Last updated 2026-11-15 — Panlong River Ecological Wetland About a mile north of Panlong Mountain lies a winding section of river—it’s the Panlong River. The Panlong River meanders in eighteen twists and turns, with many ponds along its banks where lotuses are grown and fish are raised. Willows and poplars line the shores. In summer, the dense green shade, clear flowing water, sunlit lotus flowers, and wafting fragrance create a serene scene... Today, only one bend of the original river remains. Due to years of neglect, most of the riverbed has collapsed, merging with the surrounding ponds. It has lost the tranquil charm of the past but has gained a touch of pristine simplicity. The ponds are overgrown with reeds, and in summer, they present a scene reminiscent of “lush reeds.” Amid the reed beds, more than ten earthen mounds are scattered irregularly, dotted with poplars, willows, and locust trees. Beyond the reed marshes stretch vast fields of green crops, and in the distance lie continuous rolling mountains. The outline of the Panlong River can still be faintly seen among the reeds. The water flows slowly without mixing with the pond water, making it exceptionally clear. The aquatic plants—some needle-like, some thread-like, some ribbon-like, and some feather-like—are uneven in shape yet uniformly tender green. The fish in the water are lively and playful, attracting long-beaked birds that dart back and forth across the surface, busy at work. Cicadas sing from the trees, reed birds chirp from the reeds, frogs croak by the water, and crickets chirp in the fields—all are nature’s talented musicians. On sunny days after rain, when the breeze is gentle and the sun is bright, they sing joyfully, producing exceptionally pleasing sounds. The songs here vary from rugged to melodious, while the scenery ranges from bold to delicate, complementing each other in perfect harmony. At the border between the reed marshes and the fields of crops, there’s a winding path. On both sides of the path, wild grass grows lush, embodying the poetic line “the road is narrow with overgrown vegetation.” In the early morning, dewdrops cling to the grass, sparkling under the sunrise like the shy glances of a maiden in love. By mid-morning, the dew has evaporated, and the area becomes a playground for grasshoppers and crickets. A narrow side path branches off the main trail, leading deep into the reeds. At the end of this fork lies a large earthen mound with an ancient locust tree. Though old, the tree shows no signs of aging—its branches are lush, and its leaves are abundant. The canopy covers the entire mound, and beneath it lies a smooth half-stone stele. This is an ideal spot for fishing—whether you catch a fish or not, there’s no joyous celebration or disappointment. The pleasure isn’t in the act of fishing itself, but in connecting with nature and capturing its spirit.