Rongshui Bei River Scenic Area

　　The Bei River Scenic Area is one of Liuzhou’s tourist attractions, located within the Rongshui Miao Autonomous County. The Bei River was historically called "Ji River" (Spine River) because it flows past the back of the county town. Stretching 146 kilometers, the river winds through peaks and ridges, featuring major attractions such as Bei River Rainbow Bridge, Miao Stilt Houses, Mountain-Lake Verdure, Elderly Welcoming Guests, General Rock, Sky-Scraping Cliff, Wife-Watching Cliff, Flying Cloud Cliff, Stone Gate Gorge, Stone Ape Ridge, and Bamboo Grove Scenery.

　　The Bei River is the longest river in Rongshui County, originating from the Jiuwanshan Mountains at the Guangxi-Guizhou border. It meanders through steep cliffs and deep valleys, flanked by bamboo and forests, offering picturesque scenery. In early spring, azaleas bloom red along the riverbanks, complemented by leisurely drifting wooden rafts—a truly beautiful sight. The river water is crystal clear; thanks to the lush vegetation on both sides, it appears in varying shades of dark green, sapphire blue, and light green depending on the width of the river and sunlight, creating a stunning view. Upstream of Shimen Pool, the Dulang River, Sanfang River, and Xiangfen River surge out from three green gorges, forming the famous “Three Rivers Gate” on the Bei River. The Bei River also features numerous rapids and calm deep pools due to significant changes in water levels. As the folk song goes: “Bei River, winding and bending, seventy-two pools and thirty-six rapids.” Drifting along the river, you’ll experience moments of serene gliding on flat water and thrilling rushes down rapids—exciting yet safe.

　　Spring in the Miao villages sees wildflowers blooming in vibrant colors across the mountainsides along the river; in the peak of summer, the river breeze offers endless cool relief; in autumn and winter, red leaves cover the slopes while wild fruits turn golden, presenting an extraordinary atmosphere—making it a year-round destination. The Bei River also features numerous rapids and calm deep pools due to significant changes in water levels. As the folk song goes: “Bei River, winding and bending, seventy-two pools and thirty-six rapids.” Some stretches of the river twist and turn; as you drift, you’ll experience calm, mirror-like waters and gentle drifting, as well as sudden thrilling rapids—exciting but safe.

　　Over 30 years ago, the movie *Sparkling Red Star* brought fame to the Bei River. The authoritative travel book *Drunkest Guangxi* states: “In 1974, the classic Chinese children’s film *Sparkling Red Star* was filmed on the Bei River.” Some scenes of Pan Dongzi and Grandpa Song “drifting on the river” were shot here. The timeless classic song *The Red Star Shines on Me as I Go to Battle*—“A little bamboo raft sails on the river, towering green mountains walk along both banks, eagles spread their wings and soar, no matter how fierce the wind and rain, I bear the revolution’s heavy burden, the Party’s teachings remain in my heart… A little bamboo raft sails on the river, the surging waters flow eastward, the red star shines brightly, guiding me to battle…”—is about the Bei River. After visiting the Bei River, don’t miss trying Bei River fish, which has almost no fishy smell, tender flesh, and delicious flavor. The fish requires no oil or salt—just boiling in clear water brings out its uniquely sweet taste.

　　Ethnic tourism villages such as Gutan and Changlai have been developed along the Bei River. On July 9, 2010, the National Tourism Administration officially approved the Bei River Scenic Area as a National 4A-level Tourist Attraction, making it Rongshui’s first national 4A-level scenic spot. From 1991 to 2008, it received a total of 3.532 million visitors, generating 440 million yuan in tourism revenue. In 2013, it hosted 130,000 visitors with 46 million yuan in revenue. In 2014, the Bei River Scenic Area welcomed 340,000 tourists.

　　Address: Changlai Village, Rongshui Miao Autonomous County, Liuzhou City

　　Type: River

　　Recommended Visiting Time: About 1 hour

　　Opening Hours:

　　10:00–17:00

　　Ticket Information:

　　Gate Price: 138.0 RMB