Scenery of Xingyu Valley

Scenery of Xingyu Valley

Scenery of Xingyu Valley Xingyu Valley is situated on the northern side of Shentu Mountain, bordering the world-renowned Ten Thousand Mu Pomegranate Orchard to the south, adjacent to Dianhan Highway to the west, and encircled by five peaks to the east, south, and west, resembling a winding barrier. The valley features flat terrain, lush greenery, and birdsong echoing through the mountains. To the north lies a sparkling reservoir, while to the west is Xingyu Village, where most homes are built from stone blocks, tucked away among pomegranate orchards. The village is nestled within the orchard, and the orchard within the village. In early summer, the pomegranate blossoms blaze like fire, and in autumn, the fruits fill the air with their fragrance, creating a picturesque scene. The local customs are simple and rustic; during agricultural off-seasons, villagers gather under the pomegranate trees to drink, play chess, or chat, resembling a paradise on earth. The slopes and valley are planted with a variety of small grains, all natural and green. The mountain springs in the valley are rich in minerals and have long been renowned. Wild animals such as pheasants, hares, and doves are abundant throughout the area. Covering an area of about 4,000 mu, it is an ideal destination for leisure and vacation. Entering from the western route, standing on the dam of the reservoir, you can listen to the lingering echoes of mountain songs, gaze at the misty mountain scenery, the shimmering waters, and the seamless blend of water and sky. Walking further up, you’ll step into a watery world where there’s a stream every ten steps and a spring every hundred. The most famous spot in the valley is the Old Spring, whose source resembles a “spoon head,” several meters deep, crystal clear and sweet to the taste, never drying up throughout the year. The spring water flows murmuring for miles, resembling a “spoon handle,” hence also called the Spoon Spring. Take a sip of the cool spring water, sit leisurely in the woods for a rest, listen to the water striking the rocks with a tinkling sound, admire the ancient pines, old locust trees, and exotic flowers and plants, hear the sounds of the waves, taste wild fruits, and shout into the mountains — it's a poetic, dreamlike scene that feels like entering a fairyland on earth. Reaching the mountaintop, you can fully appreciate the wonder that “the most spectacular views lie on the most perilous peaks.” On a clear day, to the west you can see the white sails dotting Weishan Lake, and to the south, you can overlook the fiery red sea of the Ten Thousand Mu Pomegranate Orchard. In spring, the hills are covered with lush green grass, vibrant and dripping with vitality; in late autumn, maple leaves cover the mountains, painting the forests in layers of color, with pheasants flying and hares darting about; in winter, the tall pines stand firmly against the snow-capped peaks, presenting a magnificent sight. Especially during the hot summer days, it is even more delightful — birds sing in the valleys, flowers bloom like brocades, and the peculiar rocks and clear streams are a delight to the heart. Deep in the valley, dense shades block out the sun, making it as dim as dusk even in daylight, cool and pleasant. On weekends or holidays, for a self-guided adventure, you can admire waterfalls, visit the reservoir, pick wild fruits, hunt for game, or enjoy a picnic, feeling as if you’re in a paradise far from the hustle and bustle. It’s a place that refreshes the mind, elevates the spirit, and leaves one lingering with no desire to leave.