Shengshui Taoyuan Scenic Area

Shengshui Taoyuan Scenic Area

Shengshui Taoyuan Scenic Area is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Shengshui Taoyuan Scenic Area is located in Shengshui Village, Chahexiang, east of Xuanhan County, approximately 40 kilometers from the county seat, covering a planned area of 7.14 square kilometers. The scenic area emphasizes both natural and cultural resources, relying on the natural landscapes of Luzou Mountain and Erlong Mountain, and built upon large-scale modern agricultural zones such as kiwifruit orchards and green plum orchards. It was planned and developed by exploring local legends such as the Legend of Shengshui Dragon King, the Legend of the Spirit Tree, and the Legend of Niangniang Pool.

Standing atop Dingjialiang in Shengshui Village at an altitude of over 1,000 meters, one can gaze into the distance at sea-like clouds and endless peaks stretching as far as the eye can see. Looking around, four ancient fortresses stand majestically, facing each other across the landscape. On clear, breezy spring mornings, you can admire the vast mountain sea of clouds and the spectacular sunrise in the east. Nestled below Dingjialiang are the two ancient villages of Taha and Chahexiang, whose modern towns appear like two pearls, shining brightly on either side of the ridge. Among the mountains, farmsteads tucked within bamboo groves are scattered yet neatly arranged, with wisps of cooking smoke rising gently; the paddy fields shimmer under the spring sun; a warm breeze and the mountain wind blow intermittently; the sounds of chickens, cattle, orioles, and swallows fill the air. A clear, sparkling brook winds its way from Taha Township, meandering from east to west at the foot of Luzou Fort, resembling a jade ribbon. What a peaceful rural mountain scene, what a tranquil landscape of green mountains and clear waters.

Looking northwest from Dingjialiang, across the river rises a towering peak, sometimes shrouded in drifting clouds, resembling a celestial paradise; at other times, when the clouds part, the lush green mountains appear like ink wash paintings; and at times, when bathed in radiant sunlight, the hills gleam golden, especially with blooming cherry blossoms dotting the landscape—seen from afar, they look like piles of snow, dazzlingly bright. Turning around and standing atop the lofty Luzou Fort, the view before you suddenly opens up—a gigantic “fan” unfurls gracefully. The towering Luzou Fort stands like the handle of the fan, while the over 2,000 acres of heart-red kiwifruit base spread across three connected villagers’ groups unfolds in a semi-circular slope downward. On this “giant fan,” neat rows of cement poles supporting the heart-red kiwifruit plants resemble silk quilts covering the land; wide cement roads, like golden ribbons, divide the quilts into irregular patches; and small houses with white walls and black tiles are dotted among them... Overcome with delight, an idea suddenly strikes—this isn’t it a beautiful landscape painting right before your eyes?

Shengshui Village lies against Luzou Mountain, at an altitude of 1,038 meters, where a stone fortress known as Luzou Fort was built during the Xianfeng reign of the Qing Dynasty. Following the tree-lined mountain ridge, a winding path leads all the way up to the fort. Once atop the fort, crisscrossing shaded paths within the mountains connect every corner of the fortress, resembling a vast net spread over the verdant hillside. Beside the paths, in the shade of trees, you’ll find rustic stone mills, traditional stoves, wooden tables and stools, bowls and chopsticks, vegetables, chickens, and ducks, along with the delicious aroma of smoked pork, dense green forests, fresh invigorating air, and the warm glow of slanting sunlight—all creating a comfortable environment for leisure and wellness on Luzou Fort. When tired from walking, a cup of fragrant farm tea refreshes the soul. When hungry, plates of green, organic vegetables make your mouth water. When inspiration strikes, cups of homemade sorghum liquor ignite poetic spirit. Fatty yet not greasy smoked sausages, the renowned Xuanhan tofu, the vibrant red Nancha beef, the aromatic mutton skewers, and distinctive farmhouse stir-fries—all these unique mountain dishes captivate your eyes, delight your taste buds, and nourish your heart. “On sunny days, dozens of cars come here for fun,” remarked the village Party secretary with a beaming smile. “Now, with targeted poverty alleviation, we’ve consolidated thousands of acres of land and attracted investors to build two fruit bases, cultivating heart-red kiwifruit, green plums, crispy red plums, and Qinwang peaches. In another year or two, not only will our natural scenery be breathtaking, but the integration of leisure, sightseeing, and experiential tourism will make this place even more delightful.”

Atop Luzou Fort stands an ancient temple, towering into the sky. Within the temple, villagers often come to offer incense, with clouds of smoke curling upward. They pray for favorable weather, for loved ones’ health, or for national prosperity. According to the village Party secretary, from the impregnable Luzou Fort, one can also glimpse the ancient fortress gate and the couplet inscribed on it—“The gate faces the rising sun in the east” (only the lower line remains due to age). In addition to that, remnants such as ancient beacon towers, stone carvings, steles, and plaques can still be found.

Descending the mountain, as you walk along the winding cement paths in the fruit base that exude the fresh scent of soil, you’ll be awestruck by the sheer scale of the base. Endless rows of heart-red kiwifruit seedlings stand uniformly in formation—like countless green-clad sentinels—welcoming you with an impressive, soldier-like stance. Under the blue sky and white clouds, rows of two-story white-and-gray villas are scattered neatly, simple yet elegant. The recently paved village roads, group roads, and agricultural paths are like strips of white silk, connecting household to household, field to field. Along the roadsides and in the fields, golden oceans of rapeseed flowers bloom vibrantly—their fragrance intoxicating, the spring breeze soothing, lifting the spirits...

The fame of Shengshui Village stems from a nearby temple—Shengshui Temple. Though not large, the temple once housed at least seven ancient cypresses aged over 200 years, of which three remain. Each cypress has a diameter of over one meter, requiring several people to encircle. Beneath the cypresses lies a dragon’s mouth from which a spring continuously flows—year after year, month after month, day after day. Whether summer or winter, the water remains cool or tepid, never ceasing no matter how severe the drought. Adjacent to Shengshui Temple stands a modern water plant. Secretary Li said that no matter how dry the weather, the ancient well water continues to flow year-round without interruption. Everyone present couldn’t help but scoop up a handful of water from a pipe near the temple’s entrance. Upon tasting it, the water was fresh, sweet, and refreshing, invigorating the whole body.

Shengshui Village in Chahexiang, once a poor, desolate place where “even single men couldn't find partners,” has now undergone a remarkable transformation into a vibrant and full-of-life “Happy and Beautiful New Countryside.” Today, it opens its warm and passionate arms to welcome your visit. Come and experience a place you won’t want to leave—Shengshui Village！