You Shui River National Wetland Park

　　The picturesque You Shui River is known as the "Little Guilin of Southeastern Chongqing." With Brush Rack Mountain and Silver Beach, the clear waters flowing beneath Mount Sanwu, the golden glow of the setting sun over Gaobei enchanting fishermen, and the emerald ribbons deep in the mountains bringing sheer joy — the riverbanks burst into vibrant spring flowers, lush greenery in summer, crimson maple leaves in autumn, and glistening snow in winter, all accompanied by the chirping of mountain birds and the buzzing of cicadas, creating an exceptionally pleasant atmosphere. Rows of rustic and sturdy wingnut trees, rows of closely spaced stilted houses, melodious and enchanting folk songs played with leaves, ancient stone-paved paths leading to historical tunnels — all echo the boundless charm of the Tujia ethnic culture, making visitors linger with deep nostalgia.

　　The poetic and idyllic You Shui River is hailed as the "Little Guilin of Southeastern Chongqing." Brush Rack Mountain and Silver Beach, clear waters flowing beneath Mount Sanwu, the golden glow of the setting sun over Gaobei captivating fishermen, and the deep green mountain streams gleaming with joy. The riverbanks bloom with spring flowers, shine with summer greens, blush with autumn maples, and sparkle with winter snows, accompanied by the chirping of mountain birds and the buzzing of cicadas — a truly delightful scene. Stately and ancient wingnut trees stand in rows, stilted houses line up in sequence, soulful folk songs played on leaves linger in the air, and ancient stone paths lead into the tunnels of history, echoing the endless charm of Tujia culture, making it hard for anyone to leave.

　　The charming You Shui River is like a Tujia maiden who has walked out of ancient times. The mountains have given her purity, and the waters have bestowed her grace. Her long-standing ethnic culture, the simple and elegant Baishou Hall, the melodious folk songs, mountain songs, leaf music, the ancient Yang Opera and Nuo Opera, the colorful ethnic festivals, the mysterious and unique ethnic customs, and the distinctive culinary culture all exude a special ethnic flavor.

　　Historical research shows that the Tujia people are a branch of the Ba people. When the Chu people conquered the Ba, the tragic yet bold ancestors of the Tujia people migrated long distances down the You Shui River from Hubei Province. They settled here upon finding this valley broad, with fish swimming, ancient trees lining both banks, and herds of wild animals, making a living by fishing, salt trading, and hunting. Together with local ethnic groups such as the Gelao and Miao, they learned farming and thrived along both sides of the You Shui River. It was these hardworking, brave, honest, and kind-hearted Tujia people who created the unique Tujia culture.

　　The clear waters of the You Shui River have nurtured the Tujia people. The ancient town of Houxi by the river still preserves a Baishou Hall with a history of several hundred years. During traditional Tujia festivals, weddings, funerals, sacrifices, and other major events, the Tujia people light huge bonfires outside the Baishou Hall, singing and dancing all night long, performing the Baishou Dance that depicts scenes of their ancestors’ labor, life, hunting, and battles. They also perform the colorful Huadeng Opera, where roles are reversed with men dressed as women, the Yang Opera and Nuo Opera that reflect Tujia totems and beliefs, as well as the unique customs of crying during weddings and dancing during funerals, vividly showcasing the Tujia tradition of “celebrating joy with tears and mourning with laughter.” Here, traditional Tujia folk songs, ditties, work chants, and leaf music sound like heavenly melodies, bold and unrestrained. Each song tells a beautiful legend or a moving story. Along both banks of the You Shui River, the Tujia people drink from large bowls, eat generous slices of meat, savor fragrant oil tea soup, fry crispy oil cakes, and grind tender rice tofu — all part of a unique and enticing food culture.

　　The You Shui River is the mother river of the Tujia people. The region’s exquisite natural scenery has given birth to a unique ethnic culture. Here, you can touch the traces of history and listen to the ancient sounds of nature.