Scenery of Xiaohegou

Scenery of Xiaohegou

Scenery of Xiaohegou

The Xiaohegou River originates from the Luoshui Kong area in Zhongshan Group, Zhongshan Village, and flows into the Masangkan River in our town. The confluence with the Masangkan River is about 3 kilometers from the Shuibatang town center. The Xiaohegou River is over 10 kilometers long, with a flow rate of 1.5 cubic meters per second. A fork in the road at the Masang River bridgehead leads on foot into Xiaohegou. Along the way, there are attractions such as Fish Spring, Siqiu Field, Sow Snail Cave, Stone Drum, Sheepskin Cave, One-Line Sky, Big and Small Geren Pond, Banana Umbrella, Natural Bridge, Niuxinzi, Luoshui Kong, and Shuabashui.

Upon first entering this valley, the cliffs on both sides rise steeply, as if hewn by knives or chiseled by axes—nature’s craftsmanship is truly breathtaking. The wondrous creations of nature are so lifelike, making you feel as if you’ve entered a fairyland, leaving you reluctant to leave.

Xiaohegou is formed by the convergence of multiple streams and mountain springs, with crystal-clear waters. The first attraction, Fish Spring, sees schools of fish retreating into the cave to rest in late autumn. The cave remains warm in winter and cool in summer. By mid-spring, the fish emerge along with the surging river waters—an enchanting sight. Just a few steps upstream from Fish Spring lies Siqiu Field, which is not a man-made paddy field but a naturally-formed wonder.

Sow Snail Cave consists of upper and lower sections. The lower cave emits year-round steam, with mist shrouding half the water inside. The cave entrance is narrow, but the interior opens up, and its depth is unfathomable. Fish and wild animals often dwell here. Legend has it that a herd of sows once appeared in this cave, grunting incessantly before rushing inside, hence the name Sow Snail Cave. After wading across a small pond, you’ll see a large drum-like rock with a hanging waterfall that strikes it like a stone hammer—the sound is thunderous, echoing through the canyon for a long time.

A few hundred meters further ahead, two mountains narrow to just 3.7 meters apart, towering over a hundred meters high. Looking up, only a sliver of light can be seen—a place known as “One-Line Sky.”

The most fascinating spots are the Big and Small Geren Ponds. By using long bamboo poles or fir logs laid across peculiar rocks upstream, you can cross over by holding onto a rope, with emerald-green water below. In summer, the water is bone-chillingly cold, and transparent fish leisurely swim beneath you. A few steps past the Small Geren Pond is Pigsty Gate, where two mountains come close together, barely wide enough to squeeze through. The threshold is a naturally-formed flat stone slab. To pass through, you must sidle sideways—then you reach Geren Pond. The cliffs lean toward each other, narrow at the top and wider at the bottom. The pond is over 100 meters high, 120 meters long, and 10 meters wide at the water surface, adorned with unique flowers and plants. Walking a few dozen meters into the pond, you’ll reach the legendary spot known as “Wooden Dragon Spreading Water.” According to legend, if visitors get too close to the Wooden Dragon, it will roar and the water level will rise sharply, with fathomless depths.

To cross the Big Geren Pond, you must climb a perilous rock face until you see Niuxinzi. This “son” sits in the middle of the valley, mirrored by two gorges, emerging like a stone stalagmite breaking through the rock. Looking up from below, it seems to pierce the sky. Other attractions include Banana Umbrella, Sheepskin Cave, Luoshui Kong, Natural Bridge, and Shuabashui, all home to rare flowers and plants. Banana trees exude a fragrant aroma, while the Natural Bridge gives a feeling of “a beautiful dwelling hiding its treasures.” The mountaintops are lush with greenery. There are five or six mountain spring waterfalls—some rush violently against rocks, sending beads of water flying everywhere; others cascade gently like “fairies scattering flowers.” There are also stone basins, stone fields, and stone flowers formed by water dripping through stone over time, as well as rare medicinal herbs and plants.

Xiaohegou boasts evergreen grasses and flowers that bloom all year round. It’s an ideal place for leisure and escaping the summer heat, and a great destination for spring outings or summer retreats. Free from pollution and noise, its essence lies in tranquility and wonder.