Yuanzhou Pearl Spring

Yuanzhou Pearl Spring

The Zhushui Subdistrict features the former site of Nan Chi Yong Zhu (Southern Pool Gushing Pearls), one of the ancient Eight Scenic Spots of Yiyang; the Quan Tang Community and Longlai Spring, both rich in folklore; and the Nan Chi Yong Zhu Cultural and Creative Park, which reflects both contemporary and regional characteristics.

The ancient site of Nan Chi Yong Zhu is located at the Zhushui spring, south of Yiyang Railway Station in the southern part of Yiyang City, along the ancient road from Yiyang to Anfu. It consists of a rectangular pool measuring 14 meters in length and 4.75 meters in width. The pool is enclosed by bluestone slabs, with a stone arched bridge in the middle that is 4.75 meters long and 2.2 meters wide. Clear spring water gushes up from the bottom of the pit, hence the name Yongkeng Spring (Gushing Pit Spring), also known as Yongzhu Spring (Gushing Pearls Spring). The spring pool is over ten square feet in size. The spring water surges up from the flat ground like individual pearls, which is why it is called Zhushui (Pearl Spring). During the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli era (1573–1619), a platform was built over the spring, and a building was constructed beneath the platform, with connected eaves and adjacent structures, overlooking Yiyang Terrace. In the Qing Dynasty’s Shunzhi era (1644–1661), Magistrate Hu Xisheng erected a pavilion on the pool, named “Guan Wo Ting” (also called “Jian Wo Ting,” meaning “Viewing Myself Pavilion”). During the Republican era (1912–1949), there was a nunnery near the spring. In May 1984, the spring pool was designated as a municipal-level key cultural relics protection unit.

In the 24th year of the Ming Wanli era (1596), Xu Zhimeng, the Yiyang Prefecture judicial commissioner, greatly admired Yuanzhou Pearl Spring. He built a pavilion over the spring and a bridge across the pool, thus transforming the clear spring into a scenic attraction. By the end of the Wanli era, Huang Mingqiao, the Yiyang Prefecture magistrate, renovated the pavilions and towers and established Pearl Spring Temple, described as “vast and profound (‘yao,’ meaning deep and serene), making it a grand sight to behold.” From then on, it became connected with Yiyang Terrace, Huacheng Rock, and Luzhou, forming the Eight Scenic Spots of Yiyang: Chun Tai Xiao Ri (Yiyang Terrace Morning Sun), Hua Cheng Wan Zhong (Huacheng Rock Evening Bell), Diao Tai Yan Yu (Fishing Terrace Misty Rain), Nan Chi Yong Zhu (Southern Pool Gushing Pearls), Lu Zhou Ying Yue (Luzhou Moon Reflection), Yuan Shan Song Cui (Yuan Mountain Towering Greenery), Yun Gu Fei Pu (Cloud Valley Flying Waterfall), and Yang Shan Ji Xue (Yang Mountain Accumulated Snow).

According to local residents, before the introduction of high-speed trains, there was a water tower next to Nan Chi Yong Zhu, used to pump water for supplying gas-powered locomotives. Later, when the high-speed railway was built, Nan Chi Yong Zhu happened to lie directly in the railway’s path and was nearly leveled. Fortunately, thanks to the persistence of relevant departments and local residents, Nan Chi Yong Zhu was preserved — at the cost of over 10 million yuan spent on constructing an elevated bridge to bypass it. Today, the Nan Chi Yong Zhu scenic area has been restored and has become a popular sightseeing spot in southern Yiyang. The stone arch bridge over the spring remains intact, with the inscriptions on it still clearly visible. According to locals, this bridge was once the main route for those leaving Yiyang to the south. Nearby residents still come to wash clothes at the spring as usual, and the site often welcomes tourists exploring the area.

The Quan Tang Community also got its name from the spring. Legend has it that the spring water accumulated into a pond, hence the name Quan Tang (Spring Pond). Among them is a well called Longlai Spring (Dragon Arrival Spring). Legend says that a dragon once passed by here, and with a swish of its tail, created the well, hence the name. The "Yuanzhou Prefecture Annals" record: “The landscape of Yiyang features a dragon coming from the south and water flowing from the east. This spring arrives riding the dragon, gushing year-round without ceasing since ancient times, nourishing Yiyang, hence the name Longlai Spring (Dragon Arrival Spring).” This matches what local residents say. Nearby residents mention that every winter, Longlai Spring steams impressively, creating a spectacular sight.

The spring water has nurtured the residents of southern Yiyang, who also hold deep affection for it. Although every household now uses tap water, Zhushui and Longlai Spring remain common places for locals to wash clothes and household items.

Scenic Spot Location

South side of Yiyang Railway Station, Yuanzhou District, Yichun City, Jiangxi Province