Liaojiacao

Liaojiacao

Liaojiacao

Traveling southwest out of town along the Mashenmiao village-level road for just about 30 minutes brings you to the widely renowned Liaojiacao Reservoir. The reservoir boasts vast waters and crystal-clear clarity. Within the reservoir lies a peninsula, where among lush bamboo groves and dense woods, Qing Dynasty-era houses with white walls and dark tiles are tucked away. On the island there is also a sprawling, gnarled, and leafy banyan tree. This massive banyan stands quietly on the peninsula, silently witnessing the historical vicissitudes of the area.

On the main hall of the quadrangle-style residence on the peninsula, there hangs a large plaque inscribed with four bold characters: “Songmao ZhuBao” (Pine Flourishes, Bamboo Thrives), dated to the Qianlong Wugeng year. Beneath the banyan tree on the peninsula lies an exquisitely carved ancient tomb with distinctive charm. The tomb’s stone tablet bears a couplet: “Amidst beautiful mountains and clear waters, prosperity spans afar; With tiger’s roar and dragon’s chant, scholars abound.”

Hiking up the stream behind the Qing Dynasty houses, you’ll find slopes covered in plum trees on both riverbanks. In spring, the hillsides are blanketed with snow-white plum blossoms, creating a spectacular sight. The emerald water, snow-white flowers, and undulating mountains complement one another, resembling a traditional ink-wash landscape painting.

The stream here flows cheerfully year-round over winding stone shoals before suddenly plunging down a cliff, forming a silvery waterfall that hangs vividly before your eyes. Amid the misty spray, a refreshing coolness can be felt. Lying on the clean stone shoals instantly dispels the summer heat and refreshes the spirit. Looking up, you’ll see a large round rock on the streambank covered in turtle-shell patterns. This enormous turtle-patterned rock is a unique scenic highlight of the area.