Sister Cities

Sister Cities

On the north side of the Yellow River estuary, there flows a clear little river called Shenxian Gully. The tranquil Shenxian Gully, embroidered with blue skies and white clouds, meanders through a flower-bedecked grassland before vanishing into the vastness beyond. It is on this picturesque and magical land that two charming small towns were born—Gudao Town and Xianhe Town. The establishment of Gudao and Xianhe is accompanied by a beautiful and moving legend. It is said that long, long ago, an old fisherman went out to sea but suddenly encountered fierce winds and rough waves, and his boat was on the verge of breaking apart. Just then, a mysterious force from the heavens pushed the boat into a calm little river, sparing the old man’s life. This is the origin of Shenxian Gully, and the legend that immortals lived in the gully also began to spread among the people.

But where are the immortals? No one has ever seen them. Generation after generation has only seen barren marshes overgrown with reeds and brambles, teeming with wild animals. Yet beneath this seemingly infertile land lies tens of millions of tons of oil reserves. It was the development of the Shengli Oilfield that awakened this sleeping land. A massive influx of workers gathered here, launching a vigorous oil exploration campaign. Along with the flow of oil came rows of derricks, soaring buildings, shady locust forests, and fragrant rice fields. The oil workers composed a bold anthem of pioneers and built a beautiful and prosperous homeland.

Today, Gudao boasts straight and wide asphalt roads lined with rows of flowering trees, and red buildings with green tiles dotting the lush greenery, creating a uniquely charming scene. Facilities such as youth centers, theaters, amusement parks, street parks, water parks, locust tree parks, and coastal parks are all available, along with comprehensive living amenities. Visiting Gudao is like entering a whole new world, delightful to both the eyes and the heart. Gudao has truly become a precious island.

Time flows swiftly. Shenxian Gully gently flows past the bustling Gudao Town and pours into the open arms of Xianhe Town. Nestled within locust tree forests, Xianhe Town is fresh and clean, with cranes calling and wild geese flying—like the Peach Blossom Spring depicted by Tao Yuanming. Xianhe Town possesses the characteristics of world-renowned cities while also rich in traditional ethnic charm. Its urban architecture follows nature and is ingeniously crafted, earning it a reputation as a model among China’s small towns. In late spring, when visiting Xianhe Town, you’ll find locust blossoms like snow, weeping willows dancing in the breeze, lotus flowers blooming, and bamboo casting graceful shadows. Among the green trees and floral clusters, fountains dance with silvery sprays, butterflies flutter, and bees buzz—what a delightful place.

The mirage-like beauty of Gudao Town and Xianhe Town complement each other perfectly, like two pearls inlaid at the mouth of the Yellow River by the Bohai Sea.