Xiaolingshan Leisure Tourism Scenic Area

Xiaolingshan Leisure Tourism Scenic Area

The mighty Zuojiang River rushes down from Longzhou County in the Red Revolutionary Base Area, meandering through countless bends, before merging with the breathtakingly scenic Heishui River along the way. As it winds its way to the Yigu and Kongjia villages in Jiangzhou District, it seems to linger lovingly like a dragon glancing back before continuing on its journey, leaving behind a vast peninsula oasis. This is Tuojiao Tun of Kongjia Village, the most secluded pastoral village in Taiping Subdistrict, Jiangzhou District, Chongzuo City. The exquisitely shaped Xiaolingshan Mountain, which reflects beautifully on the water, sits along the Zuojiang Riverbank in this village. Although the village is under the administration of Kongjia Village, it faces Kongjia Tun and Kexing Tun of Kongjia Village across the river.

For visitors coming from Chongzuo City, getting to Xiaolingshan is quite convenient. There are public buses heading in the direction of Longzhou that go directly to Heishui River Wharf, located 18 kilometers away, and from there, a special sightseeing boat takes about half an hour to reach the Xiaolingshan scenic spot. Visitors from Longzhou also take boats from Heishui River Wharf, while those from Ningming County can come overland via Tiansi Township.

The area around Heishui River and Zuojiang River in Chongzuo boasts riverside landscapes and pastoral beauty that are no less stunning than the Ten-Mile Gallery of the Li River. Taking a boat downstream from Heishui River Wharf, you’ll be greeted by verdant mountains reflecting on the water, creating a delightful scene. In spring, light pink peach blossoms drift like auspicious clouds, while bright red kapok flowers stand tall like torches. In summer, the hillsides are covered in lush greenery of grass, sugarcane, bamboo, and longan trees, with picturesque new villages dotted by charming small buildings. On the boat, you might notice where the clear waters of the Heishui River merge with the slightly murky Zuojiang River, and you may also catch sight of the mysterious Little Huashan Cliff Paintings unique to the Zuojiang region, as well as ancient inscriptions left by people on the riverside cliffs.

The main peak of Xiaolingshan stands at over 120 meters above sea level, with a sheer cliff face that looks like it was sculpted by the hands of gods along the river. On the riverbank, there is an ancient wharf carved out by early settlers. A stone stele in the middle of the wharf still bears clearly visible inscriptions, while ancient poems and writings from past visitors can faintly be seen on the left stone wall. On the right side of the wharf, white guardrails and handrails lead diagonally up to the ancient Xiaolingshan Temple along a wooden plank walkway.

As the saying goes, “A mountain needs no great height to be famous if it is home to immortals; water needs no great depth to be spiritual if it is inhabited by dragons.” How deep the Zuojiang River is and whether dragons dwell within it remains unknown, but the river is famed for its delicious catches such as rat fish and blue knife fish. Xiaolingshan itself isn’t particularly high, but it gained its name from the ancient Xiaolingshan Temple built here in 1848 during the 28th year of the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty.

Before the founding of the People’s Republic of China, merchants traveling between Longzhou, Chongzuo, Nanning, and Guangzhou mostly relied on water transport. As a tributary of the Pearl River system, the Zuojiang River became a vital trade route. After enduring the hardships of river travel, boatmen would often stop at Xiaolingshan to rest at the wharf, offer incense at the temple, and pray to Guanyin Bodhisattva for safe passage. Sadly, it is said that during the campaign to “Smash the Four Olds” in 1966, the once-elegant and exquisite temple was completely destroyed, leaving only the Pujiu Cave silently standing amid the ruins. The current Guanyin Temple was rebuilt in recent years after tourist numbers gradually increased. Investors who contracted the scenic area hired workers to build a simple stone entrance gate, and a newly consecrated statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva was brought in. Since then, the incense offerings at the ancient Xiaolingshan Temple have gradually begun to thrive again.

Just a few years ago, apart from the wharf and temple, the Xiaolingshan scenic area had almost no pathways or steps for visitors. It was fearless adventurers who forged the first sightseeing trails with their footsteps. But things are different now. As visitors arrive by boat, they can already see colorful flags fluttering at the wharf and on the pavilions on the mountain, while the mountain gate is adorned in red, warmly welcoming guests. Behind the gate lies a casual plantation of peach blossom trees. Cement steps or pathways have been built throughout the mountain valleys, interspersed with several bamboo and wood-structured dining huts and resting pavilions. Guardrails have been installed at the steep mountain peak and along cliffside boardwalks, and every scenic spot is marked with a Chinese sign, ensuring that visitors can enjoy their trip in comfort, with clarity and peace of mind.

At the Xiaolingshan scenic area, you can pitch a tent and camp to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the tranquility of mountain nights, savor local dishes such as peach blossom chicken, snail meat, sweet and sour bamboo shoots, and fresh river fish. You can also climb peculiar rocks, admire strange trees, touch ancient vines and wildflowers while taking joyful photos, explore mysterious caves and listen to waterfalls to enjoy the cool natural breeze, or stroll along winding bridges over lakes and ponds to admire red carp and feed the fish. You can even traverse cliffside boardwalks for an adrenaline rush, or climb to high vantage points to take in the magnificent views—truly experiencing the grandeur of nature where boundless beauty lies atop perilous peaks.

A trip to Xiaolingshan on the Zuojiang River combines the picturesque beauty of the Li River, the wonder of Yunnan’s Stone Forest, the thrill of the Huashan Skywalk, and the joy of rural leisure cuisine. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or in a group, choosing a holiday to enjoy the landscape from Heishui River Wharf, explore the mountains and waters, and pay a visit to the temple to offer incense and make a wish makes for a delightful journey that celebrates both natural scenery and cultural heritage. It’s not far, it’s not expensive, and it’s full of surprises—definitely worth it.

Source: Jiangzhou District Agriculture Bureau Author: Liao Qijin