Dongling

Dongling

Dongling

A hardworking ethnic group, a magical land, a unique culture, and a fairyland that captivates the heart. It is a Yao village located over 60 kilometers north of Rong’an County, at the junction of Rong’an, Sanjiang, and Longsheng counties. Known as the “Cock Crows in Three Counties” and “Guangxi’s Jiuzhaigou,” Dongling features lush green mountains, towering ancient trees, murmuring streams, and cascading waterfalls — a scene of pristine natural beauty.

Stepping into Dongling, you are greeted by the surging green waves of pine forests and bamboo groves, making you feel as if you are gliding on crystal-clear waters, refreshed and at ease. It is one of the city’s largest ecological forest reserves, spanning nearly 70,000 acres of forested land with a coverage rate of over 90%, earning it the reputation of a “natural oxygen bar.” Towering ancient trees, lush and grand, provide cool shade; twisted roots and curious vines sprawl across the hills like dancing arms embracing you; while unknown little flowers bloom delicately on cliffs, by streams, and along paths, exuding faint fragrance as butterflies flutter around — truly, “nameless blooms vie in color, just to grace the deep mountains.” By the time of the Qingming Festival, the hillsides are ablaze with azaleas, their petals rippling like shimmering waves on a jade-green sea, creating an even more enchanting view — as if you’ve stepped into a paradise on earth.

Love That Lasts

Entering Dongling, the mountain paths wind and the waterways twist. The Camel Hump Mountain and Snail Mountain stand vividly, mirroring each other from afar; the Zhongzhai River meanders with dramatic turns, like a jade ribbon swirling in a fairy’s hand; and at the summit of Guangfu Mountain, the highest peak in the county, clouds linger, while the morning bells and evening drums from the mountaintop temple harmonize with the rustling pine waves, composing a beautiful symphony. Standing atop the mountain, you overlook the surrounding peaks, feeling refreshed and joyful.

The most enchanting sight in Dongling is the winding Zhongzhai River. Where water meets mountain, the river wraps around the hills, and the hills stand by the water. Along just a few kilometers of the stream, there are over ten waterfalls and serene pools. Among them, the “Nine Streams and Three Pools” formed by nine waterfalls and three green pools are particularly spectacular. Here, you can witness “celestial Milky Way” waters plunging down and playfully splash in the clear springs. The Mandarin Duck Waterfall, “Jade Maiden Combing Her Hair,” Horse Tail Beach Waterfall, Immortal Pool, Kongming Pond, Dragon Pool — each spot is steeped in moving legends. The Mandarin Duck Waterfall features two falls, one large and one small, descending side by side like wings flying together — truly a “love that lasts,” envied by many earthly couples. If the Mandarin Duck Waterfall is too delicate, the Horse Tail Beach Waterfall is majestic, where stream water plunges down a mountainside, crashing into rocks, sending up showers of droplets and mist, powerful and awe-inspiring — “a white dragon hangs from the cliff, a curtain of wind carries crystal elegance.”

Beauty of Kongming Pond

The “Three Pools” vary — some are deep and mysterious, others shallow with visible fish; some resemble demure maidens, others elegant ladies. The waters are uniformly clear and emerald green. The winding stream remains cool and pure — still as a maiden, so serene it could stun fish and outshine the moon; or swift as a fleeing hare, rushing like an arrow without end. Take a sip of the cool water, and it’s sweet and refreshing, cooling you to the bone. At Shimen, you may marvel at nature’s craftsmanship: a hundred-meter stretch of river flanked by sheer cliffs as if carved, ending in a stone gate blocking the way. Legend says the stream turns into a vast cave, but no one knows where it leads. “Mountain hiking in the rain adds charm” — during summer rains, clouds drift through the hills, waterfalls hang from cliffs, appearing and disappearing amid thunder-like roars. Dense forests, deep clear pools, rainbows arching over the water, and cascading falls form a breathtaking landscape painting.

Exploring Dongling is like venturing into a maiden’s secret realm. Climbing cliffs and rocks in quiet valleys, leaving new footprints by waterfalls and streams — every step brings a new surprise. Beyond the waterfalls, pools, and streams, the uniquely shaped pebbles along the riverbanks, peculiar root carvings, and vibrant red leaves floating on the water are enough to captivate your gaze and stir your thoughts. And deep in the forest, the mysterious and ancient petrified tree trunks transport you to a primeval dream. Rare wildlife such as giant salamanders, pangolins, pheasants, rabbits, turtles, various birds, and insects accompany you, ensuring you’re never alone in the valley. The chirping of insects and birdsong create a scene of “wildflowers dancing on secluded paths, clear springs flowing as birds sing in harmony.”

“Flowers dance on wild trails, clear springs cascade as birds sing in harmony.”

Rainbow Over the Yao Mountains

As the sun sets, the bamboo waterwheels by the stream turn with a creaking sound against the backdrop of the sunset glow, accompanied by the songs of shepherd boys returning home — another beautiful melody. Wooden stilt houses exude warmth, with smoke curling from their chimneys. The hospitable Yao people welcome guests from afar with the simplest and most genuine hospitality. Enjoy generous servings of wild game, cured meats, and various unnamed wild vegetables; drink from big bowls of Yao rice wine and aromatic oil tea. Throughout the meal, mountain songs and toasts fill the air. When spirits are high, someone might play the suona, and young Yao men and women invite you to join in their traditional dances, immersing you in heartfelt local warmth…

Ancient Petrified Tree Trunks

Explore the mysterious Dongling, a place of grandeur, danger, beauty, serenity, wonder, and antiquity, and the charming Yao village. Spend a leisurely weekend here with family and friends for two or three days, washing away the stress and noise of the city, and leave with unforgettable memories and a heart full of joy.