Shunshui Bay

Shunshui Bay is located at the lower reaches of the Maotiao River, which flows directly into Liuguang River. The downstream section spans 18 kilometers, with Shunshui Bay situated at its mouth. The upper stretch features a deep gorge known as Xiangbi Gorge, while further downstream along Liuguang River lies Xiangbi Mountain. On the western bank, in Supu Town, there are remnants of the Xiang Temple, and the mid-to-lower section is called Baima Gorge. This area is characterized by perilous gorges, rapid waters, towering ancient trees, and steep cliffs—combining depth, danger, seclusion, serenity, and wonder in one gorge. Legend has it that this was a place visited by Yu Shun, one of the Five Emperors of ancient China, who accompanied his younger brother Xiangbi Hou on an inspection tour to the frontier. Not long after being exiled to Longchang Post, Master Yangming, while gazing toward the direction of the Xiang Temple on the western bank, accepted an invitation from An Guoxiang, the Pacification Commissioner of Guizhou, to explore the landscape here. He left behind the poetic line: “My dreams and soul rejoice in Heaven’s gifts, all found in Yexi by Shunshui Bay.” Later, legend says that Yangming intended to visit the Xiang Temple in Shuixi and came here again. However, due to the high mountains and rapid waters, neither the upward nor downward paths via the courier stations were passable. Despite his regret, he still composed the widely acclaimed “Record of the Xiang Temple,” another classic and enduring masterpiece included in *Guwen Guanzhi* (Models of Classical Prose).