East of Xi’an, an Unparalleled ‘Water Flower Field’ Lies Hidden
“You are the blossoms of tree after tree, the swallows’ twitter under the eaves, you are love, warmth, hope… The lush greenery Lin Huiyin wrote about seems to describe exactly: Qiachuan, the one by the water.”
This summer, during vacation and graduation season, instead of dwelling on farewells and fond memories, why not take someone special on a trip~
East of Xi’an, there lies a poetic countryside. In addition to the ceaseless Yellow River and lovely, serene villages, you’ll find an endless ‘water flower field’ – the reed wetland. If you wish to step into the breathtaking scene of ‘reeds lush and green, white dew frozen to frost’, and if you also relish the carefree delight of ‘autumn stillness on the plains, reeds singing in the evening breeze’, then you must not miss this reed wetland at Qiachuan.
A Hidden Stretch of the ‘Most Beautiful’ Reeds
The mighty Yellow River rushes down from the Loess Plateau, and as it reaches Heyang, the water spreads wide, forming the largest lake-type hot spring wetland in the Yellow River basin – Qiachuan Wetland. Step into this wetland, and in a drizzle, endless reeds sway in the wind, with egrets flying out now and then.
The locals say there are ‘six must-sees’ in Heyang: first, admire the grand river scenery; second, explore the wetland reeds; third, enjoy the green embankment of Fen Spring; fourth, behold the jade-green lotus ponds; fifth, gaze at the loess peak forests; sixth, watch hundreds of birds soaring. Among these, the wetland reeds are the most magnificent and gentle.
If you want to see with your own eyes the timeless scene from the Book of Songs: ‘Reeds green and lush, white dew turns to frost; reeds dense and thick, white dew not yet dried; reeds bright and fresh, white dew still remains,’ then you must come to Qiachuan. Here, reeds have stood for a thousand years, where sky and water merge in gentle hues and the scent of reed flowers drifts over a dreamlike land. Far from the bustle and noise, the silence is so profound that you are alone with yourself. Drifting quietly in a small boat among the reeds, the rustling and the dip of the oars weave into a pastoral song. Close your eyes and feel life’s original simplicity and beauty.
Feel the Yellow River’s ‘Symphony of Life’
Whether you prefer peace or excitement, Qiachuan has it all. There are the reed wetlands so quiet you can hear your own heartbeat, and the soul-stirring power of the Yellow River that thrills every inch of your being.
You can hardly imagine the sounds nature makes here: towering waves roll and roar, spray from the Yellow River dances in the wind. Pause by the riverbank, and the earthy smell hits you – this is the bold, rugged yet tender character of this land, the very spirit of the Yellow River’s soul. Many travelers write in their journals: ‘Every son and daughter of China must visit the Yellow River at least once in their life. Stand by it, feel its earth-shaking grandeur and motherly simplicity, and be grateful to have been born into this civilization.’
On a journey, there are always moments that move you, like the carp before the Yellow River’s Dragon Gate. Do you remember Li Bai’s poem: ‘A three-foot carp in the Yellow River, once dwelt in Mengjin; its forehead stamped, yet it failed to become a dragon, returning to swim with ordinary fish.’ And the childhood story of the carp leaping over the Dragon Gate, telling of courage and effort. Now standing on the riverbank, watching the rushing waters, you’ll surely sigh that life is just like this: the carp chase more beautiful views, and we too walk the journey of life, just to see more splendid sights.
After long stays in the city, you may have forgotten the reed blossoms and frog croaks of the fields. Amidst daily chores, you might have forgotten to look up and see the beautiful scenery of this world. Just one trip can heal you, letting you feel life’s symphony of motion and stillness.
Go to Qiachuan, and give your body and soul a natural spa!
