Emerald Valley Attractions
Colorful Pools
Emerald Valley is renowned for its numerous colorful pools, each boasting unique characteristics and beauty. These pools are formed by the convergence of cascading waterfalls, mineral-rich springs, and the erosion of the valley's distinctive rock formations.
One such marvel is the Mirror Pond. True to its name, it possesses an incredibly smooth surface, reflecting the surrounding scenery like a flawless mirror. Adding to its allure, the patterns etched onto the surrounding rocks resemble delicate ribbons floating atop the water, swaying gently with the currents.
Equally captivating is the Green Pearl Pond. Its name hints at its most striking feature: the bottom of the pond shimmers with an array of beautiful pebbles, creating an illusion of countless green pearls scattered beneath the crystal-clear water. When sunlight bathes the pond, these pebbles, combined with the interplay of light and water, create a mesmerizing spectacle of vibrant colors.
Stone Carvings
Beyond its captivating natural beauty, Emerald Valley holds cultural significance, evidenced by the numerous stone carvings that grace the landscape.
A highlight among these is the "100 Love Characters Monument". This unique monument presents the character "love" (爱) inscribed a hundred times, each inscription a testament to the calligraphy styles of renowned artists throughout history.
Another must-see is the colossal "Love Stone". This imposing stone slab, measuring an impressive 4.6 meters long and 4.5 meters wide, bears a single, boldly carved character: "love". Legend attributes this grand inscription to the celebrated writer and poet, Su Shi, lending an aura of romance and literary history to the site. It is said that the dot of the "heart" radical (心) within the "love" character is spacious enough to accommodate two people sitting comfortably, making it a popular spot for couples seeking a romantic photo opportunity.
Attractions Overview
Emerald Valley offers approximately 3 kilometers of developed trails and scenic spots for visitors to explore. To make the most of your visit, refer to the colorful Emerald Valley tourist map provided at the entrance.
Colorful Pool Cluster
Emerald Valley is a paradise of cascading waterfalls and vividly colored pools. After a night of rainfall, the valley truly comes alive with the sights and sounds of rushing water.
- Flower Mirror Pool: Shaped like a perfectly round mirror, this pool is surrounded by rocks patterned with intricate veins, resembling colorful ribbons dancing on the water's surface. The effect is reminiscent of a celestial maiden rinsing silk in the pond.
- Green Pearl Pool: This deep pool, exceeding 10 meters in depth, gets its name from the multitude of brightly colored pebbles lining its floor. The water is crystal clear, revealing the beauty of the pebbles below. A 15-meter-tall waterfall cascades into the pool, creating a captivating interplay of sound, motion, and light. The sunlight refracting through the cascading water paints the pool's surface with a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colors, making it a truly unforgettable sight.
These are just two examples of the many colorful pools scattered throughout Emerald Valley, each with its unique charm and beauty.
Stone Carvings
Emerald Valley is also home to a collection of stone carvings by famous calligraphers and dignitaries, including:
- Qi Gong
- Yuan Xiaoyuan
- Zhang Zhen
- Chi Haotian
- Fu Jie
- Wang Zhen
- Tian Jiyun
The "100 Love Characters Monument" and the colossal "Love Stone" stand out as testaments to the power and beauty of love, further enhanced by the enchanting scenery of Emerald Valley.
Farm Stay Experience
For those looking for an immersive experience, Emerald New Village offers 48 "farm stay" villas known as "Emerald Homes." Designed and built to meet the United Nations' Best Habitat Award standards, these villas blend modern comfort and convenience with the rustic charm of traditional Hui-style architecture.
The Emerald Homes have earned national recognition, including:
- National Agricultural Tourism Demonstration Site
- National Leisure Agriculture and Rural Tourism Demonstration Site
- Five-Star Farmhouse in Anhui Province
In 2015, Emerald Homes received the prestigious "China Rural Tourism Gold Medal Farmhouse" award at the National Rural Tourism Upgrading and Tourism Poverty Alleviation Promotion Conference.
FAQs
What makes the pools in Emerald Valley so colorful?
The vibrant colors of the pools are a result of several factors, including:
- Mineral-rich springs: The water flowing into the pools originates from natural springs containing various dissolved minerals. These minerals impart unique colors to the water, ranging from emerald green to turquoise blue.
- Sunlight reflection: The way sunlight reflects and refracts off the water's surface and the varying depths of the pools creates an illusion of multiple colors.
- Rock formations: The color of the rocks lining the pools, combined with the growth of algae and other aquatic plants, also contributes to the overall visual effect.
What is the significance of the "Love Stone" in Emerald Valley?
The "Love Stone" is a popular destination for couples visiting Emerald Valley. Legend has it that the massive character was inscribed by the renowned poet and calligrapher Su Shi. Sitting on the dot of the "heart" radical within the "love" character is said to bring good luck in love and relationships.
What types of activities are available in Emerald Valley besides sightseeing?
Besides admiring the stunning natural beauty and cultural relics, visitors can enjoy:
- Hiking: Several well-maintained trails wind through the valley, offering varying levels of difficulty to suit different fitness levels.
- Photography: The colorful pools, cascading waterfalls, and lush vegetation provide endless opportunities for capturing breathtaking photographs.
- Farm Stay Experience: Experience the local culture and hospitality by staying at one of the Emerald Homes in Emerald New Village.