Baihetian

　　Baihetian is located in the Baihetian Scenic Area of Qingshui Township, Zhenba County. The valley is densely forested, with layers of picturesque woods, gurgling springs, and murmuring streams. Its well-preserved natural ecology and stunning mountain-water landscapes have gradually made it an ideal destination for tourism and exploration.

　　“As you arrive at Baihetian, the mountains seem to draw closer, you pass your hands along the cliffs, and one misstep could send you into the river.” A local rhyme vividly describes the steep and precipitous nature of Baihetian. The Baihetian Scenic Area is situated at the main peak of the Daba Mountains—Jiangan Mountain, covering a total area of over 200 square kilometers, with an average annual temperature of 13.8°C. “Emerald peaks reflect in the high lake, and extraordinary mountains create splendid views.” Stretching for thousands of miles, the Daba Mountains bend sharply at Renhe in Qingshui Township, squeezing out a clear and pristine river in between—that is the ever-flowing Baihetian River. Like a gentle and serene maiden, Baihetian wears a long silver veil as she sings and dances in the deep mountains; she is also like a skilled musician, playing heavenly melodies lightly in the secluded valleys. Her delicate beauty is her tender expression, her gracefulness is her transcendent character, and her crystal-clear waters embody her unyielding vitality. In tranquil stretches, the water is as smooth as a mirror, crystal clear, where the rare Chinese giant salamander wanders; in rapid sections, snow-white waves surge, splashing like jade and flying like petals, resembling a magnificent symphony.

　　The mountains of Baihetian stand opposite each other, with towering peaks reaching thousands of feet, creating an awe-inspiring atmosphere. In the past, macaques were often seen leaping between the two cliffs. In the steepest areas, the mountains look as if they were cleaved by knives and axes, inspiring fear just by looking at them. Yet, tenacious trees grow from the rocks, cling to the stone faces, and thrive on the cliffs, performing a legend of life against all odds.

　　Looking up from the foot of the mountain, the sky narrows into a thin line, and the valley below is dark, mysterious, and deeply serene—calling this place the “One-Line Sky” is no exaggeration.

　　Walking along the narrow path beside the river valley, the way suddenly comes to an end, blocked by a deep ravine. After looking around, you’ll see a stone arch bridge connecting the two sides. The bridge is less than ten meters long and less than five meters wide.

　　On the cliff next to the bridge, rows of chiseled marks are clearly visible, along with inscriptions from the 19th year of the Guangxu reign in the Qing Dynasty indicating when the bridge was built. Three bold and powerful characters

　　“会仙桥” (“Hui Xian Bridge” or “Immortals’ Meeting Bridge”) stand out prominently. Locals say the name has an interesting backstory. At the start of the bridge’s construction, an old man asked to join the work crew, but the foreman refused because he looked disheveled. The old man left in a huff. He stayed with a poor family nearby who treated him warmly, yet every day he would simply tap away at a single stone. Eventually, he carved it into a pig trough and gave it to the family. Before leaving, the old man told them that if the stone trough was needed when bridging the final gap, they should ask for five taels of silver for it. Unexpectedly, when closing the final section of the bridge, they truly lacked one crucial stone, and none of the available stones fit properly. By chance, they found the pig trough, tried it—and it fit perfectly. The poor family explained the story, and everyone believed it must be divine guidance. Hence, they named the bridge “Immortals’ Meeting Bridge.” For a time, the bridge became famous, drawing visitors from nearby villages to pay their respects. Through wind and rain, the Immortals’ Meeting Bridge continues to welcome familiar and unfamiliar footsteps every day. Passersby may forget its name, but they won’t forget the courage and hard work of those who built it.

　　Gaze at the mountains, the waters, and the lush forests; listen to the springs, the waterfalls, and the enchanting legends. Baihetian is naturally beautiful, vividly alive, and miraculously captivating. We believe that as the county’s tourism industry continues to develop rapidly, more people will unveil her mysterious veil.