Baishuiyang Scenic Area is located in Shuangxi Town, Pingnan County, Ningde City, Fujian Province. As a national 5A-level tourist attraction and a UNESCO Global Geopark, it covers a total area of 77.34 square kilometers. The core landscape, Baishuiyang Water Square, spans 80,000 square meters, formed by a whole piece of flat volcanic rock (subsyenite porphyry). With a water depth of only 0.1-0.3 meters and uniform water distribution free of gravel, it is hailed as the "Ultimate Scenery Under Heaven, Mystery of the Universe". The scenic area integrates volcanic geology, shallow water squares, and the world's only Mandarin Duck-Macaque Reserve. Listed in the UNESCO Global Geopark Network in 2010, it stands as one of the eight major tourism brands in Fujian Province.
History and Culture
Baishuiyang originated from Cretaceous volcanic activities about 90 million years ago. Magma solidified to form plate-like rock masses, and through 5.3 million years of lateral water erosion and crustal uplift, it gradually evolved into a globally rare flat bedrock riverbed. Its geological relics hold significant scientific value for studying crustal movements and paleoclimatic evolution in the southeastern coastal region.
Pingnan County was established in the 12th year of the Qing Yongzheng reign (1734). Around Baishuiyang, historical relics from the Ming and Qing dynasties remain, such as Shuangxi Confucian Temple and Ruiguang Tower. Literati of past dynasties composed countless poems here, while modern times saw its rise to fame through geological research and tourism development. In 2003, Lu Zhangong, then Secretary of the Fujian Provincial Party Committee, praised it as the "Ultimate Scenery Under Heaven", and Vice Premier Wu Yi inscribed "Unique Landscape".
The area witnessed a series of milestones: a provincial-level Mandarin Duck-Macaque Reserve in 1984, a national scenic area in 1994, upgrade to a national geopark in 2005, official opening in 2008, and inclusion in the Global Geopark Network in 2010.
Main Attractions
Shallow Water Square (Zhongyang)
Covering 40,000 square meters with a maximum width of 182 meters, the riverbed mirrors a natural landscape. Summer water temperatures hover around 20°C, ideal for activities like the "100-meter Surfing Slide" and "Mandarin Duck Board Race". Natural "bathtubs" eroded from rocks make this the prime spot for parent-child water play.
Wulao Peak
At an altitude of 1,000 meters, the peak is named for five stone formations resembling elderly chess players. The summit offers a panoramic view of Baishuiyang, with Qipanding Platform said to be where immortals once played chess. Its picturesque terrain serves as a landmark viewing point.
Yan Tan (Swallow Pool)
Downstream from Zhongyang, this deep pool gets its name from circling swallows. With a depth of 2-3 meters and crystal-clear water, it features a natural swimming area receiving over 5,000 visitors daily in summer.
Yanhou Village
A red revolutionary base village, it preserves the former site of Ye Fei's guerrilla team. The existing "Western-style building" chronicles history, while century-old trees and terraced fields showcase the charm of ancient villages in eastern Fujian.
Shamao Rock (Stalagmite Rock)
This 30-meter columnar rock, shaped like an ancient official's hat, reveals different perspectives—"Tortoise Carrying Treasure" and "Smooth Sailing"—making it a classic example of volcanic rock joint weathering.
Cuisine
Mandarin Duck Noodles
An intangible cultural heritage of Pingnan, these noodles are made with wild kiwi juice, taking on a light purple hue. Served with rabbit meat stewed in mountain litsea, they offer a tangy, appetizing flavor at 15-20 RMB per bowl. The scenic area's snack street sells over 200 bowls daily.
Autumn Seafood Rice Noodle Soup
Rice milk is spread along a wok's edge to form thin slices, combined with razor clams, shrimp skins, and celery in a sweet broth. A breakfast staple at 8 RMB per bowl, the time-honored "Amei Rice Noodle Soup" in Shuangxi Town opens at 5 a.m. daily.
Surrounding Specialties
· Smoked Rabbit: A homemade Pingnan specialty, smoked rabbit meat is stir-fried with chili, priced at 58 RMB per serving— a must-try in scenic area restaurants.
· Herbal Jelly: A refreshing herbal dessert, 3 RMB per cup, most authentic when handcrafted in Yanhou Village.
Tickets
Tickets cost 120 RMB per person (including the scenic area shuttle bus).
For updates or online booking, search the official WeChat public account "白水洋鸳鸯溪".
Opening Hours
Open daily from 8:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:30). Temporary closures may occur during rainy/foggy weather from December to February.
Tour Routes
One-day Itinerary
8:30 Entry → Zhongyang Shallow Water Square (2 hours, including surfing slide) → 12:00 Lunch at scenic area restaurant → 13:30 Climb Wulao Peak (1.5 hours) → 15:30 Swim at Yan Tan → 16:30 Departure.
Two-day Itinerary
Day 1 as above. Day 2: 8:00 Visit Yuanyangxi Scenic Area (5 km from Baishuiyang) → View Baizhang Waterfall → 12:00 Farmhouse lunch in Yanhou Village → Afternoon departure, ideal for in-depth geological and ecological exploration.
Transportation
- Self-drive: From Fuzhou, take Shenhai Expressway → Ningde-Shangrao Expressway → Pingnan Exit (2.5 hours). The parking lot holds 800 vehicles, with a 10 RMB daily fee.
- Bus: Buses depart from Fuzhou North Station/Ningde Bus Station every 30 minutes (3-hour ride). From Pingnan County, a 20-minute bus reaches the scenic area (last bus at 18:00).
- High-speed Rail: Alight at Ningde Station, then take the tourist shuttle (25 RMB/person, 1.5 hours) directly to the scenic area.
Must-visit Attractions
- Shallow Water Square: World's largest shallow water square, 80,000㎡, 0.1-0.3m depth, 20°C summer water temperature
- 100-meter Surfing Slide: Natural rock slide, 15km/h speed, 100m length, 3m drop
- Yan Tan: High-mountain cold spring swimming area, Class I water quality, 3m max depth, 5,000+ daily visitors
- Wulao Peak: 360° panorama, 1,200 stone steps, 980m altitude, 40-minute climb to summit
Travel Tips
- Wear non-slip wading shoes (rental: 10 RMB/pair), bring extra clothes, lockers: 30 RMB/unit.
- Arrive before 8 a.m. on weekends to avoid 10:00-14:00 crowds; weekdays offer better experiences.
- Summer: sunscreen clothing + hat (high UV); spring/autumn: light jacket (8°C day-night temperature difference).
- Parent-child: opt for "Mandarin Duck Boards" (double wooden shoes); elderly: recommend Wulao Peak cable car (one-way 30 RMB).
- Stay in Shuangxi Town homestays (avg. 200 RMB/night) to revisit the next day off-peak.
Notes
- No running/diving in shallow areas; wear helmets on slides (provided by the scenic area).
- Eco-protection: no feeding macaques; pets prohibited in the reserve.
- Deposit valuables; use waterproof phone cases (5 RMB per piece at the scenic area).
- Rainy days: rocks are slippery—wear socks for grip; children must be supervised.
- Smoking prohibited; designated areas only outside the visitor center.