Jinghe Source

Jinghe Source

The Jinghe Source Scenic Area is located in Jingyuan County within the mountainous region of southern Ningxia. With its picturesque landscapes — lush peaks, dense forests, abundant grasslands, cascading waterfalls, flowing springs, birdsong and floral scents — the area combines the grandeur of the north with the elegance of the south, earning it the nickname the "Green Island" on the Loess Plateau. It was designated as a provincial scenic area in 1995.

Key scenic spots here include the Lotus Garden, Old Dragon Pool, Little South Mountain, Erlong River, Ghost Gate Pass, Cool Palace Gorge, and Shanan Gorge, as well as the Swing Frame, Yanling Temple Grottoes, Baozishan Park, and Chengguan Mosque.

The Lotus Garden Scenic Area is located 5 kilometers west of the county town. A winding path leads 8 kilometers into the gorge, where towering green mountains stand facing each other, a stream flows through the middle, and the hillsides are covered in lush trees. The crystal-clear creek is alive with buzzing bees, fluttering butterflies, and the gentle sound of flowing water. Most enchanting are the grassy banks along the stream, where from May to August wild lotuses bloom in abundance, their umbrella-like leaves interwoven and yellow flowers exuding a sweet fragrance.

The Old Dragon Pool is the source of the Jing River. Its deep, dark green waters are unfathomably deep. Legend has it that this is where the Tang dynasty minister Wei Zheng dreamed of slaying the dragon king, and it is also the setting of the famous tale “The Story of Liu Yi Delivering a Letter.”

The Erlong River is located 30 kilometers south of the county town. Legend says that when the old dragon king resided in the dragon pool, he sent his two sons to set up camp and guard the strategic river pass here, hence the name Erlong River (Two Dragons River). Lining the river are peculiar peaks and quiet valleys, interspersed with pine forests, lush grass, birdsong, floral aromas, and murmuring streams. Cool Palace Gorge is located 25 kilometers southwest of the county town, in the heart of the Liupan Mountains. With its moist climate, serene environment, and stunning scenery, it has been a renowned summer retreat since ancient times. Historical records say that Genghis Khan, the Mongol emperor, rested and regrouped here during his western campaign, and pavilions and towers were built at the site. To this day, remnants such as a horse-tying stone, pillar bases, horse troughs, and flagpole stands can still be found.