Xiao Nanhai

　　Xiao Nanhai is situated at the junction of Xianfeng County in Hubei Province and Qianjiang District in Chongqing, spanning an area of about 30 square kilometers. It is a high-altitude freshwater barrier lake scenic area that combines mountains, water, islands, gorges, and other landscapes. Known as the "Jewel of the Deep Mountains," the "Fairyland on Earth," as well as the "Earthquake-formed Lake" and the "West Sichuan West Lake."

　　 Regarding the formation of Xiao Nanhai, there was once the "gravitational landslide theory." In 1967, three experts from the Institute of Geophysics in Kunming, Yunnan, conducted surveys at Xiao Nanhai. After preliminary research, they concluded that judging from the major and minor landslides around Xiao Nanhai, it was formed by a gravitational landslide. In 1998, experts from the Chongqing Seismological Bureau first surveyed the site. Their research initially suggested that Xiao Nanhai was an earthquake relic. In 2000, the Chongqing Seismological Bureau invited two authoritative seismology experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ding Guo and Ma Jin, to investigate. The two 70-year-old experts summarized Xiao Nanhai with the words "stunning and shocking." During the evaluation meeting, they unanimously agreed that the major and minor landslides were results of seismic faults, not landslides, and concluded that the geological formation of Xiao Nanhai was "unique in China and rare in the world." Thus, Xiao Nanhai was officially determined to be of seismic origin.

　　 In fact, both folklore and local county records have documented a major earthquake in the sixth year of the Xianfeng reign. According to the Qing Dynasty's "Qianjiang County Annals": "In the sixth year of Xianfeng (1856 AD), on the 21st day of the fifth month, a massive earthquake struck. The mountains in Houba Township collapsed... and the creek mouth was buried. Later, during the peak of summer rains, the creek swelled and became blocked, forming a large lake that stretched over 20 li." The "Xianfeng County Annals" from the fourth year of the Tongzhi reign state: "In the fifth month of the sixth year of Xianfeng, a great earthquake occurred. The mountains at Dalu Dam collapsed, creating a lake spanning over 30 li from Meijia Wan, Banqiao Creek to Shepan Village, killing hundreds of villagers, most of whom were surnamed Li." The "Lai Feng County Annals" from the fifth year of the Tongzhi reign in the neighboring Lai Feng County also provide a very detailed account of this earthquake: "On the sixth day of the fifth month in the sixth year of Xianfeng, at dawn, an earthquake shook the area. Even the roof tiles rattled. The quake affected hundreds of li all around. The area near Dalu Dam, at the border of Xianfeng and Qianjiang, was particularly severely impacted..." The entire account spans over 200 characters, specifically mentioning: "At the foot of the mountain, there was originally a river. The river was blocked by fallen rocks, causing the water to flow backward and flood an area of more than 20 li. The water accumulated into a pool, roughly six to seven li wide, with unfathomable depth." Had the experts been slightly more familiar with the local history, the "gravitational landslide" theory might never have emerged.

　　 Experts have confirmed that the Xiao Nanhai geological site is the most well-preserved earthquake relic in China and is also extremely rare globally. As such, it holds significant value for scientific research, education, and tourism development. To this day, remnants of the faulted cliffs formed by the earthquake—such as the major and minor landslides on the north side of Haikou—are still clearly visible. Beneath these landslides lie dense piles of boulders, with huge rocks scattered everywhere. These boulders generally range from 1 to 5 meters in diameter, with some exceeding 10 meters. They have formed a natural dam at Haikou, giving rise to a series of freshwater lakes including Xiao Nanhai, Wang Dahai, Xiao Shen Tang, and Du Jia Tang.

　　 Xiao Nanhai was originally named Xiao Ying Hai. Presumably, the locals had never seen such a vast expanse of water, so they referred to it as a “sea.” Due to its unique and beautiful natural landscape, Xiao Nanhai has now become a renowned scenic tourist area.

　　 Xiao Nanhai is surrounded by picturesque peaks, with oddly shaped rocks lining the Haikou area. The streams along the lake meander, while inner channels crisscross the lake. Boats drift across the green waters, with fishermen and locals moving to and fro; gulls and egrets fly together, their shimmering reflections dancing between sky and sea. Each season brings its own wonders, and every change in light—morning, evening, sunny or rainy—creates infinite transformations.

　　 Entering from Haikou, you will successively encounter three islands: Chaoyang Temple, Laoguanping, and Niubei Island.

　　 The islands are shaded by ancient pines, blooming with camellias like clouds. Thatched cottages and bamboo houses dot the landscape, accompanied by the crowing of roosters and barking of dogs, presenting a pastoral scene. Chaoyang Island, the second largest island in Xiao Nanhai, is named after the former Chaoyang Temple located there. Ascending the steps onto the shore, you’ll hear the sounds of dogs and chickens—a classic rural scene. Rare ancient trees such as iron fir soar skyward, while twisting ancient pines reach toward the clouds. Clusters of green bamboo shoot up, creating lush shade. On the eastern side of the lake’s central island, Laogeping, lies Golden Beach, where neatly arranged pebbles dot the shore, playing with the water, complemented by the island’s pine-scented woods and camellia blossoms nestled among the greenery.

　　 Among the three islands of Xiao Nanhai, the largest and most beautiful is Niubei Island. This is not only because it has inspired numerous folk tales and mythical legends—rich in poetic charm and lingering intrigue—but also due to its serene, natural beauty and understated allure. Niubei Island is covered in the rustling of pine trees, with various blossoming plants thriving year-round. The island is home to monkey troops, musk deer gardens, as well as bamboo cottages, chicken coops, and fences. The Daoqian Stream behind Niubei Island, though not wide, is quite deep, cutting off the island from the mainland. Across the stream lie jagged cliffs that seem to glare menacingly at this “giant cow” submerged in the water.

　　 The surroundings of Xiao Nanhai and its lake islands also form a natural botanical and zoological garden. The forest is rich in resources, with over 140 species of trees including thin-barked Masson pine, Huangshan pine, metasequoia, iron fir, fragrant cypress, purple cypress, camphor, nanmu, ginkgo, yellow sandalwood, and white-flowered paulownia. Animals include tigers, leopards, golden monkeys, antelope, musk deer, giant salamanders, and large clams, while there are over 50 species of fish. As such, it holds broad potential for comprehensive development.

　　 Within and around Xiao Nanhai Lake, there are revolutionary historical sites such as the Ancient Tablet of the Voluntary Ferry, the Red Army Revolutionary Monument, the Tomb of Wen Chaozhong, and the “Iron Blood Heroes Association.”

　　 Not far from Xiao Nanhai lies Wang Dahai, which presents a completely different atmosphere—mysterious and profound—contrasting with Xiao Nanhai’s clear and graceful beauty. Similarly, Wang Dahai was also formed by earthquake-induced sedimentation. Historical records indicate that seismic rocks blocked Shepan Creek and Gai Shang Creek at the time, forming the spectacular 15-kilometer-long “Shepanxi Gorge Lake” and “Wang Dahai.” Later, the “Shepanxi Gorge Lake” was washed away by floods and disappeared, but Wang Dahai has remained to this day. Stretching 15 kilometers in length, with a maximum width of 300 meters and a narrowest point of just 2 meters, Wang Dahai showcases a unique canyon landscape. Having long been “hidden away,” it has only recently begun to unveil its mysterious allure to the world.

　　 Approaching Wang Dahai is like stepping into a magical and enchanting world. Entering the lake from its “Haikou,” one sees crystal-clear waters with fish swimming to and fro, countless wild ducks gliding on the surface, and egrets circling above. Osmanthus flowers bloom along the banks, filling the lake center with fragrance. Along the shoreline, you can admire scenic spots such as “Divine Gorge Peak,” “Giant Ape Gorge,” “Green Ox Lying in Water Gorge,” “Mountain-Cleaving Mother-Rescuing Gorge,” “Mandarin Duck Gorge,” “Guanyin Gorge,” “Tortoise Monster Gorge,” “Flood Dragon Gorge,” each with its own captivating legend. The interweaving of human stories and natural wonders stirs the imagination and intoxicates without drink. Legend has it that within the gorges of Wang Dahai lies the tomb of Xiang Tianwangzi, the ancestor of the Tujia people. Xiang Tianwangzi taught his descendants how to build houses, emerge from caves, farm the land, practice literacy and martial arts, fight evil and uphold justice, and observe moral principles. Today, on the annual “Ox King Festival” on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, locals come here to burn incense, praying for Xiang Tianwangzi’s blessings for favorable weather, abundant harvests, and thriving livestock.

　　The people of Wang Dahai are simple and kind-hearted. Tujia stilted houses are built against the mountains, and spontaneous Tujia mountain songs fill the air.

　　 “Thinking of my sister makes my head spin, I go to scoop oil from the water vat. I set up the tripod to stir-fry vegetables, then grab the feed bucket to feed the ox.” “Thinking of my beloved makes my heart race, I forget to strain the rice soup when cooking. I forget to pick up chopsticks when eating, and forget to take off my clothes when bathing...” Listening to such mountain songs reveals the boldness and free-spirited nature of the Tujia men and women.

　　 If Xiao Nanhai is the graceful and elegant “young lady of a noble house,” then the charm of Wang Dahai surpasses that of a “village maiden.” The earthquake once brought indelible disasters to the local people, but the “earthquake-formed lake” has created a beautiful “fairyland on earth.” It will surely bring more blessings to the local people and offer even more surprises to visitors.