Qínshān Yìxiǎng

Qínshān Yìxiǎng

Qínshān Yìxiǎng

"Qínshān Yìxiǎng" has been one of the twelve scenic spots of Huishui since the Ming Dynasty. Located 2.5 kilometers east of the county town, on the left side of Midan Village along the upper reaches of the Lianjiang River, it can be reached by passing through Mengqiao outside the city and then crossing Midan Bridge, or alternatively by following the route from another tourist attraction, "Sānshuǐ Yíngtíng", and heading upstream along the river. Even before arriving at "Qínshān Yìxiǎng", visitors can already sense the captivating beauty of this spot, enjoying the picturesque scenery along the Lianjiang River — layered peaks, lush pines and cypresses, egrets soaring overhead, birds chirping melodiously, and fishing boats dotting the water.

At "Qínshān Yìxiǎng", the mountain range stretches from east to west, and when viewed from afar, it resembles a beautiful upright harp. The ancients thus called it "Qínshān" (Harp Mountain). Here, the forest whispers with the rustling of pines, and clusters of shrubs thrive in vibrant green. In spring, the mountains are ablaze with azaleas and a variety of wildflowers in full bloom. Bees buzz in swarms, butterflies flutter about, and the calls of pheasants and sparrows create a harmonious chorus. When autumn arrives, nature paints "Qínshān" with hues of orange and yellow. The drifting leaves, pine needles, and wild fruits intermingle in rich tones, presenting a scene of mature harmony — truly like an oil painting filled with deep emotion.

Within "Qínshān", there lies a serene valley stretching 3 kilometers in length, where jade-like stream water winds its way through. The valley is dotted with oddly shaped rocks emerging from the water — resembling old men, mischievous children, young maidens, and rare animals. Each formation is vividly expressive and lifelike, offering a feast for the eyes. The ancients called this stream "Dānshuǐ" (Cinnabar Water), whose flow varies from gentle to rapid due to the mountain terrain. In the fast-flowing sections, the water rushes like a woman continuously washing silk, sending up showers of silver beads and forming continuous white ribbons. At times, it resembles a group of playful children, leaping down from cliffs, splashing water droplets and creating multi-tiered waterfalls — a spectacular sight. Other times, it quietly emerges from crevices in the rocks, suddenly appearing where you least expect, as if laughing and playing hide-and-seek, before drifting away in silence. Delicate mosses in soft greens, clusters of unnamed wild grasses and flowers grow peacefully and moistly in the rock fissures. It's truly a world of unique charm. Midway through the valley, the "Dānshuǐ" is cleverly split by a huge boulder, dividing into two streams that cascade down the cliff, forming a spectacular "人" (human-shaped) waterfall. Though the drop isn’t particularly high, the "人" shape appears as if brushed by an immortal’s hand — majestic, bold, and carefree. Even more magical is the fact that beneath this "人" character waterfall lies a cave, large enough for a person to stand in, measuring about 3 meters in both length and width. Inside, stalactites take on a myriad of forms, while water droplets from the cave ceiling fall ceaselessly onto the stone floor below, producing a soft, tinkling sound like "ding-dong". This sound, amplified and resonated through the natural acoustics of the cave, creates an ethereal and distant echo — as if immortals were plucking strings in the valley, producing a melodious tune. This is how "Qínshān Yìxiǎng" (The Melodious Echo of Harp Mountain) got its name. Over the dynasties, countless visitors have come to admire the site, and literati have been inspired to compose poems and couplets. The most famous poem was written by the Ming Dynasty poet Zhou Zhihan: "Though they speak of the eastward Cuilu, The ancient, mystical stones hold secrets untold; Emerald waters dance with green moss, A perfect union where beauty unfolds. Soft whispers seem filled with thought, Like palace notes sung in a breeze; At first it sounds like flowing streams, Then shifts to the tunes of lofty hills with ease. Neither from a zither nor silk strings, But from earth and sky, a unique strain; Even Bo Ya, master of the lute, Would find his skill matched again and again." Due to the impact of the water, a 300-square-meter natural lake has formed at the valley’s entrance, surrounded by lush grass and dense woods. Ducks and geese play on the shimmering lake surface, and visitors can take small boat rides. About 2 kilometers upstream on the mountainside lies the Jiǔyǎn Dòng (Nine-Eye Cave), with nine interconnected openings twisting and turning in mysterious ways. Nearby is a massive karst cave, its interior adorned with spectacular stalactites. In short, these wondrous scenic spots — the valley, the Cinnabar Water — are mysteriously intertwined like gems on a string of pearls, dazzling and intoxicating to all who behold them.