The First Bend of the Ling River

　　The First Bend of the Ling River is situated at the border between Nanhliangzi Village in Shuiquan Township and Shangwopu Village in Yangjiaogou Town, Kazuo County. It spans around 3 kilometers in length and about 1 kilometer in width. The Ling River, leveraging the terrain of the surrounding mountains, winds around a large S-shaped curve before surging towards Pigeon Cave, creating a spectacular landscape where mountains and water blend seamlessly—a breathtaking, naturally formed wonder of sheer beauty.

　　The mountains here, shaped over the years by relentless river erosion, are steep and dramatic—towering majestically, ruggedly majestic, yet also quietly serene, forming a three-dimensional scroll painting that combines grandeur with elegance and mystery. The waters here may lack the mighty force of the Yangtze or the enduring flow of the Yellow River, but 5,000 years ago along its upper reaches, our ancestors nurtured the glorious Hongshan Culture—the cradle where the dawn of Chinese civilization first emerged. It is a sacred land revered across the world. Countless species of birds and fish bring vitality to this place. Wild ducks, grey geese, swan geese, and herons forage in the water, sometimes dancing gracefully, sometimes chasing playfully, and other times standing watchfully. Plump fish occasionally leap above the surface in playful splashes. Fishing boats laden with catch regularly pull ashore, bringing laughter from the fishermen, while old men herding ducks hum tunes as they drift leisurely on the water. This is the largest wetland area in Chaoyang Region and the most typical herbaceous marsh wetland in North China, often praised as the most beautiful wetland in Western Liaoning. Rippling blue waters, dense reeds, ferries gliding along the river, fishermen casting nets, rows of “fish traps,” waterfowl playing in the water, and the emerald-green crops along the shore all create a scene where mountain and water reflect each other and sky and water blend into one—an enchanting view sure to captivate and linger in your memory.

　　In recent years, the newly built wooden boardwalk viewing area has received widespread praise from visitors. The Aomulun River rafting experience, nestled among the dramatic peaks and peculiar rocks along the riverbank, alternates between thrilling rapids and gentle flows, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature’s grandeur. On weekend evenings, a vibrant Mongolian-style bonfire party awaits you.

　　Source: Kazuo Left Wing Mongolian Autonomous County Tourism Bureau