Qianjiang Xiao Nanhai

(Photography: China)

　　　Xiao Nanhai, originally named Xiao Ying Hai, is a beautiful alpine lake situated at the junction of Chongqing and Hubei, over 30 kilometers north of Qianjiang City, about an hour’s drive away. It is a high-altitude freshwater barrier lake that integrates mountain, sea, island, and gorge landscapes, and is also the most well-preserved ancient earthquake site in China to date.

　　The water surface sits at an elevation of 370.5 meters, covering an area of 2.87 square kilometers. According to the Qing Dynasty’s “Qianjiang County Annals”: “In the sixth year of the Xianfeng reign (1857 AD), on the 1st day of the 5th month, a massive earthquake occurred. The hills in Houba Township collapsed… blocking the stream mouth. Later, during the heavy rains of summer, the stream swelled but could not flow, eventually forming a large lake extending over 20 li.” To this day, the quake-formed steep cliffs—such as the large and small collapsed rocks on the north side of the estuary—are still clearly visible. Beneath these collapsed rocks lie dense piles of boulders. These rocks typically measure 1–5 meters in diameter, with some exceeding 10 meters, having been pushed from hundreds of meters away to form a dam at the estuary. The dam stretches 1,170 meters from north to south, stands 67.5 meters high, and has an overflow weir 70 meters wide.
　　Xiao Nanhai is surrounded by graceful peaks, with peculiar rocks dotting its shores. Streams meander along the coast, while inner channels crisscross the lake, and lush groves and bamboo thickets cover the islands. Small boats and fishermen’s silhouettes, along with men and women in colorful attire, shuttle across the azure waters; seagulls and egrets fly together, their reflections shimmering through the waves. Each season offers unique sights, and every change of light between dawn, dusk, sunshine, and rain creates endless enchanting views.

　　Chaoyang Island

　　　　It is the second-largest island in the lake, named after the Chaoyang Temple located on it. Ascending the steps to reach the shore, you’re greeted by the sounds of barking dogs and crowing roosters, presenting a serene rural scene. The island is home to rare and ancient trees such as the towering iron fir, twisting ancient pines reaching the clouds, and a grove of bamboo shooting up like green spears, densely and vibrantly growing.

　　Lake Center Island

　　　　To the east of Laoheping lies Golden Beach, where neatly arranged pebbles line the shore, playing with the water and nestled among neighboring stones. Together with the island’s pine-scented woods, camellias climbing the trees, they create a lush and breathtakingly beautiful scene.

　　 Among the three islands of Xiao Nanhai, the largest and most beautiful is Niubei Island.

　　　　Covering nearly 125 acres, it is not only known for inspiring numerous beautiful folk tales and mythical legends—mysterious, profound, and lingering in flavor—but also for its tranquil, natural beauty and understated charm. The island is covered in whispering pines and blooming plants throughout the seasons. It is home to monkey troops, a musk deer park, as well as chickens, dogs, pigs, sheep, and cottages with bamboo huts. The Daoqian Stream behind Niubei Island, though not wide, is quite deep, cutting off the island from the mainland. On the opposite bank, jagged cliffs and broken rocks glare menacingly at the immense rock formation that seems to have plunged into the water. Covering nearly 125 acres.

　　According to expert analysis, Xiao Nanhai, as the best-preserved earthquake-formed lake in China with its original features, holds great research value. The areas around the lake and the islands themselves form a natural botanical and zoological garden. Forest resources are abundant, 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. Wildlife includes tigers, leopards, golden monkeys, antelope, musk deer, giant salamanders, and large clams, while there are over 50 fish species, making it one of Sichuan’s eight major fishing grounds and a base for musk deer farming. As a result, it has broad potential for comprehensive development. Shidi Ancient Ferry, located on the banks of the You River in Xiushan, is an important waterway connecting Xiushan to Dongting Lake. This place boasts beautiful scenery, a long history, picturesque landscapes reminiscent of Guilin, a pleasant climate, and abundant local produce.

　　Earthquake Ruins

　　　　These are the most scientifically and touristically valuable parts of Xiao Nanhai. Situated within the fold belt of eastern Chongqing and western Hubei, Xiao Nanhai sits atop metamorphic rocks of the Sinian system, with recent tectonic activity mainly characterized by large-scale uplift. Therefore, the earthquake that formed Xiao Nanhai may be related to fault activity in the region’s bedrock. Since Xiao Nanhai is far from urban areas and sparsely populated, the earthquake ruins have been remarkably well preserved.