Flooded by a sea of golden rapeseed flowers, the Qianduo Rapeseed Flower Scenic Area, located in Xinghua, a city in East China's Jiangsu Province, attracts countless tourists and photographers, from home and abroad, every spring.

Hometown of Chinese Literature 

Xinghua, founded in AD 920, is situated in the central region of Jiangsu Province. Xinghua is known for its time-honored history, and for its rich culture. Xinghua has been home to many famous people throughout the centuries. Shi Nai'an, a writer during the late Yuan (1206-1368) and early Ming (1368-1644) dynasties, was born in Xinghua. Shi finished Outlaws of the Marsh, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature, in Xinghua during his later years. Many novels during the Ming and Qing (1616-1911) dynasties were written by authors who were born in Xinghua. In 2011, Xinghua was designated the "hometown of Chinese novels" by the Chinese Fiction Institution. In 2020, Xinghua was designated the "hometown of Chinese literature" by the Chinese Literature Foundation. 

Xinghua is the hometown of Zheng Xie, commonly known by his pseudonym, Zheng Banqiao. Zheng was a calligrapher, painter and litterateur during the Qing Dynasty. He was noted for his drawings of orchids, bamboo and stones, and for his creation of a new calligraphy style influenced by his orchid drawings. Zheng's calligraphies and paintings were of high artistic value. Travelers can visit Zheng's former residence and memorial hall, in the city, to explore his life and great achievements in Chinese culture. 

Outlaws of the Marsh

Rapeseed Flowers 

The rapeseed flower is the symbol of Xinghua. Local historical documents indicate the city's natural landscape of rapeseed flowers dates back nearly 750 years. Qianduo Rapeseed Flower Scenic Area, in Dongwang Village, in Xinghua, is reputed to be one of the most beautiful spots in China to enjoy viewing rapeseed flowers. The scenic area has a unique scenery of rivers and waterways winding through the fields of golden rapeseed flowers. Such scenery is rare in China. 

The golden rapeseed flowers form a boundless expanse on duotian (a local term that means raised fields), which were formed by mud rising into small stacks in the water. 

In ancient times, local farmers, living near rivers and lakes, dug up the soil from the riverbeds, and they piled the soil high to form farmland where they could grow crops. The ancient duotian agrosystem has been well preserved, and it has continued to support the local rape-planting industry. Thousands of raised fields differ in size and shape, with the largest patch extending to about 2,000 square meters, while the smallest one covers just two square meters. Almost every patch of raised field is surrounded by water. 

Every year, the beautiful, golden luster comes out between March and May; however, the best time to view, admire and photograph the flowers is between early April and early May. During that time, the picturesque spring scenery of blooming flowers creates a feast for the eyes, making Xinghua a Mecca for tourists and photographers. 

Also during that time, countless tourists, from around the world, flock to the village to capture, in still life, the magnificent golden sea of rapeseed flowers. Tourists can meander through the "sea of flowers" and enjoy the breathtaking scenery by boat. The golden blossoms decorate the blue sky and lucid water, resembling a mesmerizing ink painting. 

In 2014, the Food and Agriculture Organization, under the United Nations, designated the Xinghua Duotian Agrosystem a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System for its unique water-land utilization method in low-lying areas, and for its splendid landscape. In 2022, the Xinghua Duotian Irrigation and Drainage System was added to the list of the World Heritage Irrigation Structures by the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage.

Trees 'in Water' 

Aquatic Forest Park, situated in Qianduo, a town in Xinghua, is a man-made ecological forest. It has more than 100,000 pond cypresses, dawn redwoods, and other species of trees. Nearly 40 years ago, the locals transformed barren riverbeds and lakeshores into raised fields, to plant trees. Those trees have since matured into a dense, vigorous forest. 

When viewing from afar, the trees seem like they are living in water. While shuttling through the waterways on a wooden raft, visitors can enjoy fresh air and natural beauty. It is an ideal place for city dwellers to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Photos from VCG and Tuchong

(Women of China English Monthly March 2024)