Whirlpool Pond

　　   Whirlpool Pond is recognized as a national first-class scenic spot. With a perfectly round shape and an area of 10,000 square meters, it sits upstream of the Dragon Palace. Here, the waters of the Tongxuan River sink underground and become part of an underground river. Throughout the year, the pond’s waters rotate clockwise, carrying green duckweed on the surface — a true embodiment of the saying “though the mountains may not move, the water does.” Standing at the pond’s edge, you can take in the full view of the village built halfway up the mountain, with its unique stone walls and tiles arranged in a picturesque, staggered layout. Occasionally, you might spot anglers by the pond catching a few carp, adding to the delight of the scene.

　　   The Whirlpool Pond scenic area is famed for its “Three Wonders of China”: the mysterious clockwise rotation of the pond’s waters, the abundance of short rivers, and the grandeur of the Buddhist hall inside a cave. The pond’s waters rotate clockwise in a unified motion all year round, creating the spectacular sight of “mountains standing still while water flows.” Within a 3-square-kilometer area of the Whirlpool Pond scenic zone, three short rivers of varying lengths converge. Their crystal-clear waters are embraced by emerald bamboo, offering the sensation of boating through a living painting — as if wandering in a heavenly paradise. The Guanyin Cave in Whirlpool Pond is a rare cave temple in China, vast, serene, and perfectly integrated with its surroundings. The late Mr. Zhao Puchu, former president of the Buddhist Association of China, inscribed the name “Guanyin Cave” for this site.