Qiaohuan Scenic and Historic Area: A Feast for the Eyes
Qiaohuan Scenic and Historic Area, designated as a National Scenic and Historic Area in 2004 by the State Council, is located 20 kilometers east of Cheng (the city) in Heyang County, Shaanxi Province, along the Yellow River. The area boasts stunning natural scenery within, including 'Ten Thousand Mu of Reeds, Thousand Eyes Fen (hot springs), Various Rare Birds, Ten Miles of Lotus Pond, and a Section of the Yellow River' – a truly captivating landscape.
The area is rich in poetic and cultural heritage, encompassing the 'Classic of Poetry' culture, Yellow River culture, and the ancient culture of Gusu. It features the legacies of Emperor Ji, Yi Yin, Tai Shi, Duyu, Damo, ZiXue, and the ancient kingdom of Gusu, covering an area of 176 square kilometers.
The Reed Wetlands are characterized as swamp, mire, peat or water-dominated areas, often referred to as 'the kidneys of the Earth,' playing a crucially important role in the global ecological balance. Within Qiaohuan Wetlands, 150,000 mu (approximately 9,333 hectares) of reed marshes stretch as far as the eye can see, earning it the reputation of 'the First Marsh in the World,' comparable to Shabei Lake in Ningxia and Baiyangdian in Hebei.
Verses from the 'Classic of Poetry' such as 'The Cuckoo Sings Repeatedly, Situated on the River Island, Quiet and Beautiful Young Women, Noble Men Seek Harmony,' and the idiom 'Peach and Plum Don't Speak, Their Excellence Comes From the Creek,' all originate from this area, signifying Qiaohuan as a fertile land, abundant in beautiful women and talented women, with a breathtakingly beautiful and idyllic landscape, resembling a paradise on Earth and a utopian haven.
