The Baishuiyang Yuanyangxi Scenic Area is located in the northeastern part of Pingnan County, Ningde City, Fujian Province. It is a World Geopark, a National Scenic Area, a National 5A-Class Tourist Attraction, and a National Sports Tourism Demonstration Base. It is also the only "Hometown of Mandarin Ducks" in China, serving as a comprehensive tourist destination integrating sightseeing, accommodation, catering, shopping, entertainment and other functions.
The entire scenic area is crescent-shaped, covering a total area of 66 square kilometers with a stream length of 36 kilometers. It is divided into five major scenic zones: Baishuiyang, Mandarin Duck Stream, Liugong Rock, Taibao Building, and Mandarin Duck Lake. In addition to its unique geological landscapes, the area boasts abundant wild animal and plant resources. Every autumn, numerous mandarin ducks fly from the north to overwinter here. The deep mountains and dense forests provide an ideal habitat for them, earning Pingnan the reputation of the "Hometown of Mandarin Ducks".
Historical and Cultural Background
In July 2004, the Baishuiyang Yuanyangxi Scenic Area was listed as one of the Top Ten Tourism Brands of Fujian Province. In August 2005, it was approved as a National Geopark by the Ministry of Land and Resources. In January 2009, it was designated as a National 4A-level Tourist Attraction by the China National Tourism Administration. In August 2012, the scenic area was upgraded to a National 5A-level Tourist Attraction. In 2018, it was recognized as a "National Sports Tourism Demonstration Base".
The region where the scenic area is located has long been famous for mandarin duck habitats. Mandarin ducks were first discovered in the streams here over a hundred years ago. Centered around the mandarin ducks and unique natural scenery, the local area has gradually developed related tourism culture and continuously improved the construction of the scenic area, making it a popular tourist resort that combines natural landscapes and humanistic characteristics today.
Main Attractions
Xianpa Stream
Known as the "Ten-Li Water Street Xianpa Stream", this stream features a flat riverbed with beige bedrocks extending all the way to the inlet of the Baishuiyang Water. Its unique scenery adds a distinctive charm to the scenic area.
Shallow Water Square
Baishuiyang is divided into Upper, Middle and Lower Yang. The Middle Yang is the most magnificent section. The riverbed is flat with evenly distributed water flow. Some loose rocks with well-developed joints have fallen off under the scouring of water, forming natural bathtubs. When visiting Baishuiyang, walking barefoot in the water allows you to experience the unique water quality and enjoy a free foot massage.
Shuanglong Bridge (Double Dragon Bridge)
It is a reconstructed wooden arch covered bridge, 66 meters long and 4.5 meters wide, with two piers and three spans. Its unique design stretches across the water surface, becoming a distinctive scenic spot in the area.
Wulao Peak (Five Elders Peak)
Looking far from Shuanglong Bridge, the mountain peak beside Baishuiyang is Wulao Peak. The small platform in front of it is called Qipan Stone (Chessboard Stone). Legend has it that five immortals once played chess here and were so absorbed in the game that they turned into Wulao Peak, adding a mysterious touch to the scenic area.
Shamao Rock (Official Hat Rock)
A protruding rock in the middle of the Yang is connected to the riverbed as a whole, and its shape changes with different viewing angles. Viewed from the upper left, it resembles an official hat of the Ming Dynasty, hence the name. Seen from the opposite bank, it looks like a deity statue, known as Zhenyang General. From directly above, it looks like a bamboo shoot breaking through the soil, called "Immortal's Left Bamboo Shoot". Viewed from the lower left side, it resembles a giant turtle carrying treasures, also known as "Golden Turtle Carrying Treasures". Overall, it looks like a fully unfurled sail, symbolizing "Smooth Sailing". Therefore, this scenic spot is also named "Golden Turtle Carrying Treasures, Smooth Sailing".
Qitian Dasheng Cave (Great Sage Equal to Heaven Cave)
The cave is over ten meters wide and eight meters deep. A shrine in the middle houses the deity statue of Qitian Dasheng, with the inscription "Jade-Sealed Hall of Qitian Dasheng of Shangdong" carved on it. Built in the 10th year of the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1872), this temple is modeled after Sun Wukong's "transforming into a temple" in Journey to the West. Although small in scale, it enjoys a constant stream of worshippers. Qitian Dasheng is regarded as the patron saint of Mandarin Duck Stream.
Xiannu Ji (Fairy Waterfall)
Composed of multiple waterfalls, it looks like a sitting fairy from a specific angle, thus getting its name. The tallest waterfall represents the fairy's head, the second one her body and hands, and the third one her lower limbs. Overlooking from the "Lingyun Plank Road" on Baiyan Peak, the fairy-like shape becomes even more vivid.
Dingtan Xianyan Valley (Dingtan Immortal Banquet Valley)
Legend has it that this is the place where the Mandarin Duck Goddess held banquets and attained immortality. Because Lu Xiuniang sacrificed herself for love by jumping into the pool and turning into a mandarin duck, the area is home to a large number of mandarin ducks. This valley is a "fully three-dimensional landscape" river valley, with an Immortal Stage in front and other unique landscapes such as Qunshe Rock (Group of Snakes Rock). The clear water in Dingtan Pool rolls with green waves, and the round holes on the rocks are "potholes" formed by eddy current scouring, which is a remarkable natural wonder.
Baizhang Ji (Hundred-Zhang Waterfall) and Shuilian Cave (Water Curtain Cave)
Baizhang Ji has a drop of 157 meters and a width of over 20 meters, with a magnificent momentum that evokes the feeling of the poem line "The waterfall flies down three thousand feet, I suspect it is the Milky Way falling from the nine heavens". The Shuilian Cave is embedded in the middle of the waterfall cliff, over 3 meters high and 4 meters wide, capable of accommodating dozens of people. Standing inside the cave, you can see the waterfall hanging in front of the cave, fluttering in the wind, as if you are in the Dragon King's Palace. Baizhang Ji and the Shuilian Caves in Huangguoshu, Lianyungang, Yandang Mountain and Wuyi Mountain are collectively known as the "Five Great Water Curtain Caves" in China. Surrounded by dense forests and beautiful scenery, on clear mornings until noon, the waterfall and rainbow complement each other, creating a spectacular and ever-changing view.
Biyi Peak (Pair of Lovebirds Peak)
Located in the middle section of Mandarin Duck Stream, it is composed of several stone fortresses and stone pillars formed by weathering, erosion and collapse, presenting a majestic and spectacular sight. Among them, two stone fortresses and pillars stand facing each other, just like a pair of affectionate lovers, hence the name "Biyi Peak".
Laba Ji (Trumpet Waterfall)
This is the most peculiar waterfall in Mandarin Duck Stream. Affected by the shape of the rocks, the waterfall resembles a trumpet, and even the splashing water drops are just like the saliva splatters when playing a trumpet. Legend has it that on the occasion of the Mandarin Duck Goddess's birthday banquet, the Laughing Arhat played the trumpet to liven up the atmosphere, and later got drunk and turned into Luohan Stone (Arhat Stone), while his trumpet transformed into Laba Ji.
Baishuiyang
Connected to the mountain on the bank as a whole, it presents a very unique landscape. The Wulao Peak and Guanyin Rock on the bank boast beautiful scenery. Overlooking from Wulao Peak, Baishuiyang is shaped like a vast farmland just harrowed flat. In addition, Baishuiyang Scenic Area also features other attractions such as Shisun Rock (Stone Shoot Rock), Monkey King Looking Far Away, Two Immortals Descending to Earth, Shuangru Tan (Pair of Breasts Pool), Xianli Chaotian (Immortal Carp Facing the Sky), and Giant Elephant Greeting Guests.
Tour Route
After entering the scenic area through the main gate, you will first arrive at the Lingyun Plank Road, which is the starting point for enjoying the panoramic view. From here, you can overlook scenic spots such as Xiaoxitian (Little Western Heaven), Xiannu Waterfall, Jasper Emerald Pool, Baizhang Ji, Xianren Bridge (Immortal Bridge), and Xiaohukou Waterfall (Little Hukou Waterfall). Next, you will reach Lianxin Pavilion, also known as Banshan Pavilion (Halfway Mountain Pavilion), marking that you have completed half of the mountain-climbing journey. If you only plan to take the half-day tour of Mandarin Duck Stream, you can go to Baizhang Ji via Lianxin Pavilion towards Lansheng Platform. However, it is recommended to take the full-day tour to explore more scenic spots. Continuing forward, you will see Huzui Rock (Tiger's Mouth Rock) with its unique shape. Then, walk along the plank road of Xianyan Valley, and there is a glass viewing platform at the corner where you can overlook the beautiful scenery of Xianyan Valley. Further ahead, you will see Xiannu Waterfall, where legend has it that fairies often bathed. Next, you will arrive at Xiaowu Gorge, a narrow river valley where the stream forms a magnificent waterfall. Afterwards, you will see Dingxi Divine Pillar, a huge stone pillar standing in the stream, forming a deep pool. Walking about a hundred meters further, you will reach Xiaohukou Waterfall, also known as Cangtan Xiong Waterfall (Cangtan Majestic Waterfall), which is extremely spectacular. Then, you will pass through Tongtian Cave (Heaven-Reaching Cave) formed by two stone archways, which is said to be the palace of the Mandarin Duck Goddess. Going further, you will reach Baizhang Ji, one of the most magnificent waterfalls in the scenic area. Then, you will see Laba Ji, which is shaped like a trumpet. After passing the building with the cave staircase, you will come across Xiaotianchi (Little Tianchi Lake), where a large number of mandarin ducks live.
Travel Tips
- The best time to visit is during the transition period between summer and autumn. At this time, hundreds to thousands of mandarin ducks fly from the north to overwinter here, allowing you to enjoy the unique mandarin duck scenery, and the climate is also relatively pleasant.
- When visiting Baishuiyang, remember to bring swimsuits, slippers and other items to facilitate participation in water activities. If you want to experience the natural surfing slide, you can take protective measures in advance.
- When exploring the Mandarin Duck Stream Gorge, wear comfortable sports shoes or hiking shoes to walk on the plank roads and mountain paths. Meanwhile, you can bring some drinking water and snacks to replenish your energy.
- You can learn about the schedule of performances or special activities in the scenic area in advance, such as folk custom performances, and arrange your itinerary reasonably to participate in and experience local cultural activities.
Notes
- Respect local customs and religious beliefs, and abide by the regulations and guidelines of the scenic area when visiting relevant places.
- When participating in water activities, follow the instructions of the staff, wear life jackets and other safety equipment to ensure your own safety, especially in potentially dangerous projects such as surfing in Baishuiyang.
- Some roads in the scenic area are relatively rugged, so please watch your step while walking to avoid falls or sprains. When walking on the canyon plank roads, do not lean against the railings to prevent accidents.
- Take good care of the environment of the scenic area, do not litter, keep the scenic area clean and beautiful, and jointly protect the natural ecological environment.
- If you travel to the scenic area in summer, remember to take sun protection and anti-mosquito measures, and bring sunscreen, sun hats, anti-mosquito sprays and other items; in winter, pay attention to keeping warm and bring enough thick clothes, as the temperature difference between day and night in the scenic area may be relatively large.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Starting from Fuzhou, drive along the Shenhai Expressway and exit at the Pingnan Expressway Toll Gate, then follow the road signs to the scenic area. The whole journey is about 170 kilometers, taking approximately 2.5 hours. Starting from Ningde, drive along the Ningshang Expressway and exit at the Pingnan Expressway Toll Gate to reach the scenic area. The total distance is about 101 kilometers, taking around 1.5 hours.
- Public transportation: You can first reach Pingnan County, then take the shuttle bus to the scenic area at the county bus station. The departure time of the shuttle bus is arranged according to passenger flow, and you can consult the local bus station for specific information. You can also take a taxi from the county to the scenic area, and the fare is calculated according to the actual mileage. The distance is about 30 kilometers, taking about 40 minutes by car.
Opening Hours
The scenic area is generally open from 08:30 to 17:00. However, the opening hours may be adjusted during peak tourist seasons, holidays or under special weather conditions.
Ticket Information
Combined ticket: 160 yuan per person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "白水洋鸳鸯溪" to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online.
Online Booking
Click here to jump to the Trip.com ticketing platform for ticket purchase.