Dongmatun

Dongmatun

Dongmatun Village in Xutun Town is located in the northern mountainous area of Wafangdian City. It has gained widespread fame for its clear mountains, pristine waters, sweet fruits, spectacular scenery, and smooth roads.

Under the watch of towering ridges on both sides, a large river flows noisily down, its waters crystal-clear and strewn with pebbles. A flat road runs along the river, stretching far into the distance. At the foot of the mountains and along the roadside and riverbanks, nestled among green trees, are rows of houses with white walls and red roofs. In the distance, all you can see are green mountains and clear waters—this is Dongmatun Village. In spring, the hillsides are covered with endless azaleas, lilies, apple blossoms, pear blossoms, and a wide variety of wildflowers, filling the air with fragrance. In summer, there are dense green shades, cool mountain breezes, cascading waterfalls like silk ribbons, and the fresh scent of earth. In autumn, wild chrysanthemums bloom across the slopes, the bright moon shines over the silver-covered mountains, wild fruits are scattered everywhere, and branches are laden with red apples. In winter, snow blankets the mountains, pine forests rustle in the wind, ice rivers sparkle crystal-clear, and farmhouses exude warmth.

Dongmatun Village features high mountains, dense forests, deep valleys, and clear waters, offering stunning scenery. It boasts primeval forests shaded by ancient trees, as well as unique landscapes such as the Longtan Waterfall, Tianmen Cave, Laojun Cliff, Dragon King Rock, and Lion Watching the Sea. The Longtan Waterfall is over 60 meters high, and beneath it lies a deep pool called the Dragon Pool. In dry seasons, the water gently flows down like pearls dropping onto a light curtain; during the rainy season, the river swells dramatically, and the waterfall roars down the valley, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Other attractions, such as the unclimbable Laojun Cliff, the high cliffside Tianmen Cave, the Lion Watching the Sea rock that stands like a majestic lion, and the Dragon King Rock shaped like a dragon’s head, are equally magnificent.

The village is also widely known as the “Hometown of Apples.” Apple production here has a history of over a hundred years, and 98% of the households are engaged in apple farming. The “Dongmatun Brand” Fuji apples and the small Guoguang apples—registered as a “geographical indication product”—are famous for their thin skin, bright color, and sweet-sour taste, earning high praise from consumers. Looking around, the areas by the village, the riverbanks, and the slopes and ditches are covered with lush orchards. In spring, the gardens are filled with blooming flowers, and in autumn, the branches are heavy with fruit, adding enchanting colors to this small mountain village.

The construction of a new countryside has been highly effective. The village has managed an 8-kilometer stretch of river, built 29 water storage pools, eliminated free-range grazing and silkworm farming, and implemented mountain closure for forest regeneration. It has developed low-carbon and eco-friendly biogas resources, constructing over 700 household biogas pits. Cement roads have been laid in the village streets, and solar-powered streetlights have been installed along the roadsides. Garbage is collected at designated points and treated harmlessly on-site. Twelve small cultural squares have been built, and villagers have organized the “Shanlihong Art Troupe.” In 2014, Dongmatun Village was honored with the title of “China’s Most Beautiful Village.”