The Twisting Lianxi Stream

The Twisting Lianxi Stream

Lianxi originates from Suzhuangtan in Matou, flows through Yunfeng Town, and joins Jinxi at Zhuangshan. Its long and winding course gives the village of Changlian its name. Two mountains stand at the water outlet: one resembles a giant python lying across the water, called "Snake Mountain," while the other looks like a divine turtle gazing forward, known as "Turtle Mountain." Together, Turtle Mountain and Snake Mountain resemble a large dam, with the gap in between acting as the dam’s sluice gate—hence the name Turtle-Snake Dam Water Outlet. Legend has it that the True Martial Emperor stands in the middle, flanked by the Golden Boy and Jade Girl, stepping on the snake with his left foot and the turtle with his right, giving the Turtle-Snake Dam Water Outlet a majestic presence.

Since the construction of the Casting Mortar Snake-shaped Weir and the prayers to the Four Great Lords, the weir has never been breached by floods. It not only guards the water outlet of Changlian Village but also protects the entire eastern part of Suichang. Lianxi flows westward after reaching Qianxjiajing, then turns south at Buxiantan. The heads of the snake and turtle face each other, inserted right in the middle of the two winding streams—a truly spectacular sight.