This attraction introduction is compiled from historical materials in the "Zhangjiajie Tour Guide Network" (33519.com · Scenic Spots section). Ticket prices, opening hours, transportation, and contact information mentioned in the text may be outdated. Please refer to the latest official announcements from the scenic area before traveling; some content consists of historical background/cultural introductions and is for reference only.
The Mishui Scenic Belt is a provincial-level scenic area. It is located in the lower reaches of the Mishui River section in Hengdong County, originating from the Zhishan Range in Yanling County on the western foot of the Luoxiao Mountains. Its source is the Mausoleum of Emperor Yan, the resting place of the ancestors of the Chinese nation, and also Jinggangshan, the cradle of the Chinese revolution. Therefore, the Mi River is also known as the "River of History" and the "Red River." The Mi River is a crystal-clear river unpolluted by industry. The water quality is so good that it is rare in the province and even the whole country, consistently maintaining Grade II or above.
The Mishui drifting tour starts from the upper reaches of the Ganxi River Dam, pushing upstream all the way to Caoshi Town, covering fifty li along the river. The main attractions include: Ganxi River Dam, Yuanbao Grand View, the water market at Xiapu, Longyan Cave, Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl, the Xiao Family Old House, Lion Playing with a Ball, Tanjiangkou Fishing Village, Xiucai Watching the Honor Roll, Li Daoyuan's Li Gong Fishing Terrace, Yanguang Twin Temples, Xiyan Immortal Cave, Lingshan Old Temple, and more than 20 other scenic spots. Some beautiful legends cast a layer of mystery over the scenic belt, and its profound history makes people daydream and linger.
Originating from Zhishannao in Yanling County at the foot of Jinggangshan, it flows through 6 towns and 3 townships within Hengdong, stretching 72.5 kilometers. Three river dams—Ronghuan, Ganxi, and Yangtang—are built on the river. The scenery along the way is charming and the landscapes are rich, including the white orange base at Baimaozhou, Lingshan Scenic Area, Taiping Temple, Yanguang Temple, Xiucai Watching the Honor Roll, Lion Playing with the Golden Toad, Bijia Peak, General Temple, Yangshan Ancestral Hall, Leixi Double Moon, and other attractions. The famous Northern Song writer and calligrapher Huang Tingjian once left a poem at the Cishi Pavilion of Taiping Temple after touring the Mi River: "A green glass basin holds a thousand peaks; the rivers and lakes are clear, timeless. Where can one wipe their eyes to see both inside and out? At Taiping's flying pavilion I temporarily climb. I hear no black-canopied carriage at dawn; at Yuxi I only see ancient trees' shade. Who will wash away the regret of antiquity? A fine guest sits, not drinking alone!" Xu Xiake, the great geographer and writer of the late Ming Dynasty, also recorded detailed travels about the Mi River in his "Xu Xiake's Travels." The Qing poet Liu Zhenwu, moved by the picturesque scenery of Lingshan, wrote a poem "Lingshan Scenic View": "Beyond the seventy-two famous peaks, Lingshan has another heaven. Ancient nanmu trees chill the sunlight, grotesque rocks swallow the flowing spring. Dense woods hide a fine lodge, deep clouds conceal the Han immortal. At night the bell is about to quiet, wind and moon fill the river and sky."
