The Dasha River Ecological Landscape Corridor in Xuecheng

The Dasha River Ecological Landscape Corridor in Xuecheng

Stretching approximately 6,500 meters from the Huazhong Rubber Dam to the Zhangqiao Rubber Dam, the corridor features ecological shelterbelts planted along the riverbanks and aquatic plants such as reeds and water lilies cultivated in the riverbed. The project aims to restore the ecological wetlands of the river channel, purify water quality, and gradually form the Dasha River Ecological Landscape Corridor. Over 500 acres of lotus ponds have been developed on both banks upstream and downstream of the Zhangqiao Rubber Dam, where lotus flowers bloom brilliantly under the sun and the lotus roots are in high demand, yielding a net income of nearly ten thousand yuan per acre. After the Huazhong Rubber Dam implemented pollution interception and water diversion, a vast expanse of water surface was formed. The completed water amusement park has become a popular leisure destination for locals. Facilities such as the fishing center, swimming area, water recreation zone, fish farming area, and wild reed marshes have successively opened to the public. Notably, the specialized breeding operations — the Xueguo Mastiff Garden and the Magpie Duck Breeding Base — have received high praise from industry peers and achieved excellent economic and environmental benefits. Just 3 kilometers out of town, on the east side of the Huazhong Bridge over the Panlong River, a newly paved asphalt road winds through an archway and follows the river’s eastern embankment, flanked by tall poplar trees that outline a deep, tree-lined lane against the dark road surface. Descending a slope, you’ll arrive at a manor called “Waterfront Home,” featuring classic Chinese architectural elements with upturned eaves that exude a unique traditional charm. Inside the estate, bright red lanterns hang high, meandering paths lead to serene scenes, and bamboo-woven eaves interlock elegantly. The door lintels of the bamboo pavilions are inlaid with the names of rivers, lakes, and seas — these are the elegant private dining rooms. On foot, you’ll see the rubber dam and the waterfall formed by the water it holds back, which glistens like a spectacular glass curtain wall in the sunlight. The roaring sound of the water resembles a grand symphony in full performance. Rows of kennels house around 20 Tibetan mastiffs. One snow-white mastiff sleeps peacefully, yet keeps its eyes wide open. Another blackish-gray mastiff, as big as a small cow and weighing about 300 pounds, roars like thunder, with foam forming at the corners of its mouth during its bellow — an awe-inspiring sight. Take a small boat and paddle yourself along the crystal-clear, gently flowing stream. Watch fish swim close to the bottom, while flocks of crows drift by like clouds not far away. Among the crows, a few egrets compete with ducks for food. The egrets soar into the blue sky and circle away, while the crow flocks scatter noisily. There are more than 5,000 ducks here, all free-range and foraging naturally, laying three to four thousand eggs daily. These duck eggs have yolks as red and sticky as oil — delicious whether fried, stir-fried, stewed, or pickled. Currently, the riverbank area has been leveled according to the terrain and divided into functional zones, including recreational areas, bathing zones, parking lots, and parks. Supporting facilities such as colored brick pathways, fountains, gardens, ornamental trees, telephone booths, coffee seating, pavilions, benches, docks, and yachts have been installed, creating an overall environment where blue skies meet clear waters, shaded by green trees and covered with lush lawns — a beautiful leisure and entertainment destination.