Ningbo Tianhe Ecological Scenic Area

Ningbo Tianhe Ecological Scenic Area

Ningbo Tianhe Ecological Scenic Area is a national water conservancy scenic area.

As one of China’s first national water conservancy scenic areas, Ningbo Tianhe Ecological Scenic Area is situated in Ninghai County, Zhejiang Province—the starting point of Xu Xiake’s Travel Diaries. It has a total planned area of around 160 square kilometers, with the core scenic area covering more than 30 square kilometers. It is 114 kilometers from Ningbo, 29 kilometers from Ninghai County, and 9 kilometers from the Chaolu exit of the Yongtaiwen Expressway on the coastal thoroughfare; transportation is highly convenient.

Ningbo Tianhe Ecological Scenic Area is an eco-tourism destination built around natural landscapes, infused with the essence of Taoist and Taiding culture. It features emerald mountains, crystal-clear waters, peculiar peaks, grotesque rocks, flowing streams, waterfalls, primeval forests, and modern recreational elements. The Tianhe Scenic Area boasts Six Bend Streams, 18 Majestic Peaks, 28 Water Ravines, and 72 Waterfalls. It is renowned for its “perilous peaks, serene valleys, unique waters, fantastic rocks, intriguing tree roots, and mystical mists,” captivating both domestic and international visitors with its “pristine, mysterious, wild, and majestic” charm. By May 2004, it had been developed into East China’s premier comprehensive tourist resort integrating sightseeing, amusement, leisure vacations, camping, adventure, and ecological education. It is also planned to be successively designated as a National Forest Park and a 4A-level National Tourist Resort.

The Tianhe Scenic Area boasts a long and profound cultural history. The son of King Ling of Zhou, Wang Qiao, rode a crane eastward from Goushan in Henan to become the patron deity of Taiding, governing the water and drought of the Wu and Yue regions—hence Ninghai County’s historical name “Goucheng.” In the late Eastern Han Dynasty, Laozi descended to bestow the Lingbao Scripture upon Ge Xuan. Ge Hong secluded himself in the Songxi Cave Heaven to refine elixirs and authored the Baopuzi, pioneering Taoist studies. The over 30-square-kilometer core scenic area was originally an enclave of Xinchang and is the fabled Tiantai Mountain where Li Bai dreamed and composed poetry. Located at the eastern foot of Tiantai Mountain’s main peak, the area was praised by the Ming Dynasty monk Chuandeng as: “Stretching eastward to the sea, bounded by water, it forms the grand finale of Southeast China. Its father is Mount Nanyue, its ancestor Mount E, its predecessor Mount Kunlun, and it surpasses Mount Snow. Descending southeast from Snow Mountain, spanning no less than 40,000–50,000 li, all refined spiritual energy converges here. It is a dwelling for immortals, a sacred site for arhats, and the birthplace of sages and wise men—not without reason.”

The Tianhe Ecological Scenic Area is divided into eight major zones: Dashansxi Gorge, Shuangfeng National Forest Park, Feilong Lake, Mengli Shuixiang (a water culture theme park), Wangjiayan Rural Charm Zone, Ye’ao Modern Agricultural Sightseeing Park, Shanyang Revolutionary Memorial Area, and Wanghaitang Scenic Area. Currently open to the public are the three major zones: Dashansxi Gorge, Shuangfeng National Forest Park, and Feilong Lake.

The Eastern Zhejiang Grand Canyon is located on the Baixi River in Ninghai, stretching tens of kilometers in length with a maximum elevation drop of up to 900 meters along its cliffs. The canyon is rarely visited by humans and boasts rich vegetation. It is said that next year, the reservoir of the Baixi Dam will submerge the canyon. Dashansxi Gorge is tranquil and deep, lined with peculiar peaks and grotesque rocks, and features dynamic waterfalls and rushing streams. Drifting along the Songxi River, you can admire the “Little Three Gorges” scenery on both banks and explore the “Three Wonders of Tian Shui”—emerald pools reminiscent of Jiuzhaigou. “Tianmu Peak” stands straight into the azure sky, adorned with welcoming pines and shrouded in mist, resembling the scenic beauty of Huangshan. Dashansxi Gorge includes three functional zones: the Gorge Sightseeing Area, Tianmu Peak Touring Area, and Gorge Adventure Area. The Gorge Sightseeing Area is further divided into six sub-zones: Langfeng Morning Crossing, Songxi Cave Heaven, Myriad Rocks Formation, Three Wonders of Tian Shui, Vast World, and Crimson Cliff Emerald Valley.

Shuangfeng National Forest Park features a rare expanse of 7 square kilometers of contiguous evergreen broadleaf natural forest in East China. Surrounded by water on three sides and crisscrossed by streams, waterfalls, and pools in its interior, it is home to abundant wildlife and artificially released birds and beasts. Characterized by “primitiveness, mystery, serenity, beauty, tranquility, and simplicity,” it offers an escape from urban hustle and bustle, allowing modern city dwellers to reconnect with nature. Secondary zones include Yangsheng Valley, Yiqing Valley, Bijia Ran Holiday Village, Forest Bathing Area, Pingkeng Camping Site, Black Forest, and Manyuan Adventure Zone.

Feilong Lake extends 13 kilometers in depth, resembling a dragon soaring through the sky, connecting Mengli Shuixiang, Dashansxi Gorge, and the Forest Park. The Feilong Bridge spans the Songxi River, while Tiandengzhan stands solitary and timeless. Cruising across Tianhe Lake on a modern tour boat, you’ll enjoy the harmonious interplay of landscape and water, with breathtaking views along both banks. Witness the sunset as wild geese fly in unison, and ducks and egrets glide together in graceful pairs.