The Yuanjiang River surges gently across the land of Chenxi County. In the middle of the river upstream from the county seat lies a secluded islet at the heart of the water — Muzhou village, a household name among local residents of Chenxi.Surrounded by rippling waters and lush greenery on all sides, generations of villagers have made this islet their home. Nestled between clear river waters and sprawling orange groves, this quiet land holds unique worldly warmth and profound historical heritage exclusive to Muzhou.
The Muzhou Islet is long, narrow, and gently sloping, stretching nearly four kilometers in length, completely surrounded by the waters. From a distance, it resembles a small boat drifting on the river. The scene is known as "Spring Floods on Muzhou," one of the eight ancient views of Chenxi. "Legend has it that this islet is like a boat, with a chain—referred to as the Chain Rock—that ties the entire Muzhou as if mooring a boat, so it won't be washed away. Like a boat, as the water rises, the islet naturally floats," explained Ouyang Fangzheng. According to the locals, Muzhou is shaped like a large boat, and the Chain Rock by the riverbank acts as a chain, firmly anchoring this island in the heart of the river. With this natural "guardian," no matter how high the water rises, Muzhou will not be submerged. This unique natural phenomenon has become a distinct hallmark of Muzhou.
Each land nurtures its unique local gifts. This fertile river-centred isle has been abundant in citrus since ancient times. Legend has it that when Qu Yuan passed through Chenyang(ancient Chenxi) and sailed along the river, he once stopped at Muzhou. Struck by the luxuriant vegetation and endless groves of orange trees on the islet, and inspired by the orange tree’s steadfast and unadorned character, he composed his timeless ode Ode to the Orange Tree.
As thousands of years have slipped by, the cultural legend left by Qu Yuan has been passed down from generation to generation. For the local villagers, cultivating and protecting orange trees has become an ingrained tradition woven into their very bones.
“We grow oranges here over 400 mu of land, with an annual output of around six million jin. Our oranges are widely renowned, and people instantly recognize and highly praise Muzhou oranges,” said Ouyang Changjun, Party Secretary of Muzhou Village with confidence.Today, vast stretches of orange groves spread across Muzhou, covering a total planting area of more than 400 mu across the village. These small oranges have evolved into the village’s pillar industry.Blossoms bloom in spring, filling the air with refreshing sweet fragrance; in autumn and winter, golden fruits hang heavy on the branches. Every household busies itself with harvesting and sales. The plump, heavy fruits have enriched the villagers’ livelihoods, turning the millennium-old scent of oranges into tangible, down-to-earth well-being and confidence.
In addition to a thriving industry, the living environment has also undergone significant changes. The once narrow country lanes are now clean, tidy and well-connected. Riverside leisure paths were built along the river offer pleasant scenery. Fisherman’s charm blends seamlessly with rural pastoral views. Having bid farewell to its outdated look, the small islet is brimming with new vitality everywhere.
Leveraging its unique river-island ecology, profound cultural heritage and distinctive citrus industry, Muzhou has steadily embarked on a development path integrating agriculture, culture and tourism. This tiny islet boasts both ancient legends passed down through generations and a brand-new look fostered by rural revitalization.
Muzhou’s remarkable transformation is but a microcosm of Chenxi’s efforts to build the Yuanshui gallery, advance integrated cultural and tourism development, and foster harmonious and beautiful villages.Taking river water as the vein, ecology as the foundation, and industries as the pillar, a host of villages like Muzhou are undergoing steady transformation and upgrading. Together, they are making the banks of the Yuanjiang River more scenic, rural areas more prosperous, and local people’s lives sweeter.
(Translated by Dong Yue)