Tianxian River

Tianxian River

(Photo: China)

Tianxian River is a national A-level tourist attraction and a national forest park.

Tianxian River, located in Yuexi County — a national ecological demonstration county in the heart of the Dabie Mountains — is 27.5 kilometers from the county town of Yuexi. It originates from the Miaodao Mountain National Forest Park and is formed by the convergence of hundreds of streams and mountain springs. With its picturesque and pleasant scenery, it is hailed as the “No. 1 Drift in Anhui.”

Tianxian River was anciently called Qianshui. Legend has it that one day, the Seven Fairies went up to a tall building alone to watch the human world’s Huangmei opera “The Heavenly Match.” When they heard the line “I’d rather be a pair of lovebirds flying wing to wing,” they were moved by longing for the human world and Dong Yong, and could not help but shed tears. As they cried passionately, the silk handkerchief they used to wipe their tears drifted down from heaven. Their tears followed the scarf as it fluttered, eventually descending to the earth. There, they turned into this winding, silken, crystal-clear, and ceaseless river — hence the name Tianxian River, or “River of the Immortals.”

Tianxian River, this ancient and natural waterway cradled in the Dabie Mountains and formerly known as Qianshui, flows through three counties and nine towns before joining the Wan River on its way to the Yangtze. Tianxian River features ten major scenic areas with 98 scenic spots along its 20-kilometer stretch, which remains full of water all year round with crystal-clear visibility. The Tianxian River Rural Eco-Drift lets you ride tandem rubber rafts for self-guided wave-riding, tackling rapids and dangerous shoals for an exhilarating thrill. For a more classic experience, drift collectively on traditional bamboo rafts, feeling light as a swallow, leisurely and carefree. Explore and wander through the Tianlong Valley for a challenging adventure in nature that's endlessly fun.

The beauty of Tianxian River is a serene and profound one — it reveals itself quietly without fanfare. The shimmering green waters sparkle under the sunlight. Whether it’s the shallow shoals where the water reaches your ankles or the unfathomable deep pools, the clear white sand at the bottom, the smooth pebbles, and the fish darting through crevices all glisten brilliantly under the sun’s rays. The river is like a piece of emerald silk held by a fairy, flowing gently and smoothly, with travelers gliding along. What drifts backward are the dark green cliffs, the scattered azaleas, bamboo forests, ancient trees, lonely plank bridges, moored bamboo rafts, and faint rural cottages that appear like lines of Tang and Song poetry. The longer you look, the more still it becomes — even the cooking smoke seems frozen against the backdrop of the green mountains.

Drifting on Tianxian River, you float along with the raft, taking in the full beauty of the mountain and water scenery. Watch fish swim near the riverbed and gaze at drifting white clouds — it's like being in a fairyland on earth. See old stone mills and pestles, step on wooden water-lifting devices, enjoy wild mountain cuisine, and stay in rustic farmhouses. The resort’s bonfire evenings and modern retellings of the Seven Fairies’ Huangmei Opera tunes blend with the rippling green waters. The simple and unsophisticated folk customs are truly captivating. Lush woods and bamboo groves line both banks, with ancient vines and old trees spread everywhere. Fields and paths crisscross like stars in the sky. There are acres of sandy beaches and vast natural lawns, each forming a unique view and carrying beautiful, magical legends that are truly uplifting.

Everywhere along Tianxian River feels like a mythical realm. Local farmsteads sit by the water, and people and the river have been one since ancient times. Occasionally, you can hear folk songs drifting from the shore — bold yet tender — instantly making you forget the noise of the mundane world and returning you to a primitive, simple state. As the bamboo rafts drift slowly into the vast mountain-water expanse, you'll feel that within these landscapes lives a unique spirit and vitality.

When the sky clears, the entire scenic area reveals crystal-clear waters, sands as white as snow, and rocks like smooth pebbles — a new view at every step. When it rains, it’s a scene of “mist-shrouded valleys and cloud-covered peaks,” offering a mythical atmosphere everywhere. When you board an ancient bamboo raft and drift between strange peaks and lush fields, tackle rapids, cross dangerous shoals, listen to Huangmei melodies and hearty mountain songs, eat wild mountain vegetables, taste bamboo-tube steamed rice, watch fish and shrimp play around your feet, and take in the picturesque views — you’ll experience simple local customs and admire the beautiful mountain-water scenery, as if immersed in endless poetic charm. It’s an experience full of joy.

Tianxian River is as thrilling as the Three Gorges and as beautiful as the Li River, offering an authentic experience. It now features numerous tourism programs such as outdoor survival and life training for teenagers and summer heat escapes. It’s a perfect destination for leisure vacations, sightseeing, outdoor survival adventures, and summer camp activities.