The First Bend of the Ling River

The First Bend of the Ling River

The First Bend of the Ling River is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

The First Bend of the Ling River is located at the junction of Nanliangzi Village in Shuiquan Township and Shangwopu Village in Yangjiaogou Town, Kazuo County. Stretching approximately 3 kilometers in length and about 1 kilometer in width, the Ling River winds around a large S-shaped bend following the mountain terrain before rushing toward Pigeon Cave, creating a spectacular and naturally formed landscape where mountains and water blend in perfect harmony.

These mountains, carved over the years by the river’s flow, are steep and dramatic—towering and majestic, mysteriously rugged, yet also serene and graceful. They resemble a three-dimensional painting, combining grandeur with beauty, tranquility with wonder. The river here may not have the mighty force of the Yangtze or the enduring length of the Yellow River, but 5,000 years ago along its upper reaches, our ancestors gave birth to the brilliant Hongshan Culture—the cradle of Chinese civilization and a sacred land that commands worldwide reverence. A rich variety of birds and fish bring vitality to the area: small wild ducks, gray geese, swan geese, and herons forage in the water, sometimes dancing gracefully, sometimes chasing and playing, sometimes standing still and gazing. Plump fish occasionally leap out of the water in playful splashes, while fishing boats laden with catch return to shore, bringing the laughter of fishermen. Elderly duck herders hum tunes as they drift leisurely on the water. This is the largest wetland in the Chaoyang region and the most typical herbaceous marsh wetland in northern China, often hailed as the most beautiful wetland in western Liaoning. Rippling blue waters, dense reed beds, ferries gliding along the river, fishermen casting nets, rows of “fish traps,” waterfowl playing in the shallows, and the lush green crops along the banks—all set against a backdrop of mountains and sky—create a scene so enchanting it will surely make you linger.

In recent years, the newly built wooden boardwalk viewing area has won widespread praise from visitors. The Aomulun River rafting adventure, nestled among the surrounding peaks and peculiar rocks, offers a journey through nature’s grandeur with its varying currents. On weekend evenings, a vibrant Mongolian-style bonfire party awaits your participation.

Source: Tourism Bureau of Harqin Left Wing Mongolian Autonomous County