Cold Water River Stream Trekking in Bijie
At seven in the morning, Bijie city was still shrouded in a light mist. We drove northwest and arrived at the entrance of Cold Water River National Forest Park after forty minutes. As soon as we got out of the car, a cool breeze carrying the fresh scent of grass and trees greeted us, instantly dispelling the city’s heat—this was Cold Water River’s first gift to us.
Entering the Valley: The Clear Stream Sonata on Mossy Stones
Following the scenic trail into the river valley, the stone steps beneath our feet gradually became covered with moss, and the sound of passing cars was replaced by the gentle babbling of water. Turning a corner, a clear pool came into view: the water surface was like polished glass, reflecting the green trees on both banks. A few small fish swam between the cracks in the stones, their scales clearly visible. A friend squatted down and reached out to touch the water, then quickly pulled back, exclaiming, “Wow, it’s really cold! Like it’s been iced.”
Walking along the stream deeper into the valley, the trees grew denser. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting golden dappled light on the ground. Occasionally, spring water dripped from the cliff walls, hitting the rocks with a “ding-dong” sound that blended with the stream’s “whoosh,” creating a natural sonata. We stopped on a flat boulder, took out the cold noodles we had prepared, and ate them with the mountain breeze—ordinary cold noodles somehow tasted like a delicacy.
Exploring the Depths: The Light and Shadow Magic of the “One Line Sky”
Further in, the valley suddenly narrowed, with cliff walls almost touching on both sides, leaving only a narrow strip of sky overhead—this is Cold Water River’s “One Line Sky.” Standing at the valley bottom and looking up, sunlight slanted through the narrow sky, casting mottled shadows on the wet cliff walls. The moss on the cliffs glowed emerald green, like scattered jade fragments.
We stepped on stones in the water, which reached above our ankles. The icy cold sensation crept up our calves, making us shiver. Suddenly, a friend pointed at the cliff and shouted, “Look, a geyser!” I looked up to see a thin stream spurting from a crack in the cliff, stopping every few minutes like a playful child playing hide-and-seek. It’s said the spring’s flow changes with the weather, reaching a height of a person on rainy days. Unfortunately, it was sunny when we visited, so we only got a small show.
Playing in the Water: Childhood Echoes on the Shallow Beach
Exiting the “One Line Sky,” the valley opened up again, revealing a shallow beach with calm water and clearly visible pebbles on the riverbed. Several local children were barefoot, splashing in the water. Seeing us, they warmly invited, “Come play! There are little crabs in the water!” We took off our shoes and stepped in, feeling the slippery moss on the stones beneath our feet. I bent down to touch a crab, but it pinched me with its large claw, making me jerk my hand away in pain, which made the children laugh heartily.
A girl in our group took out her phone and crouched in the water to film the small fish. The sunlight danced on the water surface, stretching her shadow long. I sat on a rock by the shore, watching the children chase and play in the water, listening to their laughter, and suddenly remembered my childhood days playing by the river in my hometown—back then, the river was just as clear and cool, and we too went barefoot, catching fish and shrimp until sunset before going home.
Reaching the Summit: The Distant Mountains Layered in Green from Jinxiantai
At two in the afternoon, we followed a local guide up the mountain to see another scenic spot of Cold Water River—Jinxiantai. The mountain path was tougher than the valley trail, covered with mossy stones. We climbed using tree branches for support, sweating heavily after a short distance. The guide smiled and said, “Don’t worry, it’s cooler at the top, and you can see the whole Cold Water River.”
Finally reaching the summit, the view opened up dramatically: Cold Water River looked like a green ribbon winding through the valley, with layers of verdant mountains on both sides and distant peaks faintly visible in the mist. Jinxiantai was right below us, a protruding rock said to have water flowing down like golden threads on rainy days. We sat on the rock, feeling the mountain breeze and gazing at the valley below, deeply moved—seeing Cold Water River from above, it was truly beautiful.
Return Journey: The Ecological Report in the Clear Waves
On the way down, we walked back along the valley and passed a water quality monitoring station where staff were collecting water samples. The guide said, “This river used to be full of garbage and smelled bad, but after years of government restoration, it’s clear again.” I recalled the clear stream we saw entering the valley and felt deeply moved—restoring this river must have taken a lot of effort.
As we left the park, the setting sun dyed the river golden. We looked back at the valley with reluctance. A friend said, “Come again in winter. Cold Water River should be quieter then, and maybe we’ll see frost.” I nodded, already looking forward to it—next time, I want to bring a tent and stay by the valley overnight, falling asleep to the sound of the stream. It should be wonderful.
As the car left the forest park, I looked at the green mountains outside the window and suddenly understood Cold Water River’s charm: it’s not just a cool stream, but an ecological achievement jointly protected by nature and humans. Every drop of water, every patch of moss, every bird’s call tells a story of protection and rebirth.
1. Preparation Before Travel
Best Time to Visit
· Summer (June to August): The top choice! Abundant water, cool river, perfect for stream trekking, water play, and escaping the heat. The valley’s hosta flowers bloom.
· Spring and Autumn (April to May, September to November): Comfortable climate, ideal for forest hiking and sightseeing. Autumn’s colorful forests are stunning.
· Winter: Cooler temperatures, less water, not suitable for stream trekking, but good for niche hiking.
Essential Items
· Stream trekking gear: Non-slip stream trekking shoes/hiking shoes, quick-dry clothes, change of clothes, waterproof backpack, trekking poles.
· Protective items: Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, insect repellent, raincoat (mountain areas are rainy).
· Camping gear: Tent, sleeping bag, moisture-proof mat (rentable in the park), headlamp.
· Others: Thermos, snacks, common medicines (for stomach, cold, band-aids), some cash (signal is weak).
2. Transportation Guide
Self-driving (Recommended)
· From Guiyang: Gui-Jin-Gu Expressway → Jinsha County → towards Shichang Township → turn left at Jiangjiaba for 4 km → Cold Water River Scenic Area, about 1.5-2 hours total.
· From Bijie: Gui-Bi Expressway → Jinsha Tunnel → Shichang direction → turn left at Jiangjiaba → Scenic Area, about 1.5 hours.
· Navigation: Search directly for Cold Water River Camping Base / Cold Water River Forest Park.
Public Transport
1. High-speed train to Zunyi/Bijie → transfer to bus to Jinsha County.
2. From Jinsha County → chartered car/shared ride to the scenic area (about 50 minutes, 40 RMB per person, round trip is more cost-effective).
3. Must-Visit Attractions
1. Moon Bay Shallow Beach
The shallow water is only ankle-deep, crystal clear with schools of small fish, perfect for family water play and photography. The afternoon sunlight creates beautiful light reflections.
2. Emerald Pool
A deep green pool (about 1.5 meters), like a green gem, safe for swimming and diving, with excellent water quality.
3. Milk Waterfall (Calcium Deposited Cascade)
Milky white calcium pools with cascading water, flowing gently like a frozen glacier, a hidden gem for photos.
4. Cold Water River Forest Park
Over 90% forest coverage, a natural oxygen bar with rare plants like yew and ginkgo, comfortable and pleasant creekside trails.
5. Canyon Waterfalls
Nearly 20 waterfalls in the park, including the spectacular Big Fish Jump and Ladder Rock waterfalls with high drops and grand momentum.