Canglang Gully

Canglang Gully

Take a bus to the former cement plant in Banhu Township, then head west along the road in front of the plant for about 10 kilometers to reach Canglang Gully, known as the “finest scenic wonder in the region.” The *Yi County Annals* record: “There is Canglang Gully, sixty li north of the county at the foot of Cheshao Mountain. It is said to be where Confucius listened to the song of Canglang... and is especially considered the finest scenic wonder in the region.”

Standing at the bottom of the valley and looking around, you’ll see two steep cliffs standing like screens on either side in the distance, resembling a majestic mountain pass, exceptionally precipitous. Between the two cliffs is a conical pool that firmly guards the mountain gap—this is the “Lotus Pond.” Moving forward about ten steps along the northern cliff, the space suddenly opens up. Right ahead lies a deep pool about 20 meters in diameter, with emerald-green water so still it looks like a mirror—this is Canglang Gully. The gully is surrounded by steep cliffs, with an opening in the front where a thin stream of water drips down into the pool, producing a soft, clear sound that refreshes the heart and lungs. The surrounding cliffs are covered with wisteria, while uniquely shaped pines and cypresses stand proudly in the crevices of the cliffs. You can climb up to the top of the cliff from the rocks on the western side. Looking down into the abyss, you’ll see sheer walls densely covered with trees—an incredibly steep sight. No wonder when Confucius visited this place, he enjoyed the beautiful scenery while listening to the song of Canglang: “If the water of Canglang is clear, I can wash my hat strings in it; if the water of Canglang is muddy, I can wash my feet in it...”

Right next to the northwest wall of the gully stands a single-arch stone bridge called the “Water-Fire Bridge.” The bridge is covered with hanging vines, and beneath it lies a pool of spring water so clear you can see the bottom, with a small stream flowing into the gully. Thirty meters past the bridge is the Linze Temple, originally built during the Song Dynasty. From south to north, it consists of the Dragon God Hall, the Main Hall, and the Sleeping Palace Tower, all constructed from bluestone. There’s a local saying: “Linze Temple exists because of Canglang Gully, and Canglang Gully is famous because of Linze Temple.” The temple fair held at Canglang Gully’s Linze Temple on the third day of the third lunar month and the eighth day of the tenth lunar month draws worshippers from all directions, with continuous visitors, the sound of firecrackers, and an exceptionally lively atmosphere.