Hekou Scenic Area

Hekou Scenic Area

The Sheyang River Hekou Scenic Area is located in the lower reaches of the Sheyang River, within the territory of Haitong Town, Sheyang County. Covering a total area of approximately 20,000 mu, including 10,000 mu of water surface, the river is broad and rich in flora and fauna, featuring distinct characteristics. The scenic area currently includes the Jianghuai Region’s No. 1 Temple — Xixin Temple, the Sheyang River Sluice built with the assistance of Soviet experts, a seaside resort, the Sheyang Coastal International Golf Course, the Sheyang River Sandy Beach Bathing Area, a provincial water sports training base, Sheyang Island Park, and Mingda College. Sheyang Island Park was established in 1993, covering an area of 73 hectares, and features attractions such as Plum Blossom Mountain, Osmanthus Mountain, a winding bridge, a fishing center, pleasure boats, a macaque park, and a peacock garden. Originally named Xixin Nunnery, Xixin Temple was first built during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican period, covering an area of over 10 mu. In 1929, lay practitioners Jiang Yiyuan and Jiugai’an invited Master Yin Guang (the 13th Patriarch of Pure Land Buddhism), renowned for his teachings on the Buddha-recitation method, to the temple.

There are various legends about Nuwa and the Sheyang River. Some say the Sheyang River is the “intestines of Nuwa” mentioned in the Classic of Mountains and Seas · The Great Wilderness – West — “lying across the vast wilderness, stretched out in the path.” Others claim it is the rope Nuwa used to pull mud from when she “molded humans from yellow earth.” Still others believe the winding course of the Sheyang River resembles the “seventy transformations in a single day” of Nuwa as she propagated different clan branches. But no matter which legend you believe, none can diminish the mystical allure of the Sheyang River.