Baiquan Yuanshui: Encountering Time Amidst Millennia of Spring Charm

Preface: A Date with the Springs
Since childhood, I have heard elders at home mention Baiquan Yuanshui, saying it is a wonderful place where "water reflects ancient buildings, and springs accompany millennia." Imagining the sound of springs flowing over the bluestone paths and the traces of time among ancient pavilions and stele corridors, this longing took root deep in my heart. Early this autumn, I finally found time, packed a simple bag, and set off on a journey to Baiquan Yuanshui. Before departure, I did quite a bit of research, checking the local weather and transportation, and booked a room in advance at Home Inn neo Zhongbei Mall Qingfenglou Branch. I heard this hotel has an excellent location, convenient for visiting the scenic area and close to the local urban atmosphere, which added to my anticipation for this trip.
First Encounter with the Springs, First Exploration of the Spring Charm
Morning: Arrival and First Impressions
At 7 a.m., the high-speed train I was on slowly pulled into the local station. Stepping out, a gentle breeze brushed my face, carrying a hint of early autumn coolness, making me feel very comfortable. Following my pre-planned route, I took a taxi to Home Inn neo Zhongbei Mall Qingfenglou Branch to check in. The hotel staff were very warm and quickly helped me with the check-in. Entering the room, the clean and tidy environment was refreshing, and the simple modern decor exuded warmth. The window faced a lively street but was not noisy. After putting down my luggage and resting briefly, I eagerly set off for the Baiquan Yuanshui Scenic Area.
From the hotel, it was about a 20-minute walk to the main entrance of Baiquan Yuanshui Scenic Area. From afar, the gate looked antique and elegant, with the four bold characters "Baiquan Yuanshui" powerfully inscribed, as if telling the long history here. After buying the ticket and entering, a fresh mist of water vapor greeted me, instantly dispelling the fatigue of the journey.
Just inside the scenic area, a wide expanse of water came into view—one of the core spring clusters of Baiquan. Spring water gushed from underground, forming various spring holes of different sizes. Some bubbled like pearls continuously rising, while others resembled small waterfalls with flowing streams. The water surface shimmered, sunlight filtering through the leaves creating golden patches of light, especially enchanting. Willows on the shore swayed with the breeze, their branches dipping into the water, gently brushing the surface and causing ripples. Occasionally, a few mandarin ducks played on the water, diving and surfacing, sometimes holding small fish in their beaks—so adorable. This is probably the origin of the name "Yuanshui" (Mandarin Duck Water).
Walking slowly along the bluestone path by the shore, stone benches appeared at intervals for visitors to rest. I found a bench near a spring hole and sat quietly, admiring the beautiful scene. Closing my eyes, listening to the tinkling spring water and feeling the fresh breeze, it was as if I were in a paradise, with all worries and fatigue melting away.
Noon: First Taste of Local Cuisine
Before I knew it, it was noon, and my stomach began to rumble. I recalled from my research that there was a famous local restaurant near the scenic area specializing in dishes stewed with spring water, so I followed the address to find it. The restaurant was not hard to find, located in a small alley beside the main entrance, with red lanterns hanging at the door, very distinctive.
Inside, the restaurant was full of diners, mostly locals and tourists like me. I took a window seat, and the waiter quickly handed me the menu. The menu was not extensive, but each dish reflected local characteristics. I ordered the signature spring water stewed chicken and a local specialty side dish—cold mixed wild vegetables from the spring banks. While waiting for the food, I looked around the restaurant. Old local photos hung on the walls, showing Baiquan’s past and local folk customs, giving a strong sense of local culture.
Soon, the dishes arrived. The spring water stewed chicken broth was clear and fragrant, the chicken tender and melting in the mouth, with a subtle spring water aroma and not greasy at all. The cold mixed wild vegetables were refreshing, slightly bitter but with a lasting aftertaste, perfectly balancing the richness of the chicken. While enjoying the meal, I chatted with an elderly local at the next table. He told me the restaurant had been open for decades, using spring water directly drawn from Baiquan, and all ingredients were fresh local produce, which explained the authentic taste. Listening to him made this meal feel even more meaningful.
Afternoon: Deeper Exploration and Historical Discovery
After a satisfying meal, I returned to Baiquan Yuanshui Scenic Area to continue my tour. The afternoon sun was gentler than in the morning, casting mottled light through the leaves, adding a poetic touch.
Following the path along the spring, I soon arrived at Yuanshui Pavilion. Yuanshui Pavilion is one of Baiquan’s iconic buildings, originally built in the Ming Dynasty and restored several times, still maintaining its simple and ancient style. The pavilion is wooden, hexagonal in shape, with a gray tiled roof. Wind chimes hung under the eaves, ringing crisply in the breeze. Poems and couplets were carved on the pavilion’s pillars; although some characters were blurred, the elegance and talent of the ancients were still palpable. I entered the pavilion, found a seat, and gazed at the spring water and distant scenery outside, as if traveling back in time, imagining ancient scholars composing poetry and enjoying the springs here.
Not far from Yuanshui Pavilion was the stele corridor. The corridor displayed dozens of stone tablets from the Ming and Qing Dynasties to modern times. Some recorded the historical changes of Baiquan, others featured poems and essays by literati, and some documented local folk customs. Each stone tablet told a unique story, like vivid historical symbols. I carefully examined each one, gently touching the inscriptions, feeling the weight of history. One tablet left a deep impression on me; it bore a beautiful poem about Baiquan, with vivid language that vividly depicted the scenic beauty. I couldn’t help but take a photo of the poem with my phone to savor later.
At the end of the stele corridor was a small stone bridge spanning between spring holes, connecting two parts of the scenic area. The bridge’s railings were intricately carved with dragons, phoenixes, lions, and other lively figures. I stepped onto the bridge, stood in the middle, and looked down at the clear spring water below. The water was so clear that I could see the pebbles and swimming fish at the bottom. Occasionally, a few fallen leaves drifted down from the trees, landing on the water and slowly floating away with the current.
Evening: Urban Charm and Rest
Unconsciously, dusk fell. Reluctantly, I left Baiquan Yuanshui Scenic Area and returned to Home Inn neo Zhongbei Mall Qingfenglou Branch. After arriving at the hotel, I took a hot shower to relieve the day’s fatigue. Then, I changed into comfortable clothes and planned to stroll around the nearby iconic Haonanguan and Qingfenglou commercial district to experience the local nighttime atmosphere.
It was about a 2-minute walk from the hotel. Haonanguan was especially lively at night, brightly lit and bustling with people. The streets were lined with various shops, snack stalls, antique stores, and more, catering to all kinds of needs. I wandered slowly through Haonanguan, occasionally stepping into shops that caught my interest. At a local specialty store, I bought some local snacks.
After Haonanguan, I went to Qingfenglou commercial district. Qingfenglou is a landmark building originally built in the Tang Dynasty and well preserved after multiple restorations. At night, Qingfenglou was illuminated by lights, looking grand and magnificent. Around Qingfenglou were many snack stalls, with the aroma of various delicacies wafting through the air, making my mouth water. I found a snack stall and ordered a local specialty—stir-fried cold noodles. The noodles were soft and chewy, spicy and delicious. While eating, I enjoyed the night view of Qingfenglou and soaked in the local urban vibe, feeling deeply satisfied.
Back at the hotel, lying on the bed, I reflected on today’s journey. From the stunning first encounter with the springs, the satisfaction of tasting local cuisine, the emotion of exploring history, to the pleasure of experiencing the nighttime urban charm, this day’s experiences were unforgettable. I believe more surprises and wonderful moments await me in the days ahead.