Lushui River Xianyuan Valley

Lushui River Xianyuan Valley

Lushui River Xianyuan Valley features typical karst topography and is the starting point of the Lushui River rafting adventure. The scenic area boasts beautiful mountains and clear waters, layered green peaks, lush trees, deep valleys, picturesque farmland, and a strong wild charm. With crisscrossing paths, verdant hills, and bamboo groves, the environment is serene and picturesque. Winters are mild, summers are cool and pleasant, and the air remains fresh all year round, making it an exceptionally elegant and beautiful summer retreat and vacation destination. The scenic area contains hundreds of caves and spectacular natural sights, featuring karst geological wonders such as natural bridges, sinkholes, skylights, and water caves. Mountains, waters, and caves blend seamlessly, and these marvelous natural landscapes inspire awe at the wonders of nature. The water cave is a recently discovered natural cave in Pingshan Township that combines both dry and aquatic features. The temperature inside the cave remains a constant 22–26°C year-round, with smooth airflow and the gentle sound of flowing water. The cave walls and ceiling are adorned with numerous uniquely shaped stalactites, truly a marvel of nature. In the early morning, clouds and mist envelop the mountaintop, creating an enchanting scene. It has been praised by many visitors as “the foremost heavenly cave on water.” The cave’s diverse and lifelike formations are not only beautiful but also filled with a magical allure. Compared to other destinations, this scenic area offers unique features not found elsewhere: its mystical charm is unparalleled in southern Guangxi, making it a rare treasure for tourism and adventurous exploration.

The main attractions of Xianyuan Valley include the Ancient Vine Bridge, Sword Stone Cliff, Bamboo Embankment, Lotus Pond, Peach Blossom Mountain, Banana Grove, Immortal Path Bridge, Elixir Cave, Tianling Cave, Shanling Cave, and Buddha Spirit Water Cave. Local folklore says that Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy from the South Sea, once enlightened the Eight Immortals—Zhongli Quan, Zhang Guolao, Han Xiangzi, Tieguaili, Lü Dongbin, Cao Guojiu, Lan Caihe, and He Xiangu—helping them achieve immortality here. The current attractions are said to be remnants of those immortal and Buddhist sites. Tianling Cave is located at the peak of Xianyuan Valley. Upon reaching the cave entrance, a gentle breeze greets you, giving a feeling of floating like an immortal. Looking back, the entire landscape of mountains, waters, fields, and forests of Xianyuan Valley unfolds before your eyes, as if the mundane world has faded far away. The Buddha Spirit Water Cave offers still waters and tranquil winds, reminiscent of the legendary Heavenly River in the Buddhist realm. Upon entering, one feels a sense of spiritual transcendence. Inside, there is a seated statue resembling a manifestation of the Buddha. The cave is also filled with stalactites of various ages, each uniquely shaped. Thousands of bats reside within the cave walls, clustered in groups, dimly visible. When illuminated by flashlight, the bats appear ready to take flight, displaying a myriad of postures in this otherworldly wonderland. It is hailed as “the miraculous cave, the divine cave, the Buddha Spirit Cave—bringing countless blessings (and bats).”

In 2010, Lushui River Xianyuan Valley was designated as a “Guangxi Agricultural Tourism Demonstration Site” by the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Tourism Bureau. The scenic area has also added an agricultural plantation sightseeing area (Zone B) and a fruit and vegetable picking zone, which have now reached a certain scale and achieved notable results. The added agricultural plantation sightseeing area (Zone B) mainly includes: rapeseed flower fields, sunflower fields, lotus cultivation areas, sesame fields, peach orchards, banana groves, nurseries for rare tree species, and vineyards.

The oldest attraction is arguably the Ancient Vine Bridge. Its originally decaying bamboo beams have been replaced with new, sturdy ones. However, the stone piers remain untouched. According to villagers from Tunchen Tun, their village has a history of over 300 years, yet the stone piers seem to predate even that. Elders say the piers have always been there, with only the vine bridge decks being replaced over the centuries, ensuring safe passage all along.

The terrain of Xianyuan Valley resembles a large gourd, with the Lushui River flowing out from its mouth. Dense bamboo forests line both riverbanks, with homes nestled deep within. Following the sound of trickling water and walking along winding paths, you’ll find farmhouses emitting wisps of cooking smoke. At this moment, the reporter was reminded of Lu You’s poem: “Mountains multiply and paths wind, doubting there’s a way through; willows darken, flowers brighten—yet another village appears. Drums and flutes follow the Spring Festival’s approach; simple robes preserve ancient customs.”

“If I could now enjoy leisure under the moon, I’d visit at night, leaning on my cane without delay.” This verse perfectly captures the enchanting essence of Lushui River Xianyuan Valley.

Scenic Area Address: Pingshan Township, Long’an County, Nanning City