Fragrance Stream, one of the tributaries of the Yangtze River, originates in the mountainous Shennongjia area in the northwest of Hubei Province. Meandering 37 kilometers (about 23 miles) southwards, the river finally joins the Yangtze River near Zigui County . The water of the stream is crystal clear with colorful cobble stones at the bottom. Green-covered ridges of peaks and cliffs surround and are reflected by, the stream, creating a tranquil and secluded picture. Legend has it that the Yan Emperor (one ruler of primitive society and the finder of Chinese herbal medicine in ancient China) once washed herbal medicine at the headstream of the Fragrance Stream, thus the water carried the essence of all kinds of herbal medicine. More over, fragrant flowers blossom near the headstream, so the water carries fragrance aroma all the year round.