Liuxiang Stream

　　Originally named Dao Shui Keng, it is located at the northern foot of Tianxin Rock. Strangely enough, all the streams and springs within the Wuyi Mountain Scenic Area flow from west to east, rushing toward the gorge mouth and converging into the Chongyang Stream. Yet this particular mountain stream originates in the northern valley of Sanyang Peak and flows northwestward, seemingly flowing back into the mountain—hence its name.

　　The stream is flanked by towering cliffs of crimson stone, draped with hanging vines and wild grasses, yet dotted with clusters of wild orchids, stonecalamus, and mountain sweetflag. “Falling leaves drift on the deep stream, fluttering petals chase the rushing rapids.” As you walk along, the murmuring flow of water is accompanied by drifting petals, and wafts of subtle fragrance drift through the air from time to time. The Ming Dynasty poet Xu Huotong, who visited this place, was so reluctant to leave that he renamed the stream “Liuxiang” (Flowing Fragrance). Further north along the stream lies Qingliang Gorge. The gorge is enclosed by steep cliffs on both sides, and when you look up, you’ll see jagged rocks interlocking precariously overhead, leaving only a sliver of space through which sunlight barely penetrates at noon. The streaks of water trickling down the cliff face quickly turn into droplets that fall into the stream with a pleasant, tinkling sound.

　　Visiting in the height of summer, sitting on the stone ledges by the stream, you’ll feel a cool breeze brushing against you, with a refreshing chill in the air—as if you’ve entered a world of pure coolness. Not far out of Qingliang Gorge, you’ll see a dark mountain peak topped with a massive slab of rock leaning forward, resembling a farmer wearing a tilted straw hat. Legend has it that this huge rock flew here from afar, hence the name “Feilai Peak” (Flying-Over Peak). Circling around Feilai Peak, you’ll come face to face with Yuzhu Peak, which rises proudly and stands like a pillar reaching from the earth to the sky.

　　Source: Fujian Provincial Tourism Development Commission