Zhongtan Water Conservancy Scenic Area

Zhongtan Water Conservancy Scenic Area

Location: At the foot of Zhongtan Mountain in the western part of Xialin Community, Xialin Subdistrict, Chengxiang District, Putian City, Fujian Province, 6 km from the Putian Municipal Government.

Introduction:

The Zhongtan Water Conservancy Scenic Area spans approximately 280 acres. The Zhongtan Waterfall originates from Turtle Mountain, flows through Zhukeng, and pours into a ravine southwest of Jinting Mountain. The stream bed meanders, scattered with unusual rocks, flanked by trees and blooming flowers. After more than a kilometer of rugged journey, the stream suddenly plunges nearly 30 meters down a cliff into a deep pool. “Zhong” (bell) motifs can be found everywhere here. The cliff face is convex on top and concave below, resembling half a bell; the pool itself is also bell-shaped and unfathomably deep; the waterfall crashing into the pool produces a thunderous sound like a great bell. In summary, there are three wonders: First, the waterfall wonder— the pool’s waters churn in spectacular fashion, splitting into three distinct cascades, each with its own character, which ancient people named respectively as Flying Waterfall, Hanging Silk, and Drifting Cloth. Second, the pool wonder—where the waterfall descends, it forms three pools, shaped like goblets, cups, and bowls, known as the “Three Wine Cups.” Third, the sound wonder—being here feels like hearing a symphony of eight musical instruments and the harmony of all nature, truly a masterpiece of the world.

Ancient people were fond of this unique waterfall landscape and often visited. Even Guo Yingpin, a Ming Dynasty native of Putian who served as Minister of War, retired to Zhongtan and built a villa here. To this day, twelve cliff inscriptions by historical figures remain along the stream.

Main attractions of the scenic area: Three Waterfalls and Three Pools, Twelve Ming Dynasty Cliff Inscriptions (key cultural relics protected by Chengxiang District), Sima Manor, Qi Gong Ancestral Hall, Zhongtan Flying Crossing, Mazu Temple, Guanyin Temple, Qi Gong Temple, Jingxin Pavilion, Qingxiang Pavilion, Waterfall Viewing Platform, Cycas, and other sites.

Transportation guide: Get off at the South Bus Station and walk to the Zhongtan Scenic Area.

Accommodation facilities: The Zhongtan Water Conservancy Scenic Area has constructed a vehicle access road and several hiking trails leading to the site. Facilities include a lakeside barbecue area, the Zhongtan Flying Crossing suspension bridge, two pavilions, a two-story restaurant, a three-story comprehensive service building, three villas with 11 guest rooms, two tea houses, as well as buildings for meetings, management, dining, and more.