Scenery of the Zuo River

Scenery of the Zuo River

A major component of the Huashan Scenic Area. Located in the southwest of Guangxi. The Zuo River originates in Vietnam, where it converges with the Ping'er River in Pingxiang and the Shuikou River in Longzhou, then flows through the Li River in Longzhou. It meets the Ming River and Heishui River from Ningming, continues through the Jiangzhou District of Chongzuo and the Fusui section before entering the Yong River. It passes through “three counties, one city, and one district,” namely Pingxiang City, Longzhou County, Ningming County, Jiangzhou District, and Fusui County. Historical records indicate that during the Sino-French War in the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, hundreds of sailboats transported military supplies to Longzhou daily, which were then forwarded to Lang Son and Cao Bang in Vietnam. During the Republican era, merchant ships along the Zuo River reached Wuzhou Port and Hong Kong via the Yong River. After liberation, this waterway remained a primary shipping route for goods bound for Nanning.

The banks of the Zuo River feature continuous, towering peaks and picturesque scenery, with beautiful legends adding an air of mystery. The famous Ningming Huashan Cliff Paintings on Yaoda Huashan stand majestically along the river and form the core area of the Huashan Scenic Area. The Zuo River is fast-flowing with many bends, and its course winds through steep mountains, scattered with caves and underground rivers. The banks are lush with vegetation, boasting abundant animal and plant resources. Its cultural heritage and stunning natural scenery captivate countless visitors. The riverside villages maintain simple folk customs, and the pastoral landscape resembles a paradise. There are over a hundred cliff paintings along the river, with the most notable being the Yaoda Huashan Cliff Paintings in Ningming—truly a model of harmony between humanity and nature, offering great value for both ancient culture exploration and tourism. Major attractions along the river include Zixia Cave, Yaoda Huashan Cliff Paintings, Ethnic Mountain Village, Leaning Tower, and Golden Rooster Rock. Additionally, there are more than 50 other scenic spots, such as Mianjiang Huashan Cliff Paintings, Shangjin Guoxiangjiao, Cold Hot Springs, Aloes Fairy Slab, Maiden Shower, and Huang Chao’s Sword.

Yaoda Huashan Cliff Paintings: Located in the Ming River section of the Zuo River in Ningming, these paintings are world-renowned for their grand scale and majestic presence, serving as the most typical representative of the famous Zuo River Cliff Paintings in Guangxi. They are the core attraction of the Huashan Scenic Area.

Zixia Cave: Situated on the cliffs along both sides of the Ming River section of the Zuo River in Shangjin Township, the cave houses a temple dedicated to Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. For generations, it has attracted worshippers and visitors, extending its influence to Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asia.

Ethnic Mountain Village: Located in Zhongzheng Town, Ningming County, 16 kilometers from the county seat, this village nestles against mountains and water, filled with birdsong and floral fragrance. It exemplifies the traditional culture of the Zhuang ethnic group, offering a serene, otherworldly retreat.

Leaning Tower: Located on Aotou Peak of the rocky island in the center of the Zuo River, 2 kilometers northeast of Chongzuo City and 4 kilometers from the city center, it is one of the eight most famous leaning towers in the world. The tower has a base diameter of 5 meters, a height of 18.28 meters, and an octahedral shape.

Golden Rooster Rock: Situated on the mountainside of Bijia Mountain, 1 kilometer northwest of Fusui County, it stands by the river and is a relic from the Ming Dynasty. Together with the clear and pristine Zuo River, it forms a serene and elegant picture.