Clear Ripples on a Winding Stream

Clear Ripples on a Winding Stream

Located outside the entrance of Qushui in Qushui Town, Jialing District, this is one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Nanchong.

The Qushui River originates in Liba and Xinmiao townships in the northwest of Jialing District, flowing southeast through famous towns such as Jialing Daguan and Shiyang, before joining the Jialing River at Qushui Town. Historically, it nurtured notable figures such as Han Shiying. At the point where the stream flows into the river, a small sandbank stretches across the water like a dam, slowing the flow and calming the surface. When the river breeze blows, the current ripples, reflecting the sunlight and scattering beams of radiance—like stars hung in the sky or pearls spread across the ground—creating a scene of breathtaking beauty. Hence it is named “Clear Ripples on a Winding Stream.” A poem by Ming Dynasty’s Lu Yong reads:

The clear stream winds with gentle bend, Its waters shimmer after rain. Take a boat out, let mood extend— Why climb peaks where mists remain?

Qing Dynasty poet Zhang Fenghe also wrote:

A winding path where the waters glide, Sunlit streams gleam as hills draw nigh. Who’d care to ask of poet’s pride? This spot seems like the Penglai isle high.