Guoshih River Taoyuan Cave Scenic Area

　　Guoshih River Taoyuan Cave Scenic Area was designated as one of the three county-level scenic areas by Nayong County Government in 1986 after a survey of scenic resources. It consists of four attractions: the reservoir lake, the dam waterfall, the wonders of Taoyuan Cave, and the peak forest and bubbling springs.

　　This scenic area is a tourist destination that integrates water lakes, artificial waterfalls, underground caves, bubbling springs, and peak forests, possessing significant development and sightseeing value. It has now been preliminarily developed as a leisure and entertainment spot for the people of Nayong and tourists during holidays.

　　The shimmering gravel steps resemble the terraced fields of the Wumeng Mountain region, like pearls, like gems, as if a golden ladder paved to the heavens. Ascending these steps, one can climb this towering ridge. Standing atop this peak, one can feast their eyes on the tall, graceful silver stalagmite pillars and stone forests before them—Seven-Meter Peak, Five-Meter Column, Snow Lotus Peak, Elephant Trunk Ridge, Pagoda Pine, Guanyin’s Seat, White Spirit Treasure Top, and more—all vividly lifelike, each exquisitely transparent, rising from the earth and piercing the sky. Strolling and admiring, there is wonder everywhere, beauty everywhere. The ear catches the gentle flow of hidden rivers, the eye takes in the surrounding stalactite forests, the air is fresh and serene, every step a poem, every glance a painting. Wandering through this treasure trove of wonders is like exploring the Dragon Palace under the Eastern Sea.

　　Taoyuan Cave was originally called Black Cave, and it too has a touching legend: It is said that at the bottom of this Black Cave lived a little black dragon. When he learned that the evil dragon in Weining Caohai was planning to spew water to flood and occupy the Maochang Dam (now the Lezhi Dam) and make it his home, this evil dragon swaggered into Nayong territory. The little black dragon hurriedly dispatched four bearers to lift a grand sedan chair to welcome him. Just as the evil dragon was about to raise its head and flood the dam, the Dragon-Hiding Scholar (a legendary immortal) slashed its vitals with a single stroke, cutting it in two, and its blood flowed like a river (now Fish Cave River). After its death, the evil dragon lay for a long time in the valley before Yongxi City (now Dragon Head Mountain). The little black dragon, not even having had the chance to flatter the evil dragon, turned around and dove into Black Cave, shutting the cave door behind him. The four bearers also died of fright on the ridge, and the sedan chair remains perched on the mountaintop to this day, transformed into Chair Mountain. Visitors who are interested can even try to wake up these four bearers and have them give you a ride for a spin.

　　At the foot of Girl Mountain in Taoyuan Cave lies another attraction of this scenic area—"Fruit-Covered Peak Forest Bubbling Springs." Countless bubbling springs shoot up into the sky, but these two are the largest, less than 200 meters apart, with a discharge of 500 kilograms per second. Look at the smaller bubbling springs nearby, sending up countless splashes, whispering like secrets or playing a continuous melody like a zither. It is measured that these bubbling springs are all outlets of the underground rivers in Taoyuan Cave. They remain unaffected by mountain floods year-round, with crystal-clear water, making them the best drinking water source for nearby villagers.

　　At the top of the bubbling springs is a forest of peaks rising from the ground. Whether viewed from afar or up close, they resemble the peerlessly beautiful mountains of Guilin—each peak covered in emerald foliage, with steep, elegant cliffs. The flatlands between the mountains boast fertile soil. Venturing into this area, one hears the chirping of orioles and swallows, sees flowers blooming everywhere, offering a rare and beautiful experience. Look at the farmsteads nestled at the feet of the shaded woods—how leisurely and carefree they are. Beneath these beautiful peaks, generations have lived peaceful and contented lives. A poem praises it:

　　Autumn brings red leaves, winter offers tea,

　　Spring sees a hundred miles of azaleas;

　　All four seasons feel like spring, always here,

　　People live beneath the green trees’ shade.

　　The lake of Guoshih River combines lake water and pine forests into one hue, with reflections of mountains and water stretching into a vast, misty expanse. The beautiful lake water changes endlessly through the seasons—sometimes clear, sometimes deep blue, sometimes emerald green, sometimes soft red—utterly enchanting. Morning glow and evening sunset bathe the gentle lake in radiant light, dazzling and resplendent. Under the bright moon, the silvery moonlight spills over the lake surface, creating sparkling ripples that are truly captivating. Boating on the lake, where the water and mountains reflect each other, surrounded by encircling peaks, each summit uniquely shaped, irregularly mirrored—

　　as they sink into the lake, brings peace to the heart and joy to the spirit.

　　On the left bank, a semi-circular lakeside pavilion corridor has been built. Here, one can disembark from the boat, ascend the pavilion, gather with friends, and gaze into the distance at the lake and mountain scenery, taking in all the beauty of nature. Thoughts wander freely. People leisurely sit on this corner pavilion, whether to share romance, compose poetry behind screens, discuss ancient and modern times, talk about world affairs, or play cards and chess—endless enjoyment awaits.

　　A stroll around the lake is accompanied by connected greenery and vibrant life. Within this lush thicket of shrubs lies a kingdom of birds. Red-crowned cranes, a second-class nationally protected species, frequently visit. Birds of all kinds chirp in the woods, while cuckoos call out seasonally from high above, like a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix.

　　Look at the large boat permanently stationed on the lake, approximately 30 meters long and 10 meters wide, divided into upper, middle, and lower decks, named the "Water Amusement Park," where visitors can sing, dance, eat, drink, and enjoy themselves to the fullest. The top deck also features leisure rooms where, after playing and feasting, visitors can rest and spend a delightful night aboard the boat.

　　Looking at the man-made dam, it resembles a giant dragon sealing its jaws, locking in the flow of the Guoshih River. The dam stands like a mighty fortress, 35 meters high, 5 meters wide, and 110 meters long. On both sides, artificial staircases with 97 steps each have been built, allowing visitors to climb up either side of the dam. From here, one can gaze into the distance, where Guoshih River Reservoir shines like a pearl embedded among the mountains—crystal clear, picturesque, and enchanting, with the full view of lake and mountain scenery before one’s eyes. During the rainy season, water gushes from the dam, forming an artificial waterfall with white waves surging to the sky, the sound shaking the valley. In the dry season, the dam still flows with a gentle trickle, like a silver ribbon drifting, or the sound of a zither echoing through the valley, offering a uniquely charming scene. A closer look stirs endless reverie.