Pan Dao Xiao Shui Gorge

Pan Dao Xiao Shui Gorge

Pan Dao Xiao Shui Gorge is located in the western part of Huangzhong County, covering a total area of 740,000 mu. It boasts abundant species resources as well as natural landscapes such as Pan Dao Valley Waterfall, alpine canyons, hundred-mile azaleas, ten-mile plum blossoms, highland pastures, and Pan Dao Reservoir. It is a tourist attraction that blends nature, culture, adventure, and exploration. Some have praised it as “To know the wonders of the plateau, visit the diverse scenes of Pan Dao.”

Xiao Shui Gorge is located 10 kilometers south of Dongcha Village, Gonghe Town, Huangzhong County, at an altitude of over 3,200 meters.

The waterfall is the foremost spectacle of Xiao Shui Gorge. The mountain stream, a brilliant blue, cascades down from a V-shaped canyon, forming countless waterfalls of varying heights. Unlike cliffside waterfalls, the ones in Xiao Shui Gorge are terraced, created by the elevation drops along the canyon — this is their most distinctive feature. Above are plunging falls, below are small pools, and beneath the pools are more falls, creating a continuous chain of waterfalls and pools. For countless millennia, the stream has carved the valley bed into extremely smooth rock channels, and eroded basins resembling stone pots. The waters in these pools are crystal clear, shimmering with a delicate luster.

The highest waterfall in Xiao Shui Gorge is located at the head of the gorge, with a drop of over ten meters. The brilliant blue stream rushes down from the rock channel, forming waterfalls, droplets, and mist. Splashing silver and tossing pearls, flowing with golden light, it creates countless rainbows under the sunlight. Though not as grand as the massive rainbows after thunderstorms, these are delicate and beautiful. Standing amid such scenery, one instantly senses the boundless sanctity of Xiao Shui Gorge. It feels as if my soul has been purified by holy water, all impurities washed away, leaving my heart open and clear. Water is a symbol of purity, and seeing the waters of Xiao Shui Gorge, I truly understand the meaning of “sanctity.” The water here flows from mountain springs above the snow line, entirely unpolluted, and runs over solid bedrock, making it exceptionally clear and stunningly beautiful.

Unique rocks are the second highlight of Xiao Shui Gorge. The area contains a wealth of “malachite,” which comes in shades of purple-red, emerald green, yellow, and white. These colorful stones are covered with regular, semi-circular patterns resembling the tail feathers of peacocks — hence the name “peacock stone.” When you find a piece, splash some water on it, and the patterns become even more breathtaking. Some rocks weigh three or four tons, others one or two tons. Without great effort and expense, they simply cannot be removed from the gorge, leaving onlookers to sigh in admiration. Otherwise, these “peacock stones” would have long been turned into cash or collected by enthusiasts in hotels and private homes. But appreciating these stones is also a pleasure. The variously sized river pebbles in the streams of Xiao Shui Gorge attract many collectors. If you have a deep interest in stone culture, you may find your own favorite among them — a rewarding experience that will bring joy for life.

Precipitous peaks are the third attraction of Xiao Shui Gorge. Standing within the gorge and gazing at the surrounding mountains and strange peaks, one can’t help but feel that Xiao Shui Gorge embodies the wonder of stone forests, the danger of Mount Hua, and the beauty of Guilin’s landscapes. The overlapping ridges, sheer cliffs, and rugged stone peaks stand tall and crisscrossed. The rocky summits look like jagged teeth. From a distance, the bizarre rocks resemble stone pines, stone figures, and stone beasts, seemingly in motion when viewed for long. No matter where you focus, each scene resembles a beautiful landscape painting. Such incredible craftsmanship could never be created by human hands. Looking up, eagles soar in the blue sky, clouds wrap around the peaks, and the strange summits appear and disappear. Sunlight filters through the clouds onto the lush mountainsides, casting strange golden shadows that add to the mysterious allure of Xiao Shui Gorge.