Xiashankou

Xiashankou

Located in the western part of Huainan City, Anhui Province, Xiashankou can be reached via Provincial Highway 102 or by boat along the Huai River. It is about 30 kilometers from the city center. The area is flanked by serene, open hills, with the Huai River winding around. As the mighty Huai River flows eastward and is blocked by Bagong Mountain, it turns back here, splitting Shixia (Stone Gorge) in two before surging forward, forming the first gorge of the Huai River — Xiashankou. Historically known as Xiashikou, it is a gorge excavated during the legendary Yu the Great’s flood control efforts. It was also an ancient strategic military post known as “Huai Shang Jin Yao” (a key Huai River crossing), and one of the ancient battlefields of the Battle of Fei River. Shixia is a scenic highlight along the Huai River. Ascending Shixia, visitors can explore the relics of Yu the Great, admire the emerald waters of the Huai River, immerse themselves in this riverine paradise, and witness the “Xiashikou Clear Haze” scene — with sailboats, sandpipers, and willows gently brushing the shore. Xiashikou is divided into East Xiashikou and West Xiashikou. East Xiashikou lies close to Sanfeng Mountain, standing firmly and majestically. West Xiashikou was originally a cliff beneath Yuwang Mountain, but has now been turned into a small island — a pillar in the middle of the river, with an island shape resembling a turtle, making it even more spectacular. The Huai River flows mightily along the southwestern foot of Bagong Mountain before making a sudden turn eastward here, surging towards the sea. Standing on the banks of the Huai River and looking up at the cliffs, they appear as if hewn by an axe. On the southeastern cliff face, the “Wall Construction Record” inscribed by Xia Song of Shouyang in the Xianchun era of the Song Dynasty can still be faintly deciphered. On Shixia Mountain Island stands a pavilion, the “Weinong Pavilion,” rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty, commonly known as the “Yuwang Pavilion.” To the west of the pavilion grows an ancient Chinese honey locust tree, which has become a symbol of the Xiashikou scenic area.

Visitor Information Center:

Phone: (0554) 8919091

Fax: (0554) 8919091