Yaxia Reservoir

Yaxia Reservoir is located in the southwest of Yan Tou Town, near the ancient village of Dai Tou, and is part of the Daruoyan Scenic Area. After a series of renovations and expansions, it quickly became one of the popular attractions in Xiao Nanxi. The highlight of Yaxia Reservoir is the Bashful Waterfall, hidden deep within steep cliffs. In addition to the outstanding natural scenery, the popularity of this place also lies in its well-equipped facilities, which can take visitors into very steep cliffs and waterfalls, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty and danger of Nanxi’s landscape.

It takes about 2 hours to visit Yaxia Reservoir, indicating that the scenic area is not very large. From the foot of the mountain, you can see the suspended plank road on the opposite cliff. Most tourists will choose the right side after entering the scenic area. To avoid the crowd, you might consider taking the left hiking trail up the mountain in the opposite direction. The beginning is relatively gentle, and after about 5 minutes, it starts to slope upwards. When you encounter a large suspended rock similar to a ‘slit in the sky’, you will reach the steep part. However, continuing upwards for about 15 minutes will allow you to reach the summit.

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Turning a mountain corner, you will see a small pavilion with characteristics of Yongjia’s residential architecture. From here, you can overlook the abyss and enjoy a 270-degree view of the canyon scenery. You will find that the entire plank road is built in a circular shape around the canyon, connected by a suspension bridge above the canyon exit. At the fork in the viewing pavilion, you can go left to the Changkong Plank Road to reach the waterfall, or you can take the right downhill road to directly reach the suspended suspension bridge. After crossing the bridge and turning left, you can also reach the waterfall. In summer, many children enjoy playing in the pool by the waterfall, which is very cool.

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The Changkong Plank Road is about 800 meters long. If you have enough time, you can experience it by walking. If you do not want to walk a long distance, you can directly choose the suspension bridge. Below the suspension bridge is a cliff, and walking on the bridge feels very thrilling. If you dare to look down, you can see tourists in groups of three or five on the winding mountain road at the bottom of the cliff, as well as a pool of clear water formed by the mountain stream.

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Continuing forward from the waterfall towards the suspension bridge, you will walk onto the glass viewing platform of the plank road. The viewing platform is only a few square meters in size, entirely extending outside the cliff, with the railings made of glass. Standing on it, you feel as if you are hanging in the air above Yaxia Reservoir, which is a very strange feeling. In addition, this is also a place to overlook the panoramic view of Yaxia Reservoir. Below the glass viewing platform, not far from Taijiao Rock, is the Banshan Pavilion. The Banshan Pavilion is built on a mountain ridge, and you can overlook it from a distance along the way, like a pavilion in the sky. After passing the Banshan Pavilion, there is a steep and winding downhill staircase. At the end of it is the bottom of Yaxia Reservoir. This is also the Bashful Waterfall of Yaxia Reservoir, with the waterfall surrounded by three sides of stone walls and one outlet. Being in it feels like being in the alley of a skyscraper, with dark cliffs pressing down on both sides. The waterfall is very cool, and even at noon in summer, only a few minutes of sunlight are visible. Continuing forward from the Bashful Waterfall, passing through attractions such as Yingke Xian and Qingwa Wentian, and crossing the stone arch bridge, you will soon return to the entrance of Yaxia Reservoir Scenic Area.
In the Daruoyan Scenic Area, other attractions such as Tao Gong Cave, Jiuji Stone Gate Platform, and Shi’er Peak can be visited with a combined ticket. Accommodation options are available around each scenic spot, and most of them provide catering services. For those who do not drive, consider taking local tricycles.

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Open all year round from 08:00 to 17:30. Essential tips for visiting: The best time to appreciate the Bashui Waterfall is during the rainy season when the water level is high, as the waterfall thunders down the valley, resembling a mountain torrent.

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