Kongzhou

Kongzhou

Across the water from Lingkong Shore lies Kongzhou. Legend has it that long, long ago, nine lions ran down from Mount Kunlun, harming many living creatures along the way. When the compassionate Guanyin Bodhisattva learned of this, she rushed over from the South Sea. By then, the nine lions had already reached the shores of Lake River, swaying their heads and tails, about to cross the river. The Bodhisattva sternly shouted at them, broke off a willow branch from her pure vase, and threw it down. In an instant, a radiant golden arrow appeared, stretching across the Xiang River right in front of the nine lions. As the light faded, the nine lions turned into nine stone mountains, frozen on the western bank of the Xiang River. Later, people built a temple on the lion-shaped head that jutted out into the river, enshrining Guanyin Bodhisattva. This place came to be known as Guanyin Rock, which is why local residents also call Lingkong Shore “Guanyin Rock.” And what about that willow branch-turned-golden arrow?

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It turned into a long, narrow island in the river, which people named Kongzhou, or sometimes refer to as the “Golden Arrow” — a wonderful destination for leisure and travel.

When the winds of reform and opening-up brought warmth to the Xiang River, Kongzhou flourished with vibrant energy. First came the cage fish farming, bringing golden and silver “boxes” of prosperity to the island. Then, under the warm spring sun, romantic wooden cabins for couples, Rose Sand Dunes, riverside restaurants, horseback riding fields, and barbecue huts sprouted up like bamboo shoots.

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With pavilions partially hidden and laughter echoing all around, Kongzhou was brushed with a golden hue of romance. Spending a night on the island, listening to fishermen’s songs at dusk, or taking a boat ride and swimming in the midstream of the river, all make for delightful experiences. Kongzhou has become a great modern getaway for vacation and leisure. In the near future, a magnificent river transport and hydropower hub will rise on Kongzhou, adding a grand new chapter to this idyllic place.

The Xiang River boasts boundless beauty.

Scenic spots along its banks, such as Egrets Holding Books, Lotus Slope, Elephant-Shaped Mountain, and Wuyun Peak, have long been famous and are all wonderful destinations for travel and leisure.