Fragrant Stream

The Fragrant Stream is at the northern bank of Xiling Gorge's west mouth. Rising from Shennongjia forestry region, the river is famous because the hometown of Wang Zhaojun (one of the Chinese four ancient beauties) lies at its upper reach.

The Fragrant Stream is charming as its water is quite clear. According to legend, Wang Zhaojun once washed her face in the Xiangxi Stream. She dropped her necklace unconsciously into the stream. Since then the water in Xiangxi became clear and fragrant. Hence its name - Fragrant Stream.

On the upper reaches of Xiangxi Stream, lies a village called Baoping Village where Wang Zhaojun was born. During the Han Dynasty, she married the leader of Huns, Huhanye in order to seek peace for the Han Dynasty. Because of her act, she was respected by posterity. In Baoping Village, there are many legends and historic relics related to Wang Zhaojun.

One of the popular legends is the "Peach Fish": Every spring, when the peach flowers blossom, pink crystal jellyfish appear in the water. As they look like peach petals swimming in the water the local people call them peach fish. It is strange that the fish appear and disappear corresponding to the time of the peach blossom. It is said that, when Zhaojun was going back after returning home to visit her relatives, she dissolved in a flood of tears. Her tears dropped on the peach blossom in the water and turned into peach fish.

In the village of Baiping, relics like the nanmu well, the dresser and the pearl pool can be seen. Since 1979, Wang Zhaojun Memorial Hall has been built there. It is a good place for visitors to discover more about Wang Zhaojun.