Scenic Landscape of Pingzhou River

Scenic Landscape of Pingzhou River

Scenic Landscape of Pingzhou River

The Pingzhou River scenic area, centered around the county town known as the "Jade Water Golden Basin," covers an area of 67.5 square kilometers and features 30 scenic spots. These include the "Jade Water Golden Basin" (the county town), Jingzhou, the Liudong River Gorge, the Damici River Gorge, and the Maonan Cultural Village at the head of the Liudong River, each with its own unique charm. Legend has it that during the Ming Dynasty, the Taoist Zhang Sanfeng traveled through Pingzhou and was so inspired that he climbed Yanghe Mountain. Using his finger as a brush, he carved a poem into the rock, praising the scenery of Pingzhou. The poem reads: “Morning sun on the eastern hills shines through mist, A rhinoceros lying on the ground stands out from the rest. Calm waves in the southern fields of Xin Ye, The North Star brings culture and grace. The stone dragon turns day and night over shifting sands, The Jade Water Golden Basin welcomes guest boats. Ancient relics remain among towering peaks, While radiant light emerges from the Green Coin Cave.” The bold and powerful calligraphy depicts the Eight Scenic Spots of Pingzhou.

The "Jade Water Golden Basin" scenery of the county town is set along the picturesque Pingzhou River. To the east stands the lush and towering Longnao Slope, while to the south, west, and north, the town is embraced by the river like a jade ribbon. From the viewing pavilion in Lianhua Park on the western side of the city, the landscape resembles a delicate bonsai—exquisite, graceful, and naturally charming—earning it the name "Jade Water Golden Basin."

The scenery of Jingzhou is located in the upper reaches of the Pingzhou River and showcases typical pastoral landscapes. The Jingzhou River is wide, with ancient trees lining its banks—tall, lush, and casting deep shade. Clusters of bamboo thrive along both sides of the river, shrouded in mist. The Buyi ethnic villages are nestled against the hills and by the water, arranged in a picturesque and orderly fashion. Primitive waterwheels rotate slowly along the riverbanks, while geese and ducks play in the water, creating a dynamic yet tranquil scene. Taking a boat ride along the Jingzhou River allows visitors to experience the poetic charm described in the line: “Even if Jingzhou can intoxicate its guests, nothing surpasses its serene beauty.”

The Liudong scenery is located to the south of the "Jade Water Golden Basin," about six kilometers from the county town, and is known as the "Ten-Mile Gallery." The Liudong Basin is a typical alluvial plain formed by karst landforms, covering a total area of 36.8 square kilometers.

The Damici River is located in the lower reaches of the Liudong River, stretching eight kilometers in length. Its banks feature steep cliffs that rise high, towering and majestic, with walls as sheer as if cut by a knife.

The Jiaying Natural Bridge spans between two peaks, standing 50 meters high, 30 meters wide, and extending 70 meters deep.