Qingshui River Water Conservancy Scenic Area

Qinglong River Water Conservancy Scenic Area

The Qinglong River Water Conservancy Scenic Area is a national water conservancy scenic area.

According to the list of the 16th batch of national water conservancy scenic areas published by the Ministry of Water Resources, the Kaiyang Qinglong River Water Conservancy Scenic Area has been included.

The Qinglong River Water Conservancy Scenic Area is located in Hefeng Township, Kaiyang County. It is a national-level demonstration site for leisure agriculture and rural tourism. The area features a national cultural heritage site—the ancient architectural complex of Matou Village—and a provincial-level famous scenic spot—Xianghuo Rock. It neighbors the national “AAAA”-rated Nanhui Grand Canyon. The region boasts a profound culture of the Tusi of Shuidong, as well as rich ethnic customs of the Buyi and Miao peoples. Renowned scenic spots such as the Beautiful Jade Water and Golden Basin, Scholarly Family Homes, Prelude to Water Melody, Shuitou Village Resort, the Thirteen Buyi Visits, Yunshan Tea Sea, and the Longevity Ancient Bridge enjoy the reputation of being a “ten-mile beautiful gallery and patches of golden armor.”

The Qinglong River is located within Hefeng Buyi and Miao Township, Kaiyang County, Guiyang, 60 kilometers from the city center. The serene and picturesque rural scenery and the clear, bright river water resemble faint ink-wash paintings, making it a place people never want to leave. The thrilling yet safe rafting adds even more unforgettable memories. Qinglong River rafting is divided into two sections: the upper section runs from Dongdongtang in Wangche to Wangche Bridge, covering a distance of 6 kilometers; during high water levels, it extends to Hefeng Town, totaling 12 kilometers. This section offers an exhilarating experience, especially suitable for young adventurers challenging nature, but it is not recommended for those with heart disease, high blood pressure, or children. The lower section runs from Hefeng to Fenghuangzhai, spanning 10 kilometers. Here, the water flow is steady, and the riverside is dotted with ethnic minority villages, offering enchanting scenery with a gentle, feminine beauty, making it ideal for middle-aged and elderly visitors. About 80 meters west of Hefeng Town, the rafting reception station houses an exhibition hall and activity room of Mr. Zhu Qijin, a patriotic figure and renowned architect from Kaiyang. Accommodation is available at 100 yuan per room. When traveling by vehicle to Wangche, on rainy days you may need to walk about a kilometer to Wangche Village, home to only two Buyi families. The inflatable rafts are stored at local farmhouses. After inflating them, tourists and guides each carry their rafts down a steep mountain path for 500 meters. The canyon is about 300 meters deep, with the river being over ten meters wide. Along the way, there are no villages or signs of human habitation, allowing for pristine natural ecology and prominent river rocks. Rafting here involves immediate rushes through rapids, one after another, with endless waves—truly thrilling. One rapid stretches over 150 meters, which is unique compared to other rafting sections. During the trip, rafts often get stuck between boulders, and although the entire journey can be tiring, it's essential to eat and drink well beforehand. There are many one-meter-drop rapids where it seems the raft might capsize, but often it bounces off a rock and speeds down, resulting in frequent moments of relief after tension. Rafts filling with water or completely submerging are common, feeling like floating in the river. The course includes five major rapids, each more challenging than the last, countless smaller rapids, and only three brief calm sections totaling about a hundred meters, with a total drop of no less than a hundred meters. On the Qinglong River, experiencing ethnic culture is a joyful blend of humans and tradition. Under the dense shade of riverside trees, watch shrikes duel, listen to mountain song duets, and enjoy ethnic dances. Especially on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month, a grand traditional festival for the local Buyi and Miao peoples, people from tens or even hundreds of miles around gather to celebrate this lively and culturally rich event. Along the crystal-clear river, the 18 bends are flanked by 18 Buyi villages. Fields, sandy beaches, suspension bridges, mountain hamlets, ancient trees, and egrets fill the air with the fragrance of wildflowers and grasses, offering the joy of harmony between humans and nature.

Scenic Area

Prelude to Water Melody

This is the first stop of the Qinglong River as it reaches Shuitou, the Buyi mountain village in Hefeng Township, hence the name “Prelude to Water Melody.” Once infused with the rich Buyi culture, the Qinglong River becomes vibrant and full of charm. Shuitou Village is a simple, uniquely cultural, and deeply traditional mountain village. The enduring Buyi hospitality rituals and captivating Buyi culture will leave you in awe. The distinctive wooden and tiled houses of the Buyi, their carved doors and windows, stone carvings, and historical relics are truly remarkable. The traditional small distillery, the rustic tofu workshop, the authentic Buyi mountain songs, and the sweet, mellow rice wine will make you pause and lose yourself in their charm. The Buyi culture, with its long history, is full of delightful and colorful sights. The Buyi people, hardworking and hospitable, sing and dance to welcome guests from all directions. In the Buyi villages of Hefeng, you will be enchanted by this paradise-like natural wonderland and immersed in the joy of simple, traditional festival life... A thousand kinds of beauty and ten thousand kinds of charm are all found in the Buyi villages of Hefeng.

Jade Dragon Golden Basin

Here, the Qinglong River curves halfway around the vast Hefeng fields, which resemble a golden basin, creating this breathtaking landscape. Many photographers flock here to capture photo after photo, making this rustic scene famous throughout central Guizhou and beyond.

Yanghuang Village

Once the administrative seat of the ancient Yongzhen Geman Prefecture, it is also a historically significant ancient battlefield. In the fifth year of the Yuan Dynasty’s Dade era, the great Buyi uprising led by Song Longji broke out here, leaving behind many legends and well-preserved ancient relics. Adjacent to Yanghuang Village is Matou Village, an ancient Tusi settlement with a long history. Outside the village, ancient trees provide dense shade, reflecting the long history and enduring legacy of the settlement. Inside, the wooden and tiled houses, unique residences, and Ming and Qing-era traditional architecture showcase a sense of gravity and tradition. The flagstone pathways, narrow alleys, courtyards, and exquisitely crafted wood carvings are a feast for the eyes and leave visitors lingering in admiration.

Matou Village

A remnant of Ming and Qing culture, Matou Village is a Tusi settlement of high research and historical value. It was designated as a national cultural heritage site by the State Council in 2006. From the Zhaba Pond of the Qinglong River, one can overlook cascading waterfalls, misty green islands, silver-sand clear streams, golden-sand evening haze, terraced fields, and blooming mustard flowers, all set against the backdrop of beautiful villages and fertile farmland—an awe-inspiring rural masterpiece. Legend has it that during Zhuge Liang’s southern campaign in the Three Kingdoms period, when he captured Meng Huo after seven battles, he stationed troops in areas around Tangshang, Yingpan, Zhuge Village, Maba, Xinzhai, and Zhaba Pond. The place names in this area are steeped in legendary history.

Zhaba Pond

Originally called Changmangtong, it was an ancient musical instrument used in the military for signaling and ceremonial purposes. Perched high above with a strategically perilous position, it offers a commanding view of the surrounding villages along the Qinglong River, making it an ideal location for command posts. Residents have unearthed old house foundations, countless pottery shards, and ancient artifacts such as weapons, swords, and sabers, further substantiating the area’s legendary tales and adding depth of history to this evocative riverside site. Traditional Nuo opera performances are still held at Zhaba Pond. The mysterious masks and captivating performances earn enthusiastic applause from visitors. Japanese scholars and Guizhou Nuo opera experts have visited and spoken highly of the art form. In 2006, the Kaiyang County Federation of Literary and Art Circles invited over 60 photographers from Guizhou to capture images of the performances. Nuo opera culture has become a highlight of Zhaba Pond’s rural tourism development.