Xiangshuidong

Xiangshuidong

Xiangshuidong is located 10 kilometers east of Songtao County, with terrain that slopes from high in the east to low in the west, at an elevation between 500 and 1200 meters. It sits at the intersection of the Tongren section of the provincial highway and the Songgu trunk line, making transportation convenient. According to the "Records of Scenic Spots" in the *Songtao Hall Chronicles*, Xiangshuidong is one of the Eight Scenic Views of Songtao, known as "Flying Springs of Xiangshui."

The beauty of Xiangshui lies in its water. To the north, there is a spring outlet on Baba Mountain, and to the east, one on Yatai. The springs flow all year round.

The spring gushing from the cliffs of Baba Mountain cascades down, with water striking rocks, creating a thunderous roar that is awe-inspiring. Next to the waterfall is a large karst cave connected to it. The cavern is spacious and deep, adorned with a dazzling array of stalactites and stalagmites in countless shapes, vividly portraying scenes such as the Black Dragon Soaring, Flying Snowfield, Waterfall of the Miao Village, Heavenly Spirit General Mustering Troops, and the Galloping Steed—each rendered with vivid detail and charm. At the bottom of the cave, there is an underground stream; you can hear its sound but not see its form, hence the name “Xiangshui (Sounding Water) Cave.” The water flows for several dozen meters before being blocked by a huge rock. The spring then surges through various channels, spraying out in multiple streams, scattering beads of water and sparkling light in all directions. When the water flow is lighter, it sounds like rapid drumbeats, “dong dong” against the rocks. When reaching a steep slope with about a 40-meter drop, the water is obstructed by multiple layers of cliffs, causing the waterfall to intermittently surge, retreat, and twist along the terrain. As the landscape changes, it resembles a graceful and elegant fairy dancing lightly as she descends to the mortal world—an enchanting sight. The spring from the Yatai outlet flows through approximately 100 meters of terraced fields before plunging down a cliff with a drop of about 200 meters. The waterfalls like a white silk ribbon falling from the sky, truly evoking the image of “the Milky Way descending from the heavens.” In autumn and winter, when rainfall decreases, the water falls gently from mid-air like fine threads or snowflakes, drifting with the wind and landing in the pool. At times it forms circles, at others curves, wriggling and twisting like a dragon playing in the water—a marvelous sight. When sunlight shines brightly, visitors standing on the Rainbow Viewing Platform at Yankezhai can see the misty droplets displaying a spectrum of colors—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet—like a rainbow lying across the waves. The two clear, crystalline springs converge at Zaizhai in Xiangshuidong, then cascade down the cliff again, forming the grand Xiangshuidong Waterfall, which has a drop of 70 meters and a width of 20 meters. The waterfall is majestic, with a thunderous roar audible several miles away. The significant drop has enabled the construction of three cascading hydroelectric stations. At night, the power stations look like glowing pearls embedded in the tranquil mountain village, resembling scattered stars. In winter, the delicate ice flowers on the mountaintop are crystal-clear, and the ice hooks under the waterfall hang gracefully midway down the slope, resembling exquisitely crafted artworks that are a feast for the eyes. The snow-covered mountain village, draped in silvery white, takes on an exceptionally enchanting charm. Thanks to the excellent water quality and fertile land here, the locally grown rice is renowned both domestically and abroad for its premium quality, rich oil content, snow-white appearance, and fragrant taste. Historical records indicate that during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was specially transported to the capital each year as a tribute to the imperial family. The beauty of Xiangshuidong also lies in its mist. At sunrise or sunset, two dense mists slowly emerge from the spring outlets on either side, resembling two silver dragons leisurely moving and gradually merging into one. In moments, the mist spreads out, with varying densities, intensities, speeds, and directions, creating an ever-changing, mysterious atmosphere. Dense fog appears like tufts of white cotton, shrouding everything in a vast haze for miles, making one feel as if lost in a sea of smoke, unsure where the other shore might be. Lighter fog is like transparent gauze, floating softly and draping a mysterious veil over the mountains, trees, and forests. Heavy fog makes you feel damp and heavy, as if you could reach out and touch it—neither rain nor not, leaving your clothes and shoes completely wet. Light fog is like a gentle mist or thin haze, barely perceptible, lingering among the forests, flowers, streams, and springs, appearing and disappearing with the wind, sometimes near, sometimes far.

The beauty of Xiangshuidong also lies in its bamboo forests. Heading north from Xiangshuidong Miao Village toward Zubang, you will enter a bamboo forest that will leave you breathless with its vast canopy of bamboo shadows and countless bamboo paths. Some bamboo paths wind through valleys, giving a sense of entering a secluded paradise; others meander along hillsides, offering the joy of climbing; still others sit atop ridges. Strolling through them, you can see nearby and distant mountains layer upon layer through the bamboo, instantly feeling your heart and mind open up, as if you are wandering with nature itself. After spring rains, the bamboo forest, having endured the harsh winter, sprouts dense clusters of bamboo shoots. Thick shoots emerge from pathways, doorsteps, and even beneath massive rocks. On quiet nights, you can even hear the “pu, pu” sounds of them growing. Exiting the bamboo forest, you’ll arrive at the Ten-Li Tonghua (Paulownia Flower) scenic spot. Walking amidst the flowers, you are surrounded by “flower lanes, flower corridors, flower cliffs, flower peaks, and a sea of flowers,” immersing yourself entirely in the vibrant beauty of the blooming tonghua.

Ascending Huanglianao, you will reach Panshi Ancient City. Built in the eighth year of the Zhengde era during the Ming Dynasty under Emperor Wuzong, the city underwent multiple renovations and expansions to become a structurally complete and well-fortified ancient town. The city walls feature 360 crenellations, each guarded by a soldier, with four city gates—east, south, west, and north—and a gun battery at the recessed bastion. Inside the city, there is a 6-foot-wide wall-top path, government offices, and a cross-shaped street for markets. To the south lies a pavilion for receiving visiting officials, called the “Official Reception Pavilion.” To the west is a martial arts training ground spanning approximately 15 acres. Panshi Ancient City served as an important political and military hub of the Ming Dynasty in the Miao region. During the Qianlong–Jiaqing-era Miao uprisings in the Qing Dynasty, the ancient city became a strategic stronghold for the Miao people resisting Qing forces. After the failure of the uprising, to strengthen control over the Miao people, the Qing Dynasty expanded and reinforced the city once again, erecting the “Reconstruction of Panshi Ancient City Stele” at the south gate. This stele is a crucial historical artifact for studying the regional history of Songtao and the struggle history of the Miao people.

Xiangshuidong Miao Village preserves the Miao people’s complete traditional language, unique culinary culture, and simple lifestyle customs. In addition to enjoying the natural scenery of the Miao region, visitors can admire the densely packed stilted houses of the Miao, as well as world-renowned Miao cultural performances such as climbing knife ladders, walking on fire, flower-drum dances, lion dances, and the “Eight-Person Swing.” The Miao’s ethnic artistry is also on full display through their brocade weaving, silver jewelry, and traditional costumes. Products from the local Miao girls’ embroidery workshop—including garments, belts, curtain door covers, and sofa cushions—are exported to Japan, Southeast Asia, and beyond. Since the reform and opening-up, Xiangshuidong, as an ethnic cultural village, has rebuilt scenic elements with ethnic characteristics such as covered bridges, guesthouses, and waterwheels. It has hosted thousands of visitors, including experts, scholars, and tourists from Japan, the United States, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and domestic regions. China Central Television’s program *Zhengda Variety Show* specially came here to film a feature on “Xiangshuidong Ethnic Cultural Village,” which was broadcast to audiences nationwide, introducing its unique charm to many more people.

The Xiangshuidong scenic area is blessed with a unique combination of picturesque landscapes, karst cave wonders, pastoral scenery, and ethnic culture. Its accessible location makes it an ideal destination for sightseeing, summer retreats, and cultural exploration.