Longxi River

Longxi River

Longxi River

The first river in China to be developed in a cascade manner. Located within the Longxi River Scenic Area in Yunlong Town, Liangping District, Chongqing, the area is 18 kilometers from the county seat and 10 kilometers from Shuanggui Hall, the ancestral site of Southern Buddhist Zen. Upon exiting at the Yunlong Station of the Chongqing–Yichang Expressway, visitors can enjoy the charming scenery of the Longxi River. The Longxi River Scenic Area is a comprehensive natural tourist attraction integrating science education, sightseeing, and leisure. In January 1964, the brave people of Liangping, embodying the spirit of perseverance akin to the mythical Yu the Great, tamed the ceaselessly flowing Longxi River, forming an approximately ten-kilometer-long artificial lake within the Yunlong area.

The beautiful Longxi River originates from the Liangping East Mountain Forest Park, flows through Liangping and Dianjiang counties as well as the Changshou District, and joins the Yangtze River within Changshou, stretching a total length of 230 kilometers. The riverbanks are lined with bamboo and trees, and fruits are fragrant all year round. Fishing boats shuttle across the river while flocks of birds fly about, presenting a quintessential scene of the Jiangnan water town. The vast Yinqiaoba Agricultural Development Zone on the flat plains adds even more charm to the Longxi River Scenic Area. Sweet radishes on the east bank and crisp cucumbers on the west bank are both premium produce sold to Wanzhou and Chongqing. In late spring, stretches of emerald-green cucumber fields extend as far as the eye can see, covering four to five li. After meals, families take strolls along the shaded paths by the river, wandering amidst the green waters, bamboo groves, lush leaves, and yellow flowers, breathing in the fragrance of cucumbers and listening to birds chirping in the woods — a truly delightful experience. Boating along the river, visitors are greeted by verdant bamboo on both banks, weeping willows swaying gently, and towering black poplars and elm trees scattered throughout. The Chongqing–Yichang Expressway soars overhead, bringing a touch of modern life to this tranquil, jade-like river. Less than 200 meters from the expressway bridge lies an ancient stone bridge, quietly lying across the emerald waters. Unlike typical flat bridges, this one features a semi-circular arch with a radius of about two meters in the middle, allowing passing boats to go through. From a distance, it looks like a rising sun about to burst forth or a hanging moon reflected on the riverbed. On sunny days, standing atop the bridge with an oil-paper umbrella, feeling the breeze brush against your dress, is nothing short of ethereal. For those accustomed to city life, a walk along this intoxicatingly green riverside is a feast for the eyes and a delight for the soul. The Dragon Boat races held on the Longxi River attract numerous visitors. Major attractions include Yunlong Ancient Town, Dapingzhai, Shuanghekou, Tianxingzhai, and the Qili Tan Ice Mortar.

Yunlong Ancient Town: Originally built in the late Ming Dynasty, the town was initially named Shaya Market and renamed Longsha Pu in the 21st year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1682). During the Republican era, it was renamed Yunlong due to a carved image on an arch bridge depicting “a dragon treading on clouds.” The town served as a bustling commercial hub on the old Liangping–Chongqing route along the Xiao Nan Road. In its heyday, merchants thrived, trade flourished, and an exceptionally exquisite covered bridge was constructed over the wide and bright Longxi River. This bridge was not only adorned with intricate carvings but also gained fame for the depiction of “a dragon treading on clouds.” Over centuries of historical change, Yunlong Ancient Town has retained an aura of antiquity and solemnity. However, its streets, architecture, local customs, and market culture still preserve the elegance of the past. Most shop buildings are made of wood and bamboo, with wooden frames or board walls, or bamboo-woven fences plastered with powder. Roofs are mostly gabled or hipped, with gray tiles and plain walls, exuding a simple yet refreshing charm. The entire old street is divided into upper and lower sections, each with its own characteristics: the upper street features eaves up to five meters wide, keeping pedestrians dry throughout, while the lower street is paved with bluestone slabs, giving off a cool and serene vibe.

Ice Mortar Cluster: The Yunlong Ice Mortar Cluster is located at the Qili Tan Hydropower Station along the Longxi River. As the boat approaches Qili Tan, visitors are confronted with a massive rock surface dotted with countless honeycomb-like holes, creating a spectacular sight. The holes are mostly oval or circular, ranging from three to four meters in diameter to just a few centimeters. Some are as shallow as a finger’s depth, while others reach 70–80 centimeters deep. Their shapes resemble mortars, pots, bowls, cups, and spoons. More uniquely, some holes contain smaller interconnected cavities. After conducting an on-site investigation on December 3, 2004, Professor Han Tonglin, an ice mortar expert from the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, concluded that the discovered cluster is a rare geological relic resulting from Quaternary glacial movement, dating back approximately 2–3 million years. Professor Han noted that the Qili Tan ice mortars are valley-type ice mortars. In terms of preservation quality and density, the Qili Tan cluster stands out as one of the best in Southwest China, and such a large contiguous cluster is extremely rare, earning it the title “The World’s Number One Mortar.” The Qili Tan Ice Mortar Cluster holds significant scientific value for research on ancient climate, environment, global warming, human origins, and the formation of human skin color.

Taipingzhai: About one kilometer downstream from Qili Tan by boat lies the renowned Taipingzhai Revolutionary Guerrilla Base. This solitary peak rises abruptly, with steep cliffs like sheer walls, resembling a giant screen standing by the Longxi River. Spiral stone steps lead up to the fortress gate, ascending over 200 meters and comprising more than a thousand steps, built along the cliffside and stretching upward. The majestic fortress gate remains well-preserved, though it seems quite small compared to the steep and precipitous ancient stronghold. Since the fortress walls merge seamlessly with the cliffs, when viewed from the riverbank dock, the gate appears no larger than a palm-sized opening, truly embodying the saying “one man can hold the pass against ten thousand.” Ascending to the top reveals a whole new world: ancient trees tower above, shrubs grow densely, and courtyards are interconnected, creating the unique spectacle of walls within the stronghold and the stronghold within walls. The three fortress gates — Zhaoyang Gate, Anle Gate, and Shuidong Gate — remain intact, especially the bold running script characters of “Anle Gate,” which have endured over 150 years without any damage, an astonishing feat. Traces of ancient architecture are visible everywhere on the stronghold. The courtyard once meticulously managed by the wealthy landowner Chen Dingyuan over two generations still stands, consisting of six parts: the main hall, pavilion, fireproof gate, study, theater, and grand schoolhouse. The grand schoolhouse, built against the mountain, is particularly magnificent — a row of orderly houses stands atop a nearly ten-meter-high stone retaining wall, integrated with the wall to form a natural watchtower. The entire retaining wall is polished smooth, with gaps so tight that even the thinnest blade cannot penetrate. Beside the wall is a large round arch stone gate, leading to a grand set of stone stairs that ascend to the inner courtyard, connecting to the watchtower. During the Republican era, Taipingzhai was also a hub for underground Communist activities in Liangshan.

Tianxingzhai: Though only a few dozen meters high, Tianxingzhai stands alone, towering prominently over the flat plains of the great open field. Especially on its eastern, western, and northern sides, the terrain is steep and precipitous. The four fortress gates — Shengde Gate, Zhaoyang Gate, Nanji Gate, and Beidou Gate — are faintly visible. Standing atop the Zhaoyang Gate in the northeast corner, one can take in the beautiful scenery to the east, west, and north. This stronghold once controlled the water transport of the Longxi River to the west and guarded the vital route of Liangping’s Xiao Nan Road to the east, making it a strategic military location throughout history. According to the *Liangping County Annals*, in the second year of the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty (1797), when the White Lotus Sect leader Wang Sanhuai led a major campaign across Bashu and passed by Tianxingzhai, he had to take a detour. Today, Tianxingzhai is lined with fruit trees and teeming with birds. There is also a small, crystal-clear pond on the stronghold. Fruit trees encircle the pond, and fish swim beneath the surface. Staying in the farmhouse at the top of the stronghold feels like being in a “land of idyllic beauty.” On quiet nights, one can hear dogs barking behind the wooden gate and frogs croaking by the pond — an experience impossible to fully appreciate without being there.