Xianghe Scenic Area

Xianghe Scenic Area

Xianghe Scenic Area is located in Xianghe Village, about 4 kilometers northwest of Yanchi in Shiqiaoyi Town. Over time, it has gradually developed into a natural and cultural landscape centered around the Xianghe Reservoir, including the mountain strongholds of four prominent local families—Fangjiazhai, Yuanjiazhai, Zhongjiazhai, and Hujiazhai—as well as the area’s highest peak, Sanzhaizhai, the Military District Cave, and more. Here, the forests and valleys are picturesque, shaded by lush trees, with flowing springs and waterfalls dotting the landscape. Enhanced by morning mist, evening haze, wandering clouds, wild cranes, and the serene chirping of birds, the area gains even more charm. Though still in its infancy and yet to be fully developed, it has already attracted the attention and visits of many travelers.

The name "Xianghe" originates from the Ming Dynasty. Historically, this area has always been of military significance. After the early Ming period, the ruins of the Xianghe Street were once the site of the former Baishazhou City. During the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties, Zhao Xianghe (who held the official title of Dutou, equivalent to a later-era marshal) led his troops and resided here for an extended period, making outstanding contributions to the region’s development and construction. In his honor, the street was renamed "Xianghe Street" after "Zhao Dutou," and the name has been passed down for nearly six hundred years to this day.

Nowadays, the old street has aged, with few well-preserved residences remaining. Among the newly built houses, however, the remnants of the old walls are still clearly visible, telling their ancient tales under the slanting rays of the setting sun. They may no longer shine so brightly, even fading gradually as the wheels of progress roll on. Yet the newly developed Xianghe Reservoir and Military District Cave have infused the area with renewed vitality.

The Xianghe Reservoir borders Lixi and is a medium-sized reservoir primarily for flood control and irrigation, while also serving functions such as power generation, processing, farming and aquaculture, and shipping. The dam of the reservoir has a maximum height of 38.5 meters, a length of 258 meters (oriented north-south), a maximum water depth of 32 meters, and a total storage capacity of 25 million cubic meters.

On the southern side of the Xianghe Reservoir, south of Fangjiazhai, and across a valley, stands Hujiazhai, which echoes with it through the hills. The Military District Cave is located within these mountains. Built in 1952, it housed troops for 27 years before they were relocated, reportedly due to the loss of classified military district maps. This left behind a wonderful destination for visitors. The cave entrance lies at the foot of the eastern hill, with flat and open land in front. The passage inside the cave is about 400 meters long and 3 meters wide. The cave remains cool in summer and warm in winter. In summer, when you push open the stone door weighing over a ton, you’re greeted by a refreshing breeze. The cave feels like it has a natural air conditioner—even in the hottest weather outside, you’ll need to cover up with a blanket. The interior is spacious, with 20 rooms set up, making it an ideal summer retreat. A small hall that once served as a screening room can now be used as a dance hall, accommodating over twenty people to stroll and relax.

Within Xianghe Scenic Area, there are also many smaller scenic spots, often tied to local legends, particularly those involving Guan Yu.

Qingming Cliff is located to the south of Yuanjiazhai. It earned its name because Guan Yu once tallied the names of his soldiers here.

Yulin Temple refers to Yuanjiazhai on the northern side of the reservoir. Guan Yu led troops from Jingzhou northward on several occasions, and each time he reached this spot, heavy rain forced his army to camp for days, hence the name.

Tongling Valley is where Guan Yu rode his horse through a ravine, and the copper bell hanging from the horse’s neck fell off. Locals picked it up as a memento and named the valley Tongling (Copper Bell) Valley.

Chaqi Mountain is where Guan Yu stationed his troops and once planted his flag at the mountaintop.

Zheqi River: The flag planted atop Chaqi Mountain was blown down by fierce winds and landed in the river below, thus giving the river its name—Zheqi (Broken Flag) River.

Leigu Platform is a rock where Guan Yu’s troops set up drums during their offensive.

Zhanma Rock is where Guan Yu reined in his horse on the mountain to survey the enemy.

Additionally, there are other scenic spots such as Xinfei Rock, Xiaozibei Stele, Qinglong Spring, Immortal Rock, Funiu Mountain, General Slope, Zimu Spring, Dipoceng Slope, Yingzi Rock, and Xiangbizichong.

Source: Dongbao District Government

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