Baiwan Polar Region

Baiwan Polar Region

Baiwan Town is located in the northern part of Qingxin County, where the natural environment is harsh and living conditions are poor. It has long been known as “where ninety-nine mountains stand empty, the poorest place under heaven.” The town lacks all five elements — metal, wood, water, fire, and earth — and is referred to as the “Polar Region” near the Golden Triangle.

To help outsiders understand Baiwan and experience life in the mountains, the “Polar Region Tour” is a great initiative. The main attractions in Baiwan include Beijian Huanggong Village, the former residence of General Chen Keyu (currently awaiting restoration), Yanggong Ancient Temple, and Baiwan Christian Church. After renovation and reconstruction, these sites have unique features that are truly captivating.

Beijian Huanggong Village in Baiwan originally had over 20 households. Most houses in the village were built with stone, wood, and tiled roofs, and residents traditionally collected rainwater in open ponds. The area is covered with rocky mountains and rugged stones.

The Baiwan Christian Church was first built in 1937, reportedly established by Americans. In recent years, it has been renovated and improved while preserving its original character. Covering an area of more than 1,000 square meters, it now includes a worship hall, literacy classes, and a guesthouse. Every Sunday, many Christians gather here to pray, hoping to receive blessings from God. Baiwan Yanggong Ancient Temple was first built in the early Song Dynasty and was renovated in the ninth year of the Guangxu reign during the Qing Dynasty (1883), making it over a hundred years old. Due to its age, it has been rebuilt again.

The former residence of General Chen Keyu is said to have been a summer retreat where the general spent time every year. Some remnants of the original buildings still remain.

Baiwan Town enjoys a pleasant climate, with an average temperature that is 5–6°C lower than that of the Pearl River Delta and 2–3°C lower than that of Qingxin County. The air is fresh, and the surroundings are tranquil, making it suitable for vacationing. The area features typical karst landforms, with oddly shaped peaks and cliffs densely scattered across the continuous mountain ranges. Karst caves can be found everywhere. Traveling along National Highway 107 directly to Baiwan, visitors can explore the distinctive Jinlong Cave in Jintan. Upon arriving in Baiwan, the unique agricultural landscape is particularly eye-catching. Among the craggy rocks, various green plants are planted wherever possible. Between the mountainous areas and the plains, there are expansive mulberry leaf plantations, making it a great destination for agricultural tourism.

Taking a detour by car through Jiulong Town, Mingjing Town, and Yanbei Town in the southwestern part of Yingde City to reach Baiwan is part of the province’s famous “Yingxi Peak Forest Corridor” tourist route. Stretching over 20 kilometers, the secondary cement road winds through peak forests and clusters, with hundreds of linearly arranged limestone peaks standing in striking formation. Occasionally, ponds or streams reflect the steep cliffs, resembling the scenery of Guilin. Not far from Baiwan Town, the Yanbei Yangyan Cave boasts tourism value that is no less than that of the renowned Yingde Baojing Palace.