Ma Huangzhou

Ma Huangzhou

Ma Huangzhou is located at the northern end of the Li River section under the district’s jurisdiction, in the middle of the Li River east of Yu Mountain, and south of Tiefeng Mountain. Shaped like a crescent moon, it is approximately 500 meters long, over 150 meters wide, and covers an area of 49,500 square meters, making it one of the larger midstream islands in the Li River. The island is shaped like a leech, hence its name. Its former name was Huanglingzhou. The western side of the island is 18–36 meters from the eastern bank of the Li River, where a narrow waterway is formed, often dotted with moored boats. The island is covered with lush trees and offers a serene atmosphere. From here, you can look east to see the Yanshan Mountain stretching across the horizon, and south to view the Diecai Mountain.

Along the riverbank, you can also gaze west toward Yu Mountain, as well as mountains such as Huilong Mountain, Guanyin Pavilion Mountain, and Tiefeng Mountain, all competing in beauty and enhancing the scenery. With the vast river waves and fishermen singing at dusk, it forms another picturesque scene along the Li River. During the Song Dynasty, the Nanhui Pavilion was built on the high ground at the eastern foot of Yu Mountain, offering views of the rivers and mountains, green trees, and fragrant islets, all within reach. A Ming Dynasty poet, Cao Xuequan, praised it in verse: “The isle spans the river, dividing the waters in two; as the sun slants, a thousand peaks lie beyond the woods.”