Daxi You River Scenic Area

Daxi You River Scenic Area

Daxi You River Scenic Area is a national AAA-level tourist attraction and a national wetland park.

Daxi Township is located in the northeast corner of Xiushan County, 57 kilometers from the county seat. It borders Bali Mountain of Liye Town, Longshan County, Hunan Province to the east, connects with Haiyang Township and Shidi Town of Xiushan County to the southwest, and adjoins Houxi Town and Youchou Town of Youyang County to the north. The You River flows through the township, embraced by Bali Mountain, offering picturesque scenery, a land rich in talent, and a profound folk culture. The You River, also known as the Bei River, is praised as the “Jade Belt of Wuling.” It originates in Enshi, Hubei, passes through Daxi Township of Xiushan, converges with the Meijiang River at Shidi Town, then surges and crashes over rocks before flowing mightily into Dongting Lake. The You River spans approximately 50 li within Xiushan. It is one of the historical Five Streams of the region, also referred to in ancient times as the You Stream.

Scenic Features

The Daxi You River Scenic Area boasts beautiful scenery and enchanting landscapes, featuring the Jiuzhaigou-like charm of Meijiahe, the Daryaozhai — the stronghold of the Dajiaojia Cave among the Nine Streams and Eighteen Caves, and the largest ancient forest of golden ball trees in China. It has an excellent ecological environment, abundant natural resources, stunning mountain and water vistas, and unique ethnic culture.

Major Attractions

You River Scenery

The Daxi section of the You River is about 15 kilometers long, characterized by a canyon-type river valley landscape with cliffs on both sides and an average slope of around 60 degrees. Many sections form right angles of nearly 90 degrees, with undulating, dramatic features as if shaped by supernatural forces. The vegetation on both banks is lush, displaying ever-changing colors throughout the seasons, creating exceptional viewing experiences. Wild animals such as wild boars and monkeys are often spotted here, while schools of fish swim gracefully beneath branches that reflect in the water, composing breathtaking scenes of fish swimming near overhanging branches and birds resting above the water. Mallards play in the water, egrets glide above the river, occasionally skimming the surface and rippling the water. Being here feels like stepping into a fairyland, making visitors linger without wanting to leave. From its source to the exit at Daxi, the river flows through areas with no large or medium-sized cities or industrial enterprises, ensuring the water remains of exceptional quality. The river water is crystal clear, like strings of glistening pearls. Majestic Tujia stilted houses are built against the mountains, layer upon layer, resembling celestial palaces—an absolutely breathtaking sight.

The You River reservoir has a water storage area of 9.52 square kilometers and a capacity of 163 million cubic meters. The average width of the river surface is about 200 meters, with the maximum backwater level reaching Youchou Town of Youyang County. Within the Daxi area, there are five tributaries of varying lengths and scenic beauty, along with dozens of islands of different sizes, including Dongjiao-Island and the Meijiahe Lovers’ Island.

The forested area along the You River reservoir (visible along the river) covers approximately 20,000 mu, with a forest coverage rate of about 65%. This dense forest is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. About 1 kilometer from the dam site lies Longti, where the nationally protected first-class plant — the golden ball tree — grows. This area spans about 50 mu, with the largest tree having a diameter of about 100 cm and an age of over a thousand years. There is also the rare species Zhonghua Wenmu, which is found only in Wushan and here within all of Chongqing. The forest also yields a variety of pure, wild, green foods such as mushrooms, bamboo shoots, toon sprouts, and bracken, all highly enticing. Chestnuts, kiwis, and August melons are sweet, delicious, and nutritious. The dense mountain forests also support numerous wild animals. Birds include cranes, egrets, pheasants, bamboo partridges, and doves, while mammals feature protected species like wild boars and goats. Aquatic animals include giant salamanders and turtles. The various fish species in the reservoir are plump, tender, fragrant, and diverse.

Natural Landscapes

Cai Cha River. Located on the opposite bank of Wangjia Wharf, 100 meters in front of the Shidi Hydropower Station dam, in spring when flowers bloom across the mountains, local girls herding cattle and gathering flowers on the hills attract visitors to stop and admire.

Jigongtan Cliff. Before the reservoir was filled, a large rock stood by the river here, shaped like a rooster with its neck outstretched in a crow, and this spot was one of the most turbulent and dangerous rapids of the You River—hence the name Jigongtan (Rooster Rock Beach). Although the rooster-shaped rock has been submerged, the steep cliffs on the west bank remain spectacular, as if shaped by nature's own hand. The cliffs stretch for kilometers, creating a majestic sight. This area is also the narrowest part of the Shidi Hydropower Station reservoir, with the river surface about 100 meters wide, also known as the “Little Three Gorges.”

–. After passing through Jigongtan, the river suddenly widens to about 300 meters, giving a feeling of sudden openness. In the middle of the river lies a small island of about 10 mu, 10 meters high, 300 meters long, and 2 meters wide. Surrounded by water on all sides, the island is covered with lush trees, making it a perfect spot for leisure fishing.

Meijiahe. The largest standalone island in the reservoir, covering nearly 100 mu. It was once the command center of the 305th Team of the Central-South Survey and Design Institute during the exploration of the Shidi Hydropower Station. The island has rolling terrain, and about 150 meters away lies a smaller, slender and flat island that resembles a couple looking at each other — hence called the “Lovers’ Island.” This area is ideal for integrating farmhouse stays, fishing, and sightseeing, and holds great potential for development.

Xiadaxi. From here, following a tributary upstream leads to the Xiadaxi branch, known for its 48 spots where your feet never dry. It is also the largest tributary within the Daxi area of the reservoir. Due to the complex terrain and winding waters, travelers have to zigzag and wade through, hence the name “48 Spots Where Your Feet Never Dry.” The surrounding area features overlapping mountains, shaded forests, murmuring streams, and numerous scenic spots, making it a perfect place for couples to stroll. In spring, when flowers are in bloom, groups of young women wander here, creating a romantic scene akin to a heavenly paradise — a vision of “spring maidens arriving in crowds, and lovers coming in pairs to enjoy the scenery.”