Niu Tou River

Niu Tou River

Niu Tou River

Niu Tou River Origin As poetically described in the "Song of Longshui" with the line “waters flowing west yet eastward bound,” this line vividly portrays the source and flow of the Niu Tou River within Qingshui County. The Niu Tou River, anciently known as the West River or Qingshui, and also called Qiao Shui, originates from Luzitan in Wangxing Township on the western side of Guan Mountain. It flows downstream, bends southward into the Wei River, and spans a total length of 79 kilometers within the county, running through the very heart of Qingshui. The banks of the Niu Tou River are lined with breathtaking natural landscapes, including such scenic wonders as Ancient Cave with Suspended Rock, Drum-Beating Deep Pool, Evening Rain over Bluish Rocks, Tangyu Hot Springs, Sunset Glow over Red Cliff, Pendant Pearls Hanging in the Valley, Moon Terrace and Cloud Shadows, Morning Mist over Bao Gai, Wispy Willows by the Clear Spring, Flying Springs atop High Ridge, Crouching Ox on the Cliff, Sleeping Camel on White Stone, Jade Screen Embracing Greenery, Pangong's Fairyland, Scenic Splendor of Five Dragons, and Remnants of Eight Wolves — all like gleaming pearls set in this beautiful homeland.

Pangong’s Fairyland

Located at the mouth of Xiaoquan Gorge in Hongbao Township, Qingshui County, Pangong’s Fairyland is said to be where Pang Yun, a native of Xiangyang in Huguang, sought enlightenment from the Zen master Mazu, asking, “When will I attain enlightenment?” Mazu replied, “When you can drink up the waters of the West River in one gulp.” Pang Yun attained sudden enlightenment, traveled far and wide, and eventually arrived at the mouth of the Niu River, realizing he had reached the West River. He then built a hermitage at Little Huashan by the riverside. Before his death, he scattered a treasure basin he had dug, which turned into colorful jade and precious stones scattered throughout the valley. These stones were later collected and crafted by later generations and came to be known as Pangong Jade.