Scenery of the Shu River

Scenery of the Shu River

Shu River Ecological Scenic Tourism Area

The Shu River, located on the western plains within the county, originates from the Yishan Mountain Range and meanders for hundreds of miles, flowing through the Malingshan Mountain Range. Within the county, the Shu River is divided into three sections—upper, middle, and lower—based on its landscape features. The upper section is famed for the "Shu River Chestnut Sea," formed by millions of ancient chestnut trees dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, offering unique scenery in all seasons; the middle section, thanks to the "Diverting the Yishu into the Shu" and "Transferring the Shu Water Eastward" projects carried out by the Party and the government in the early years after liberation, boasts dozens of miles of vast water surfaces and magnificent water conservancy hub projects, earning it the title of the "Dujiangyan of Southeastern Shandong"; the lower section, known as the Shu River Ancient Channel, got its name relatively after the excavation of a new river for the Shu Water Diversion Project. The ancient channel features winding waterways, misty willows, green poplars standing like hills along both banks, and cranes soaring gracefully. Reeds thrive in the river, while the ecological environment on both sides remains pristine, tranquil, and picturesque, with blue skies and clear waters, often hailed as the "Li River of Northern China."

Scenery of the Ancient Channel

Stretching approximately 20 kilometers from the Daguanzhuang Water Control Hub to the Malingshan River, this section is known as the Shu River Ancient Channel. "The river rivals the Li River in mountain beauty, yet the Li River pales in comparison to the Shu River’s serenity"—this is an apt description of the scenery along the Shu River Ancient Channel. It boasts enchanting natural landscapes, winding waterways, captivating views, and a long and profound history and culture. As the folk song *Ballad of the Shu River* goes: “An ancient river with eighteen winding bends, flowing day and night with an endless melody, where misty willows stretch as far as the eye can see, and the blue Shu River flows under the blue sky... Pairs of affectionate birds soar into the azure sky, painting the spring scenery into a living scroll.”

An ancient river with eighteen winding bends, picturesque and dreamlike, with beautiful stories in every bend, where the waves bloom along with joyful hearts... Look at the girl rowing the boat, look at the young man fishing, a web of love tied to their boat.

With the gentle flow of the river, the people on both banks live in this idyllic setting, filled with countless beautiful stories. Boating along the river, the sights before your eyes are intoxicating, awe-inspiring, and full of wonder. The Shu River is not just a serene and beautiful ecological river, but also a river rich in deep historical and cultural heritage. In 341 BC, the famous Battle of Sun Bin and Pang Juan between the states of Qi and Wei took place here. To this day, Pang Juan is said to lie buried in shame atop Ma Ling Yang Mountain by the river. The clashing of swords, the blaze of battle, and the heroic tales of those legendary times inspire deep reflection and nostalgia for the past.