YuanYang River

YuanYang River

The YuanYang River, also known as the Yuan River, originates in Weng'an County and flows into the Yuanjiang River. Its banks are characterized by rugged mountain ranges, layered gorges, towering peaks like Tian Shi Feng with its thousand-foot cliffs, as well as rolling hills and serene streams. The landscape is picturesque and the climate is mild. Notably, Zhuge Gorge, Dragon King Gorge, and West Gorge span 35 kilometers and are famous for their distinctive scenery. Zhuge Gorge is about seven kilometers long and is said to have been excavated during Zhuge Liang’s southern campaign to transport troops and supplies. The river narrows here, dotted with three treacherous shoals, making navigation feel as though one is passing through a jar. On the south bank, there is an intermittent spring at the mountaintop that is particularly remarkable. At dawn, noon, mid-morning, and mid-afternoon, bursts of water gush out in varying sizes with loud rumbling sounds. Initially, it resembles a sudden downpour, then splits into three separate waterfalls that cascade down and plunge into the river. Further downstream, at Gaobeizhai, lies a spacious lake.

Towering ancient trees and swaying bamboo groves line the banks. The river exits into the 16-kilometer-long Longwu Gorge, which at its narrowest point is only about 30 meters wide. The rocky cliffs are steep and sheer, creating an awe-inspiring “skyline” where only a sliver of the sky is visible — known as “One Line Sky.” The mountain is dotted with uniquely shaped stone pillars. Below Yongxi Village lies the West Gorge, where the path winds and turns, leading to unexpected scenic delights.