han Dynasty. During the Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, it was referred to as Liuzhou River, named for being formed by the confluence of waters from six prefectures including Daning and Jianzhou. It was also called so because five tributaries—the Mogaotu River, Hulubuchute River, Eliye River, Buletu River, and Sidao Gully River—merge into the main Shouji River, totaling six flows, and was renamed Liugu River during the Republican era. The Liugu River originates from the barren hills at the western gully of Shangliuzhangzi in Guzhangzi Township, Jianchang County, and flows through six townships in Jianchang as well as six in Suizhong and Xingcheng, eventually emptying into the Bohai Sea via the Dongdayu Fish Farm in Suizhong Town. It serves as the boundary river between Suizhong County and Xingcheng City.

When it comes to the Liugu River, everyone living along its banks speaks with great admiration, describing it as majestic, serene, and selfless. Its majesty lies in it being one of the three major rivers in western Liaoning, stretching 148.8 kilometers in total length, with an average width of 600 meters in the middle and lower reaches, making it a perennial river. It is also the lifeblood of Huludao, as the daily drinking water of Huludao’s 2.8 million residents mainly comes from the Pingshan Water Source Project of the Liugu River—a grandeur that overshadows other rivers. Its serenity reveals itself to visitors as a tranquil scene of ducks, fish, and aquatic plants swimming among murmuring blue waves, set against verdant mountains and fertile lands rich in crops. Its selflessness is shown in how it unreservedly nourishes the fertile land on both banks, providing abundant clean water, thriving crabs and fish, and plump ducks and eggs. The local culture and customs flourish along with the river’s flow, each moment narrating the civilization of the Liugu River; the heroic ballads of the brave sons and daughters along its banks who shed blood for the nation’s liberation; and the remarkable achievements they dedicated to the construction and development of the country.

The Liugu River is one of the major rivers in Jianchang County. Within the county, it stretches 91.91 km in length, with a drainage area of 47.35 km². The suitable rafting section is 5.8 km long, and the river flows for 17 km within the township, featuring strong currents and significant elevation drops. The landscape along the river is picturesque, with rolling mountains and dense forests.

Liugu River Rafting is located at the confluence of Maodao River and Liugu River, in the prime section of the middle and lower reaches of the Liugu River. The canyon and both sides of the rafting route feature steep cliffs, lush woods, and flowery meadows. Thanks to the abundant water sources and fertile soil, the area produces many pollution-free, green, and locally beloved specialty products that are popular both domestically and abroad. Major specialties include An Pear, Flower Pear, Magic Water, Liugu River Duck Eggs, Chicken Eggs, pickled vegetables, coarse grains, red mushrooms, pine mushrooms, and more. The township raises 300,000 laying ducks, yielding 60 million duck eggs annually. These eggs are pollution-free, highly nutritious, and have a delicate taste, rich in protein and 16 types of amino acids, as well as high levels of vitamins A, D, E, and K, plus various trace elements and enzymes—they are truly premium-grade eggs. Main vegetable varieties include small cucumbers, eggplants, and chili peppers, all of excellent quality, green, and pollution-free. The area dedicated to growing pickled vegetables spans 3,000 mu, with products exported as far as South Korea and Japan.