Qingyuan Chanxi Water Conservancy Scenic Area

Qingyuan Chanxi Water Conservancy Scenic Area

Qingyuan Chanxi Water Conservancy Scenic Area is a national water conservancy scenic area.

Qingyuan Chanxi Water Conservancy Scenic Area is located in Hedong and Tianyu within Qingyuan District, and is named after the ancient Qingyuan Mountain Temple that the stream flows through. The scenic area covers an area of 19.4 square kilometers, including 1.42 square kilometers of water surface, with a forest coverage rate of 94%. Here, the green mountains remain lush year-round, and the clear waters flow ceaselessly. The hills are not high but have elegant peaks, and the pools are not deep yet have pristine water. It enjoys the reputation of being “green mountains, green waters, and fresh air,” and is known for its “lushness, serenity, beauty, and wonder.”

The Chanxi Water Conservancy Scenic Area is built around water projects such as the Qingyuan Stream, Caoping Stream, Youluokeng Reservoir, Diaoyutai Reservoir, Kuxiaotang Reservoir, and Shangshenling Reservoir. Based on water landscapes, Zen Buddhist culture, and forest ecological environments, and leveraging the advantages of the combination of natural and cultural resources, it has been meticulously developed into a water conservancy scenic area that takes water culture as its soul and Zen culture as its highlight. It integrates water science education, sightseeing and recreation, cultural experiences, and sports and leisure. In 2015, the Chanxi Water Conservancy Scenic Area was rated as a provincial-level water conservancy scenic area.

In recent years, Qingyuan Chanxi Water Conservancy Scenic Area has used the mountains as its framework and water as its veins, infused with Zen culture. Relying on water landscapes, Zen Buddhist culture, and forest ecological environments, and taking advantage of the combination of natural and cultural resources, it has been carefully crafted into a uniquely charming water conservancy scenic area where mountain-water culture and Zen culture shine together. The overall construction plan of the scenic area is divided into three phases: basic construction, comprehensive improvement, and brand enhancement. Each phase spans approximately five years, with the entire project scheduled to be completed in 15 years. By then, within the scenic area, whether listening to streams, viewing waterfalls, admiring waters, meditating along paths, or sitting in Zen, every spot offers an excellent setting to experience the zen-like essence of life.

To promote the upgrading of the scenic area and establish a brand effect, in 2016 Qingyuan Chanxi Water Conservancy Scenic Area formulated the “Qingyuan Chanxi National Water Conservancy Scenic Area Control Plan.” The plan includes the development of “one axis, two belts, and seven zones.” One axis: the urban expressway serves as the main axis; two belts: the Qingyuan Stream and Caoping Stream act as landscape connectors, linking the Qingyuan Mountain Zen Scenic Area and the Tianyu Mountain Waterfall Scenic Area; seven zones: Jinghu Ecological Recreation Zone, Qingyuan Chanxi Cultural Experience Zone, Songling Lake Forest Science Popularization Zone, Tonghu Dripping Waterfall Sightseeing Zone, Shangshenling Reservoir Leisure Tourist Zone, Hushan Leisure Wellness Resort Zone, and Tianyu Mountain Folk Culture Experience Zone.