Yushui Jinpen Tourist Area

Yushui Jinpen Tourist Area

The county seat of Pingtang is “backed by Longnao Slope to the east and encircled by the Pingzhou River on the south, north, and west. From the top of the Jusheng Pagoda on Lotus Slope, the entire county resembles a potted landscape. Legend has it that the Ming Dynasty Taoist priest Zhang Sanfeng once traveled here and composed a poem praising the view: 'Stone dragons turn day and night amid shifting sands; the jade water and golden basin splash guests with brine.' Since then, the area has been known as Yushui Jinpen.

Every year around the transition from summer to autumn, the county seat of Pingtang holds the Water Dragon Festival. The water dragon is made of willow branches and horsetail grass, shaped like a swimming dragon, and can be several meters to over ten meters long. It is fixed onto two bamboo poles and, depending on its length, paraded through the streets by a varying number of Bouyei young men under the guidance of experienced elders. During the event, all 24 ethnic groups in the county dress up in their finest attire, flocking to the county town to visit relatives, enjoy the festivities, browse the markets, and young people often take the opportunity to flirt, make friends, or seek potential partners. Meanwhile, dragon boat teams and water dragon teams from surrounding villages gather along the Pingzhou River for a grand opening ceremony. Amidst the clamor of drums and gongs, at the signal of the host, the dragon boat teams stationed on the river paddle vigorously, competing fiercely, while the various water dragon teams spread out to visit the streets, alleys, and compounds of the county town to offer festive greetings. Wherever the water dragons go, every household splashes water using ladles, basins, or water guns from their well-filled water tanks—onto the dragons and the gathered spectators alike. This water is called “auspicious water.” The more you’re drenched, the more blessings you’ll receive, ensuring peace and good fortune for the year. During this time, Pinghu Town, with only around ten thousand permanent residents, becomes packed with crowds, filled with laughter and songs, exuding an atmosphere of peace, prosperity, and joyful celebration.

About 5 kilometers from the county town, the Miao’erhe River has broad, gentle waters, lined with lush trees and dotted with ethnic leisure resorts, making it a great spot to experience local ethnic culture. The hillsides along the road from Miao’erhe to the county town are covered with peach trees, stretching into a forest known as the “Ten-Li Peach Garden”: in spring, the peach blossoms bloom, filling the sky with crimson hues; in summer, the branches grow thick and heavy with fruit.

About 15 kilometers from the county town, the Jingzhou River is wide, bright, calm, and emerald green. Towering ancient trees stand erect and verdant along its banks, surrounded by clusters of green bamboo and shaded by thick foliage, with silver mist lingering in the air, creating a serene and elegant scene. Bouyei villages are nestled against the mountains and by the water, scattered in charming disorder. Along the riverbank, waterwheels turn leisurely, adding dynamic charm to the tranquil setting. If you visit in season, peach, plum, rapeseed, and various wildflowers bloom in riotous colors, while butterflies flutter about and birds chirp melodiously.

The main highlights and activities in this area include the “Yushui Jinpen” water leisure experience, the Jingzhou pastoral scenery leisure experience, and the Miao’erhe farmhouse leisure experience.