Zijiang River Drifting Scenic Area

Zijiang River Drifting Scenic Area

The Zijiang River is the largest river in Ziyuan County. It originates from the northeastern foothills of Mao'er Mountain, the highest peak in South China, flows mightily northward into Hunan Province, and eventually empties into Dongting Lake, belonging to the Yangtze River system. The drifting section of the Zijiang River stretches 22.5 kilometers from 5 kilometers downstream of the county town to Hujiatian in Meixi Township, passing through 45 rapids and 31 bends. It boasts a unique grandeur and ruggedness, as well as the clarity and beauty of Guilin’s Li River. The renowned poet He Jingzhi once praised, “Zijiang River drifting is the best in South China.” The vegetation along the Zijiang River is well-preserved, and the water flow and speed are relatively stable, resembling a jade ribbon winding through majestic mountains and peaks.

Drifting along the picturesque Zijiang River is like stepping into a long gallery of landscape paintings. Towering cliffs, grotesque rocks, misty clouds, lush bamboo and trees, blooming wildflowers, and low-flying water birds create a breathtaking scene. Kingfishers shuttle across the crystal-clear river on bamboo rafts, while thatched cottages surrounded by bamboo fences nestle within the emerald greenery, with houses neatly lined up and the sounds of chickens and dogs echoing in the distance. The reflections shimmer in the water, and colorful stones pave the riverbed. The river flows swiftly with crystal-clear waters where fish can be seen swimming, and white waves splash against you as a gentle breeze blows. Whether you’re boating or drifting downstream, the mountains shift with the water, dancing alongside your boat as it navigates through twists and turns, constantly revealing new scenery. From a distance, “mountains upon mountains make you doubt there’s a way through”; up close, “willows grow dark and flowers brighten, revealing another village.” The waves splash against your clothes, bringing both thrill and delight. As the boat sails along the river and you float amidst the painting-like scenery, you’ll feel an overwhelming sense of joy and relaxation, as if you’ve found paradise. Along the riverbanks, a dazzling array of sights and wonders unfold — the “Sail Rock,” “Jade Screen Mountain,” “Three Mothers Rock,” “The Elephant Drinking Water,” “Ten Thousand Horses Drinking from the River,” “The Monkey King Drunk and Lying in the Agarwood Fortress,” “The General on Horseback Guarding the Heavenly Gate” — all uniquely shaped, vividly expressive, and incredibly lifelike, fascinating visitors who can’t help but applaud in awe, feeling as though they could declare, “No need to see any other river after Zijiang.”

While drifting along the Zijiang River, when the boat docks on the riverbanks and you step ashore, you’ll enter the Zijiang Tianmen Scenic Area. Looking around, you’ll see towering peaks, lush bamboo and trees, and green woods complemented by red buildings, all blending harmoniously. The natural scenery and cultural landscapes merge, each with its own distinctive charm. To the north, you can climb steep cliffs and ascend 1,098 artificially carved stone steps to reach the summit of Shenxianzhai, which stands 627 meters above sea level. This peak, surrounded by sheer cliffs and untouched by human presence since ancient times, offers sweeping views of the primeval forests on the mountain as well as panoramic vistas of the Zijiang River to the east, north, and south. To the west, following the rocky base of the mountain and suddenly looking up, you’ll be greeted by a massive rock peak split vertically from top to bottom, forming a 184-meter-long, less than 2-meter-wide, and over 50-meter-high crevice — the astonishing “West Face One-Line Sky.” To the east, enter the “World’s Number One Herbal Valley” — Baiwan Valley. Winding up a secluded mountain path between towering peaks, you can breathe in the essence of countless rare herbs, touch the intertwined trunks of ancient vines, cup your hands under gurgling, melodious springs, and listen quietly to the chirping of birds hidden deep in the forest. Passing through the “East Face One-Line Sky,” ascending the “Heaven’s Ridge,” and descending the “Heaven’s Stairs,” you’ll take in the beautiful water and mountain views, breathe in the fresh air that feels so close you could grasp it, and share laughter and joy along the way. As you bid a reluctant farewell to the Zijiang River, you’ll find yourself promising, “See you again.”

In addition to its primitive, simple, and serene charm, the Zijiang River also possesses a dynamic and graceful beauty. The approximately 60 scenic spots along the river are bizarre, rare, and incredibly picturesque. Highlights such as the “Sail Rock,” “The Elephant Drinking Water,” “Torch Mountain,” “The General on Horseback Guarding the Heavenly Gate,” and the “Zijiang Giant Buddha” are remarkably lifelike, considered absolute masterpieces with high aesthetic value.