Yuanjiang Spring Tide

Yuanjiang Spring Tide

Yuanjiang Spring Tide is one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Wuzhou. It occurs where the Gui River and the Xun River (the upper reaches of the West River) converge. The clear water of the Gui River flows alongside the muddy flow of the West River—murky and clear, swift and slow—distinctly separated, commonly known as the Mandarin Duck River. The great Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo once praised it as “the unparalleled beautiful waters of the Mandarin Ducks.”

The scenery of the Mandarin Duck River is truly beautiful. Gazing out, you see the vastness of the West River, with its surging currents; while the Gui River appears emerald green, shimmering with ripples. At the point where the two rivers meet, it resembles a pair of mandarin ducks playing in the water—leaning on each other, embracing, staying together inseparably. Legend has it that the great Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo, on his way through Wuzhou after being pardoned, arrived during the Mid-Autumn Festival night. As he floated on the Mandarin Duck River, faced with the contrast between the clear and murky waters, he was filled with emotion and composed a poem: “I love the clear currents, rowing vigorously—there are no other waters in the world as beautiful as the Mandarin Duck River.” From then on, the name “Mandarin Duck River” spread among the people. “Yuanjiang Spring Tide” is ranked first among the Eight Scenic Spots of Wuzhou. Every visitor to Wuzhou who sees this sight can’t help but marvel at its wonder.

In late 1984, Wuzhou City developed a scenic area called “Yuanjiang Spring Tide” at the Sanchajiao (Triangle Point) on the west bank. The simple and elegant pavilions, along with the undulating and winding riverside promenade, attract many visitors to lean on the railings, gaze at the mighty river flowing eastward, admire the spectacular convergence of the clear and muddy waters, and view the ancient Yunsheng Pagoda on the volcano in the south. In June 2000, the Yuanjiang Bridge was built over the confluence of the rivers, offering even greater convenience for sightseeing visitors.