Xinzhou Yunzhong River Scenic Area
The Yunzhong River in Xinzhou boasts a long history and picturesque scenery, serving as an ecological gem and a model of cultural-tourism integration in the region. Combining natural landscapes, leisure activities, and historical culture, it offers visitors a comprehensive travel experience and has become a new landmark for cultural tourism in Xinzhou. Below is a detailed introduction to the Yunzhong River:
**Geographical Location and Historical Background**
- **Location**: The Yunzhong River is located in Xinfu District, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province. As a primary tributary of the Hutuo River in the Ziya River system of the Haihe Basin, it stretches 58 kilometers within Xinfu District, covering a drainage area of approximately 800 square kilometers. Originating from Yunzhong Mountain, it divides into the North and South Yunzhong Rivers.
- **History**: The Yunzhong River was documented in the *Shui Jing* (Classic of Waterways) during the Northern Wei Dynasty, listed among China's 136 major rivers. Historically, its unpredictable flow often caused floods. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, measures such as reservoir construction and flood diversion projects effectively tamed the river, benefiting surrounding communities.
**Yunzhong River Scenic Area**
- **Construction and Scale**: Located in northern Xinzhou, the scenic area began construction on June 15, 2013, and officially opened on April 25, 2014. It spans approximately 6,070 meters east-west, with an average width of 436 meters north-south, covering a total area of 2.5687 million square meters. This includes 1.1172 million square meters of green space and 717,800 square meters of water.
- **Functional Zones**: The planned functional area covers 449,500 square meters, featuring cave dwellings, wellness districts, food streets, bar streets, European-style clubs, resort hotels, tea-and-chess gardens, amusement parks, sports fields, and business offices.
- **Attractions and Facilities**: The area boasts four large squares (Yu Wang Square, Ji Zhou Square, Wo Niu Square, and Tuo Luo Square), two main paths (Xianren Road and Wutong Road), and 25,000 meters of various trails. Key highlights include two inner lakes (Yanxia Lake and Diecui Lake), two ecological wetlands (Ningcui Wetland and Hefeng Pond), a stone arch bridge (Yudai Bridge), 19 pavilions, 15 parking lots, 14 public restrooms, 6 management buildings, and 7 pump houses. Over 104,000 trees of 87 species and 750,000 square meters of ground cover plants of 44 species enhance the landscape.
- **Unique Features**: The scenic area centers on water views, complemented by lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and striking rock formations. Arch bridges, boardwalks, pavilions, sculptures, and inscriptions harmonize beautifully. Four distinctive bridges—Yunzhong, Qiyi, Mushan, and Muma—span the river, creating a breathtaking panorama. Additional attractions include an RV campground and a hot spring wellness town.
**Tourism Activities and Highlights**
- **Hot Spring Wellness**: The Qingliangwan Hot Spring Wellness Town is the core area, offering rich wellness experiences. Visitors can join Hanfu parades, traditional opera performances, tea ceremonies, and rubbing art workshops to immerse in cultural heritage. At night, the "Moonlit River & Lantern Wishes" ceremony features handmade lanterns drifting along the river, blending with hot spring mist for a dreamlike ambiance.
- **Family-Friendly and Camping**: The "YEAGO Camping Carnival" takes place on dual lawns: the East Lawn focuses on "slow living" with tent camping, barbecues, and outdoor movies, while the West Lawn emphasizes "vibrant interactions" with treasure hunts, sports challenges, and craft markets. Evening bonfires and retro films add to the lively atmosphere.
- **Food and Markets**: The "Evening Breeze Market" at Dun Village Visitor Center hosts over 30 vendors, with local delicacies like Shanxi knife-cut noodles and buckwheat bowls selling 500+ servings daily. The open-air food cinema pairs grilled lamb skewers with classic films for a "taste + sight" feast.
**Honors and Significance**
- **Accolades**: The Yunzhong River Scenic Area is a National AAAA Tourist Attraction, a National Civilized Tourism Demonstration Unit, a Shanxi Three-Star Urban Park, a Provincial Tourist Resort, a Provincial Civilized Scenic Area, a Provincial Civilized Tourism Demonstration Unit, and one of Shanxi's first cultural-tourism-wellness demonstration zones. Its RV campground is certified as one of China's first 5C-level auto-camping sites.