Wuzhou Mandarin Duck River

Wuzhou Mandarin Duck River

Introduction

　  The Mandarin Duck Spring Drift is one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Wuzhou. It refers to the point where the Gui River and the Xun River (the upper reaches of the West River) converge. Here, the clear waters of the Gui River flow alongside the muddy currents of the West River—clear and muddy, fast and slow, distinctly separated. Commonly known as the Mandarin Duck River, it was highly praised by the great Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo as “a pair of peerless, beautiful waters like mandarin ducks.”

The scenery of the Mandarin Duck River is beautiful. Looking out, you can see the vastness of the West River with its surging waters, while the Gui River is emerald green with sparkling ripples. At the confluence of the two rivers, it looks just like 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, who was pardoned and traveling through Wuzhou, arrived during the Mid-Autumn Festival night. As he floated on the Mandarin Duck River, faced with the clear and muddy waters, he was filled with emotion and composed a poem: “I love the clear currents as I strike the oar, the peerless beauty of the mandarin duck waters.” The name “Mandarin Duck River” thus spread among the people. The “Mandarin Duck Spring Drift” was 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. At the end of 1984, Wuzhou City developed a scenic area called “Mandarin Duck Spring Drift” on the triangular spit on the west bank. Simple and elegant pavilions, along with winding, undulating riverside corridors, have attracted many visitors who lean on the railings, gazing at the mighty river flowing eastward, admiring the spectacular convergence of clear and muddy waters, as well as the ancient Yunsheng Pagoda on the volcano in the south. In June 2000, the Mandarin Duck River Bridge was built at the confluence, offering even greater convenience for sightseeing visitors.

  Wuzhou City, Guangxi