Fuchun River Rafting

Fuchun River Rafting

“Fuchun River Rafting” is a leisure water activity developed along the section from the Qili Long Dam downstream to Tongjun Mountain. Qili Sailing is one of the ancient “Eight Scenic Spots of Yanling,” named after the old saying, “With wind, it’s seven li; without wind, it’s seventy li.” In the late 1990s, Fuchun River Tourism Co., Ltd. developed it into a tourist project. Since its introduction, the project has been highly favored by tourists, achieving excellent economic benefits and promotional impact. In recent years, with rapid economic development and changing leisure concepts, people’s demand for leisure activities has increased. The original Qili Sailing could no longer meet tourists’ recreational needs. To allow more people to appreciate the beauty of the Fuchun River and experience its leisure lifestyle, and to diversify the water-based offerings, Fuchun River Tourism Co., Ltd. has given Qili Sailing a fresh new look. By introducing wooden rafts, sheepskin rafts, inflatable boats, and leisure boats, visitors can get even closer to the Fuchun River and enjoy an intimate experience with it.

With the construction of the Fuchun River Hydropower Station and the development of land transportation, the shipping function of the Fuchun River has gradually diminished, giving way to leisure tourism. In fact, the picturesque Fuchun River has been a river of leisure since ancient times. Countless poets and scholars have been captivated by its beauty. The establishment and opening of Fuchun River Rafting have made modern people’s dreams come true. Transforming from a golden waterway into a leisure rafting destination is rare among domestic rafting scenic areas. The upper section of Fuchun River Rafting is known as Qili Yan Tan, also called Yanling Tan, located from downstream of the Fuchun River Reservoir Dam to Dujie Bridge. Historically, it was once the site of the old Tonglu County government. According to the Tonglu County Annals, in the fourth year of Huangwu during the Eastern Wu Dynasty (225 AD), the Tonglu County government was established here. This area was also a strategic military stronghold in history. The Fuchun River Rafting section is rich in legendary tales, such as the story of the Fang La rebel army defeating Tong Guan’s forces here, and the legend of the Golden Bell in Tongjun Pool. Visitors can enjoy the scenery while listening to these fascinating stories, immersing themselves in a sense of historical nostalgia.

“Fuchun River Rafting” begins downstream of the Fuchun River Dam and flows along the river for a total distance of 20 kilometers, ending near Meirong, known as the “Ten-Li Sea of Plum Blossoms and Snow.” Along the way, fields, farmhouses, mountain villages, and cityscapes appear and disappear, allowing visitors to admire the picturesque landscapes on both banks. They can also enjoy tea, chat, listen to music, play cards, and experience the elegant ambiance of “being in a mirror, with sails floating between emerald screens.” Opting for an inflatable boat offers a thrilling, high-speed ride full of excitement, providing a completely different kind of adventure. Near the rafting starting point lies the ancient Yanziling Fishing Platform from the Eastern Han Dynasty, where visitors can explore the retreat of the hermit Yan Ziling and trace the origins of China’s hermit culture. Along the route, the raft can also stop at Tongjun Mountain, the sacred site of the father of traditional Chinese medicine, where visitors can pay homage to Elder Tongjun and appreciate the profound culture of traditional Chinese medicine. Further downstream, visitors can savor delicious fish banquets and experience the distinctive local fishing culture.