(China Daily) Located at the middle and lower reaches of the Qingjiang River, a tributary of the Yangtze River, the Changyang Tujia Autonomous County is believed to be the birthplace of the Tujia ethnic group, whose population exceeded 8 million in the national census conducted in the year 2000.

The Qingjiang River, called Yi (smooth and safe) in ancient times, was named after its clean and pure waters.

With a total length of 425 kilometres, the river winds its way from west to east through Changyang for 148 kilometres. It originates from the Xiaojia Pond at the foot of Qiyue Mountains, Lichuan, in Hubei Province and joins the Yangtze River in the city of Zhicheng, Hubei.

It is called the "mother river of the Tujia ethnic group," the origin of the ancient Ba people. The mountains here are lofty and rugged. The water looks dark green, the rocks appear fantastic and the woods are lush and luxuriant.

It is cool in summer and warm in winter. The enchanting scenery and rich Tujia ethnic culture have drawn many visitors from home and abroad to this southwest corner of Hubei Province.