Baishuiyang Yuanyangxi Scenic Area is located in the northeast of Pingnan County, Ningde City, Fujian Province. It is a world geological park, a national scenic area, a national 5A-level tourist attraction, a national sports tourism demonstration base, and the only "Hometown of Mandarin Ducks" in China. It is a comprehensive tourist attraction integrating various functions such as sightseeing, accommodation, catering, shopping, and entertainment.
The entire scenic area is crescent-shaped, with a total area of 66 square kilometers and a stream length of 36 kilometers. It is divided into five major scenic areas: Baishuiyang, Yuanyangxi, Liugongyan, Taibaolou, and Yuanyang Lake. Here, there are not only unique geological landscapes but also rich wildlife resources. Every autumn, many mandarin ducks fly from the north to overwinter. The deep mountains and dense forests provide an ideal habitat for them, and Pingnan is thus known as the "Hometown of Mandarin Ducks."
History and Culture
In July 2004, Baishuiyang Yuanyangxi Scenic Area was listed as one of the top ten tourism brands in Fujian Province. In August 2005, it was approved as a national geological park by the Ministry of Land and Resources. In January 2009, it was approved as a national 4A-level tourist attraction by the National Tourism Administration. In August 2012, the scenic area was upgraded to a national 5A-level tourist attraction. In 2018, it was approved as a "National Sports Tourism Demonstration Base."
The area where the scenic area is located has been famous for the habitation of mandarin ducks in history. As early as more than a hundred years ago, mandarin ducks were discovered in the streams here. The local area has gradually developed relevant tourism culture around the mandarin ducks and the unique natural scenery, and continuously improved the construction of the scenic area, making it a tourist destination that integrates natural landscapes and cultural characteristics today.
Main Attractions
Xianpa Stream
"The ten-mile water street Xianpa Stream." The riverbed of this stream is flat, and the bedrocks are beige, extending all the way to the inlet of the white water. Its unique scenery adds a special charm to the scenic area.
Shallow Water Square
Baishuiyang is divided into the upper, middle, and lower yangs, with the middle yang being the most spectacular. The riverbed is flat, and the river water is evenly distributed. Some loose rocks with relatively developed joints fall off under the scouring of the water flow, forming natural bathtubs. When coming to Baishuiyang, walking barefoot into the water can not only feel the unique water quality but also enjoy a free foot massage.
Shuanglong Bridge
This is a rebuilt wooden arch covered bridge. The bridge is 66 meters long, 4.5 meters wide, with two piers and three holes. It has a unique shape and spans across the water, becoming a unique scenic line in the scenic area.
Wulao Peak
Looking into the distance from Shuanglong Bridge, the peak located beside Baishuiyang is Wulao Peak. The small platform in front of it is called Qipan Stone. It is said that five immortals once played chess here and became Wulao Peak when they were focused, adding a mysterious color to the scenic area.
Sha Mao Rock
The protruding rock in the middle of the yang is connected to the riverbed, and its shape changes with the viewing angle. Looking from the upper left, it looks like a Ming Dynasty official hat, so it got its name; looking from the opposite bank, it looks like a god statue, called the Zhenyang General; looking from the top, it looks like a breaking ground bamboo shoot, called the "Fairy's Remaining Bamboo Shoot"; looking from the lower left, it looks like a giant turtle carrying treasures, also called the "Golden Turtle Carrying Treasures"; and looking as a whole, it also looks like a full sail, meaning "smooth sailing." Therefore, this scenic spot is also called the "Golden Turtle Carrying Treasures, Smooth Sailing."
The Cave of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven
The cave is more than ten meters wide and eight meters deep. In the middle of the stone niche stands the god position of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, with the inscription "The Jade-Sealed Upper Cave Great Sage Equaling Heaven King's Hall." This temple was built in the tenth year of Tongzhi in the Qing Dynasty (1872), based on the prototype of Sun Wukong "changing into a temple" in "Journey to the West." Although it is not large in scale, the incense is prosperous, and the Great Sage Equaling Heaven is regarded as the protector of Yuanyangxi.
Fairy Waterfall
It is composed of several waterfalls. From a specific angle, it looks like a sitting fairy, so it got its name. The highest one is the fairy's head, the second one is the body and hands, and the third one is the lower limbs. Standing on the "Lingyun Zhandao" of Baiyan Peak and looking down, the image is more vivid.
Dingtan Xianyan Valley
It is said that this is the place where the Yuanyang Niangniang held a banquet and became an immortal. Because Lu Xiuniang committed suicide and jumped into the pool here and turned into a mandarin duck, there are many mandarin ducks. This valley is a "full three-dimensional landscape" river valley. There is an immortal stage in the front, and there are also strange landscapes such as the Group of Snakes Rock. The Dingtan in the valley is rolling with blue waves, and the round holes on the rocks are "potholes" formed by the impact of the eddy current, which is a great wonder.
Baizhang Waterfall and Water Curtain Cave
The "Baizhang Waterfall" has a waterfall surface drop of 157 meters and a width of more than 20 meters. It is magnificent and has the feeling of "the flying stream descends three thousand feet, suspected to be the Milky Way falling from the sky." The Water Curtain Cave behind the waterfall is embedded in the half-wall of the waterfall stone, with a height of more than 3 meters and a width of 4 meters, which can accommodate dozens of people. When people are in the cave, the waterfall hangs in front of the cave and flutters with the wind, as if in the Dragon Palace. The Baizhang Waterfall is listed as one of the "Five Great Water Curtain Caves" in the country together with the Huangguoshu, Lianyungang, Yandang Mountain, and Wuyi Mountain Water Curtain Caves in China. The surrounding forests are dense, and the scenery is quiet. From early morning to near noon on sunny days, the waterfall water and the rainbow reflect each other, and the scenery is magnificent.
Biyi Peak
Located in the middle section of Yuanyangxi, it is composed of several stone forts and stone pillars formed by weathering, erosion, and collapse. It is magnificent. Two of the stone forts and stone pillars stand facing each other, just like a pair of affectionate lovers, so it is named "Biyi Peak."
Laba Waterfall
This is the most unique waterfall in Yuanyang Creek. Influenced by the shape of the rocks, the waterfall resembles a horn, and even the splashing water droplets are like the spittle when blowing a horn. It is said that when the Yuanyang Goddess held a birthday banquet, the Laughing Arhat played the horn to liven up the atmosphere. Later, he got drunk and turned into the Arhat Stone, while his horn transformed into the Laba Waterfall.
Baishuiyang
It is connected to the mountain body on the shore as a whole, which is very peculiar. The Wulao Peak and Guanyin Rock on the shore have beautiful scenery. Standing on the Wulao Peak and looking down, the shape of Baishuiyang is like a huge farmland that has just been raked flat. In addition, there are also scenic spots such as Shisun Rock, the Monkey King Looking into the Distance, the Two Immortals Descending to the World, the Shuangru Pool, the Fairy Carp Facing the Sky, and the Giant Elephant Welcoming Guests in the Baishuiyang Scenic Area.
Delicacies
Mandarin Duck Noodles
A local special delicacy, made with a unique craftsmanship, it has a smooth and chewy texture. Paired with delicious soup and rich side dishes, it has a strong taste and is unforgettable. It is one of the must-try delicacies when visiting the scenic area.
Autumn Color Guobian
A snack with local characteristics, the Guobian has a soft and glutinous texture. Paired with the soup made from seasonal ingredients, it tastes delicious and is full of rich local flavor, allowing tourists to taste the authentic Pingnan taste.
High Mountain Medicinal Diet
Stewed with special medicinal materials and ingredients from the local high mountains, it is rich in nutrition and has a nourishing effect. Tasting it during the play can not only satisfy the hunger but also keep healthy, bringing a unique dining experience to tourists.
Tickets
The combined ticket is 160 yuan per person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "白水洋鸳鸯溪" in WeChat to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
The opening hours of the scenic area are generally 08:30 - 17:00. However, during the peak tourist season, holidays, or special weather conditions, the opening hours may be adjusted.
Tour Route
After entering the scenic area gate, first reach the Lingyun Zhandao. This is the starting point for viewing the panoramic view. You can overlook the Xiaoxitian, Fairy Waterfall, Jasper Emerald Pool, Baizhang Waterfall, Fairy Bridge, and Xiaohukou Waterfall. Then come to the Lianxin Pavilion, also called the Banshan Pavilion, which marks that the climbing journey is halfway through. If you only walk half of the Yuanyangxi, you can go to the Baizhang Waterfall by going to the Lansheng Terrace direction after passing the Lianxin Pavilion, but it is recommended to walk the whole journey to explore more scenic spots. Continue to move forward and you can see the Huzui Rock, which has a unique shape. Then follow the Xianyan Valley Zhandao. At the corner, there is a glass viewing platform where you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the Xianyan Valley. Walk a little further and you can see the Fairy Waterfall. It is said that the fairies often bathe here. Then reach the Xiaowu Gorge. The river valley is narrow, and the stream forms a spectacular waterfall. Then you can see the Dingxi Shenzhu. A huge stone pillar stands in the stream and forms a deep pool. Continue to move forward for about a hundred meters and reach the Xiaohukou Waterfall, that is, the Cangtan Xiongpu, which is very spectacular. After that, pass through the Tongtian Cave formed by two stone arches. It is said to be the palace of the Yuanyang Niangniang. Walk a little further and you will reach the Baizhang Waterfall, which is one of the spectacular waterfalls in the scenic area. Then you can see the Laba Waterfall that looks like a horn. After passing the house of the Dongti, there will be a small Tianchi with many mandarin ducks in it.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Starting from Fuzhou, drive along the Shenhai Expressway, get off at the Pingnan Expressway Exit, and then follow the signs to the scenic area. The whole journey is about 170 kilometers, and the driving time is about 2.5 hours. Starting from Ningde, drive along the Ningxia Expressway, get off at the Pingnan Expressway Exit and go to the scenic area. The whole journey is about 101 kilometers, and the driving time is about 1.5 hours.
- Public transportation: You can first reach Pingnan County. Take a bus to the scenic area at the county bus station. The bus will arrange the departure time according to the passenger flow. You can consult the local bus station for details. You can also take a taxi from the county to the scenic area. The fare is calculated according to the actual mileage, about 30 kilometers, and the driving time is about 40 minutes.
Must-visit Attractions
- Baishuiyang Shallow Water Square: The world's only "Shallow Water Square." The flat riverbed is about 2 kilometers long and 182 meters wide at the widest point, with a total area of 80,000 square meters. You can carry out a variety of water activities on it and experience the unique water erosion ripples and clear water flow.
- Yuanyangxi Grand Canyon: The canyon has a vertical depth of more than 500 meters and a horizontal span of only one meter at the narrowest point. It integrates beautiful streams, canyon peaks, strange rocks, odd caves, magnificent waterfalls, strange clouds, hazy fog, ancient roads, dangerous stacks, rare birds, and animals, making it an excellent place to enjoy natural landscapes and feel the charm of nature.
- Baizhang Waterfall and Water Curtain Cave: The Baizhang Waterfall has a waterfall surface drop of 157 meters and a width of more than 20 meters, with magnificent momentum; the Water Curtain Cave is embedded in the half-wall of the waterfall stone. When people are in the cave, it is like being in the Dragon Palace. It is listed as one of the "Five Great Water Curtain Caves" in the country together with the other four water curtain caves, and the landscape is peculiar and spectacular.
Tour Tips
- The best time to visit is at the turn of summer and autumn. At this time, hundreds or thousands of mandarin ducks fly from the north to overwinter, and you can enjoy the unique mandarin duck landscape. At the same time, the climate is also more suitable.
- When playing in Baishuiyang, remember to bring swimsuits, slippers, and other items to facilitate participating in water activities. If you want to experience the natural surfing slide, you can take preventive measures in advance.
- When visiting the Yuanyangxi Canyon, wear comfortable sports shoes or hiking shoes to facilitate walking on the plank road and mountain road. At the same time, you can bring some drinking water and snacks to replenish your energy.
- You can understand the performance or special activity time in the scenic area in advance, such as folk performances, etc., arrange the itinerary reasonably, and participate in the local cultural activities.
Notes
- Respect the local customs and religious beliefs. When visiting relevant places, follow the regulations and guidelines of the scenic area.
- When participating in water activities, follow the instructions of the staff, wear safety equipment such as life jackets, and ensure your own safety, especially in water activities with certain risks such as surfing in Baishuiyang.
- Some roads in the scenic area are relatively rugged. Pay attention to your feet when walking to avoid falling or spraining. When walking on the canyon plank road, do not lean on the railing to prevent accidents.
- Take good care of the environment in the scenic area, do not litter, keep the scenic area clean and beautiful, and jointly maintain the natural ecological environment.
- When going to the scenic area in summer, pay attention to sun protection and mosquito prevention measures, and bring sunscreen, sun hats, mosquito repellent spray, and other items; in winter, pay attention to keeping warm and bring enough thick clothes. The temperature difference between day and night in the scenic area may be relatively large.