Qiachuan Scenic Area
洽川
A large wetland on the west bank of the Yellow River, where reed marshes, lotus ponds and warm upwelling springs intertwine. It is widely identified as the setting of “on the islet in the river” in the Book of Songs poem “Guan Ju.”
Qiachuan lies in Heyang County, south of Hancheng, where the Yellow River flows wide, forming a wetland of hundreds of thousands of mu. Reed marshes stretch out like mazes, lotuses bloom in summer, and the reeds turn to drifting snow in autumn and winter. Many waterbirds nest here. The most distinctive feature is the “Fen springs” (upwelling springs). Water wells up through sandy bottoms and stays at about 30°C year-round, so you can float without sinking. The Virgin Spring is the most famous of them, and visitors can enter the water there. Other activities include boat trips through the reed marshes and birdwatching. The site is about 60 km from Hancheng city, roughly an hour by car. Mosquito repellent and sun protection are advised in summer.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–18:00 (check scenic area notices)
Nearby sights
- Temple and Tomb of Sima Qian
- Sima Ancient Town
- Hancheng Confucian Temple
- Hancheng Ancient City
- Hancheng City God Temple
- Hancheng Golden Pagoda
- Hancheng Dayu Temple
- Liangdai Village Rui State Site Museum