Scenic Views of the Chishui River

Scenic Views of the Chishui River

The Chishui River enters from Longjing Township in the southern part of Renhuai City and flows through a 50-kilometer stretch up to Maotai Town. This section boasts stunning scenery, charming landscapes, numerous rapids, perilous valleys, dense vegetation, and a pristine, naturally formed beauty that creates its own picturesque views. It is the water source for the production of Maotai liquor and an ideal destination for scientific research and exploration.

The Ancient Salt Ferry is located beneath the "Wine River" cliff inscription in the Wugongyan Scenic Area. It serves as a testament to the salt transport history of the Chishui River and has a history of over 400 years. It was once one of the most prosperous salt transport ferry crossings along the river. The ferry was carved out of the rocks, and the stone steps, weathered by wind, rain, and saltwater immersion, have turned as white as jade, earning it the name "Snow Stairs."

Wengbian Cave is located at the lower end of the Ten-Mile Shoal. The rocky shoals are rugged and stretch far, featuring lush small hills and valleys. There is also a folk-style ancient salt transport exhibition room built here. On the riverbank, remnants of ancient embankments still stand firm despite years of wind and rain. The rapids here form a waterfall-like river scene. The surrounding mountains are uniquely shaped, featuring rock formations resembling stone bamboo shoots, a reclining beauty, and a snake swallowing a toad.

Lianghekou is situated at the confluence of the Tongzi River and the Chishui River. The canyon is deeply cut, creating a majestic atmosphere. On the cliffs, there stands the Lianghe Pavilion, next to which lies a “Heavenly Book” symbolizing “the celestial nectar bestowed upon this river.” From a distance, you can see the Tianbao Cave of Langjiu Distillery, the Sleeping Buddha at Erlangtan, and the grand view of the majestic Wugongyan.

Mayan Shoal is a key attraction along the Ten-Mile Gorge of Wugongyan. The cliffs on both sides come close together, forming unique shapes. There are the Sisters’ Springs, which flow down from both rock walls into the Chishui River, resembling a pair of lovers’ peaks standing tall. A massive boulder in the middle of the river blocks the flow, creating a waterfall. This section of the river is calm, making it suitable for boating and enjoying the scenic views of Sankezhuang.

The Tongzi River is a tributary of the Chishui River. It flows from Langzikou in Shatan Township, Renhuai City, to Lianghekou. This stretch features faulted rock layers, numerous cliffs and gorges, and crystal-clear waters that resemble a painting scroll. Attractions include Daughter Rock, Tu Family Rock, Langzikou, and Qiankou Rock, along with the rural homes of northern Guizhou and fields of sorghum.

Wugongyan Scenic Area: Wugongyan is named in honor of Wu Dengju, a local hero from the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong era who led villagers in dredging and repairing the Chishui River. This area was once the most treacherous section of the “Sichuan Salt Transport to Guizhou” route. The cliffs on both sides are steep as if cut by knives, with towering peaks, bizarre rocks, and uniquely rugged formations. There are many cliff inscriptions, rich in cultural significance.

When driving through the Wugongyan Scenic Area, the Chishui River’s rapids surge violently beneath your feet, while the gentle river breeze carries the faint, ever-present aroma of wine from the valley. It seems to remind travelers from all directions...

...that you are journeying alongside the “Wine River,” steeped in China’s profound liquor culture.

Tribute to Heroes at Erlangtan: From February 18 to 21, 1935, the main forces of the Red Army crossed the Chishui River for the second time from Erlangtan, Jiuxikou, and Taipingdu. They captured Lou Mountain Pass and then retook Zunyi City. From March 21 to 22, 1935, the Red Army mysteriously crossed the Chishui River for the fourth time from Erlangtan and Taipingdu, crossed the Wu River, struck at Guiyang, pressured Kunming, crossed the Jinsha River, and broke free from the encirclement and pursuit of hundreds of thousands of enemies, achieving a decisive victory since the strategic shift of the Long March. Standing at the head of Erlangtan, listening to the heroic river’s surging sounds, and looking afar at the Xijiu Distillery built against the mountain, the Langjiu Distillery across the river, and the ancient salt storehouse, you’ll see towers rising and pavilions swaying in the wind. An overwhelming sense of reverence for the heroes wells up spontaneously.

Location

Chishui City, Zunyi, Guizhou Province