Bai'gou Scenic Area

　　Bai'gou Scenic Area is located 12 kilometers south of Xinyuan County. Traveling up the Qiafu River, there lies a serene and elegant mountain valley—Bai'gou. The Qiafu River Bai'gou is one of the nearest tourist scenic areas to Xinyuan County. Driving about one kilometer south from the county town, you enter the Qiafu River Bai'gou, where the first sight to greet you is the roaring Qiafu River Waterfall, its waters rushing with unrelenting force. Approaching it, you can feel its majestic power and grandeur in the deafening roar, as if a mighty tiger were standing guard over the mountains.

　　Along the valley, various trees and shrubs grow in wild profusion, including mountain poplar, elm, wild apricot, wild apple, hawthorn, and sea buckthorn, filling the slopes. The riverbanks alternate between narrow cliffs facing each other with turbulent, frothing waters, and open, gentle stretches where the water flows as smooth as a mirror, winding along meandering paths. Where the road ends at the foot of the mountain lies the reception area of the Bai'gou Scenic Area. Descend the stone steps, cross the suspension bridge, walk into the birch forest, and follow the flagstone path, where stone benches and wooden tables stand by the wayside. Wooden cabins and yurts are tucked away under the shade of the trees, while flower umbrellas and pavilions peek out from the grass. Visitors gather in groups, immersed in the tranquil embrace of nature. Here you can play board games or sing and dance, try archery or horseback riding, savor ethnic delicacies, climb tall trees for a distant view, or scale cliffs to pick fresh fruits...

　　　Continuing southward, we enter the Qiafu River Valley. Traveling upstream along the Qiafu River, the mountain road winds with towering peaks on both sides, sheer cliffs and precipices lining the way. Looking up, the blue sky and white clouds seem to emerge from the gaps between the mountains. The slopes are covered with wild apricot and fruit trees, and at the foot of the mountains and along the riverbanks, tall, lush green poplars rooted in the water can be seen everywhere, their varied postures appearing to welcome visitors. The Qiafu River originates from the snow-capped mountains, its waters sometimes surging, sometimes calm, crystal clear as silver chains weaving through the mountains. In summer, you can see many tourists rafting down the river, creating a unique atmosphere, evoking the feeling of “ape cries echoing unceasingly on both shores, while the light boat has already passed countless mountains.”

　　Passing through the jungle and valleys, suddenly the sky widens and the mountains recede—this is the tourist site of the Bai'gou Scenic Area. From here, looking south, you can see layers of pine forests nestled between the blue sky and white snow, a truly spectacular sight. To the west, the mountains are steep, leading into the forest park, where you can immerse yourself in the rich scent of pine. To the east, the hills and woods are crisscrossed with quiet paths, truly embodying the poetic realm of “deep mountains and winding paths, suddenly coming upon a bright, flowery grove.” Crossing the pontoon bridge over the Qiafu River, you enter the Bai'gou Scenic Area. Amidst the green foliage, scattered red buildings serve as spots for dining, lodging, and entertainment. Secluded paths wind through the woods, accompanied by the murmuring of streams. You can leisurely fish by the clear stream, enjoying the carefree tranquility akin to Jiang Taigong. Perhaps the inspiration for “Plucking chrysanthemums beneath the eastern hedge, I glimpse the southern mountains in the distance” was born here. In the past, literati often gathered here to compose poetry, and the famous poet Tang Jialeke once created numerous works reflecting the lives of working people here.

　　Come, my friends, at this moment you are already in a paradise surrounded by green mountains, clear waters, and blue skies. Wash away your fatigue and worries, and fully enjoy all the gifts that nature has to offer.