Attractions of Nansha Lake Scenic Area

Tourism resources in Nansha Lake fall into two categories. First, cultural landscapes, including sites embodying ancient civilizations, traditional culture and modern cultural features: Huilong Temple, Wulang Pass, Goddess of the Earth Temple, Mingzhu Temple, and the Monument to Revolutionary Martyrs. Second, natural landscapes, such as mountain peaks, rivers, vegetation, wild animals and plants.

Natural scenery and cultural relics complement each other perfectly, boasting tremendous potential for further development.

The Nansha River winds in an L-shape with clear emerald water. When there is no wind, the lake surface is smooth as a mirror; when a light breeze blows, ripples spread far and wide. Green mountains and luxuriant trees line the lakeshore. The lake has countless winding coves and murmuring brooks. Where water overflows the spillway, it plunges down to form a waterfall. Splashing foams fall into a deep pool. The combination of mountains, rivers, streams and waterfalls creates a scenic landscape featuring depth, wonder, peril and grace.

The cultural attractions are mainly ancient buildings enriched with folk tales and historical allusions. Nature and humanity merge seamlessly to bring out the best in each other. The scenic area is not only ideal for sightseeing, adventure, summer retreats and health recuperation, but also of great value for scientific investigation, academic research and field teaching.

The tourism resources are rich and diverse. The natural landscapes are classified into three categories, and cultural landscapes into four categories as detailed below.

The Micang Mountains are the only mountain range in the scenic zone, belonging to the low hills of the Daba Mountains. Stretching along the Sichuan-Shaanxi border, the range spans 32 kilometres from east to west and 40 kilometres from north to south, covering an area of about 737 square kilometres. Within the reservoir area stand 54 rolling peaks of varying shapes and heights. Gaomiao Mountain is the highest, while Duxiu Peak is the lowest. There are 15 mountain ridges shaped like the Chinese character ren, the letter L, the letter N and saddles. Terraced farmlands, farmhouses, pine woods and wild flowers scatter across the mountain valleys.

The upper reach of the Nansha River has a narrow riverbed with small discharge, rushing through mountain gorges. The middle reach features wide sandy river channels with seasonal water flow. Pine, fir and bamboo grow densely along both riverbanks. The lower lake section has abundant water for cruise boats. The numerous bends and tributaries create a vivid contrast between tranquillity and dynamism.

More than 20 river bays surround the lake. The low green hills and limpid water form peninsulas with distinctive scenery at every bend.

Known as the Mother Lake of Chenggu County, Nansha Lake guarantees water supply for agricultural irrigation and nurtures abundant flora and fauna. Excluding farmland, the forest coverage rate on mountain slopes exceeds 70 percent, dominated by mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forests with more than 30 major tree species.

Birds are dominated by four species of herons: little egret, black-crowned night heron, pond heron and cattle egret. Other birds include black kite, kingfisher, black-naped oriole, black drongo, azure-winged magpie, white-capped redstart, golden pheasant, white-cheeked laughingthrush, greenish warbler, hwamei, long-tailed paradise flycatcher, great tit and mandarin duck. Wild mammals include leopard cat, squirrel, hare, fox and wild goat.

Before the reservoir was built in 1958, an old cart road ran along the east bank of the Nansha River all the way to Sichuan. It was the only thoroughfare connecting Shaanxi and Sichuan in ancient times. The road was submerged after the reservoir was impounded.

The pass gate is an arched tunnel. In ancient times, two inscriptions "Leading to Shu" and "Connecting Qin" were carved on its north and south sides respectively. It was a vital strategic pass on the Sichuan-Shaanxi trail. The gate tower was destroyed in wars at the end of the Ming Dynasty and reconstructed in the early Qing Dynasty, before collapsing in 1972 due to disrepair.

According to legend, Zhang Wulang, a native of Sichuan, rendered outstanding service under Zheng Chenggong and was appointed magistrate of Yangzhou Prefecture (present-day Yang County). He passed away here on his journey. To commemorate him, local people built a temple in the Qing Dynasty, originally named Wulang Temple and later renamed Wulang Taoist Temple.

Local chronicles record that Emperor Dezong of the Tang Dynasty built a temporary palace here in 784 to evade warfare. Ninety-seven years later, Emperor Xizong stayed in this palace while fleeing to Sichuan. Later local officials erected a temple in memory of the two emperors, naming it Huilong Temple, meaning "Temple of the Returning Dragon", in honour of the imperial rulers.

Also known as Gaomiao Mountain Temple, it is a Taoist shrine first constructed in 1621, the first year of the Tianqi reign of the Ming Dynasty.

Located 4 kilometres northwest of the reservoir in present-day Gongjiabao Village. The site got its name because Bianque, the famous physician of the Warring States Period, once lived here. The original settlement was ruined, and a fortress was built here in 1505, the 18th year of the Hongzhi reign of the Ming Dynasty.

Situated on Xujiashan Hill south of Sihe Village, 3 kilometres northwest of the reservoir, there stand six ancient cypresses arranged in two rows. Over 10 metres tall and 1.2 metres in diameter, these lush trees are said to have been planted by Zhang Liang, Marquis of Liuhou in the Han Dynasty. Two magical legends surround these trees. First, the number of trees looks different from different angles: only two can be seen from the west, yet three when viewed head-on. Second, the trees cannot be cut down. It is said that wounded soldiers stationed here before the liberation tried to fell them with saws and axes, but the wounds healed completely overnight. The trees are seen as a symbol of the perseverance of ancient wise men.

On the west bank of the upper-middle reach of the reservoir. Two folk legends explain its origin. First, during temple construction in the Ming Dynasty, workers unearthed a clay dragon holding a bright pearl in its mouth, hence the name Mingzhu (Bright Pearl) Temple. Second, a black dragon swam here from Sichuan amid a mountain flood. A phoenix soared overhead while a wild boar rushed out from the opposite valley. As the dragon prepared to swallow the boar, a cowherd shouted loudly. The dragon and the boar froze on the spot and turned into two mountains, later named Black Dragon Mountain and Pig Head Mountain for their lifelike shapes. A temple was then built on the dragon’s head. Two ponds flank the east-facing gate, resembling the dragon’s eyes, which gave rise to the temple’s name. A pair of stone lions and stone flagpoles stand at the entrance. According to tradition, Prince Rui, a descendant of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, became a monk and abbot here. The temple was demolished during the Cultural Revolution, and the site is now occupied by Mingzhu Temple Primary School. Two ancient osmanthus trees, 8 metres high and thick enough for two people to embrace, spread their crowns over half a mu of land. Their sweet fragrance drifts for kilometres every autumn.