Longhu Mountain, literally meaning the Dragon and Tiger Mountain, is a famous resort in Jiangxi, China. It is most renowned for its three wonders, the gorgeous Danxia landform, amazing cliff tombs, and the birthplace of Taoism. Mount Longhu is regarded as a sacred mountain of Taoism and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Fast Facts about Longhu Mountain
- Location: 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) southwest of Yingtan City, Jiangxi
- Hours: 7:30 am-5:30pmApril to August, 8 am-5 pm September to March
- Tickets:
- CNY 135 for entry and sightseeing bus
- CNY 230 for entry, sightseeing bus, bamboo raft ride
- CNY 178 for Seeking the Dream of Longhu Mountain cultural performance
- Altitude: the highest Tianmen Mountain is 1,300 meters (4,265 feet)
- Best Time of the Year: March till November
- Recommended Visit Time: 1-2 days
- Suited to: hikers, photographers
Major Scenic Spots at Longhu Mountain
1. Trace the Origin of Taoism
Shangqing Palace Scenic Area: Shangqing Palace was originally Tianshi Thatched Cottage built by Zhang Daoling, the founder of Taoism, in the Eastern Han Dynasty. It is a Taoist place of worship, a significant architectural complex built on the traditions of ancient Chinese worship.
Shangqing Palace is one of the most important places of Taoism in Longhu Mountain. It is where Zhang Tianshi engaged in preaching and demonstrating Taoism, as well as other major religious activities. Therefore, it has been referred to as “the head association of Taoism” and “the place where gods reside.” The complex has halls, pavilions, and courtyards. Its scale is among the most impressive in all of China.
Tianshi Mansion Scenic Area: Sihan Tianshi Mansion covers an area of 50,000 square meters and contains more than 500 houses. It is located in the central area of Shangqing town in Yingtan city, facing Pipa Peak, backed by Mount Huashan. Its gate is near the Luxi River.
Tianshi Mansion has of distinct Taoist style in its layout. It was where the high priests practiced their rituals and lived in the past dynasties. It was the ancestral home of the Zhengyi School of Chinese Taoism with a long history and prominent position.
√Related reading: 10 Most Beautiful Mountains in China
2. Admire China’s Danxia Landform
Fairy Water Rock Scenic Area: You can board a bamboo raft from the foot of Longhu Mountain and travel westward along Luxi river. You’ll find more than 100 peaks. The most famous ones among them are the 24 peaks known as Fairy Water Rocks, amazing caves formed by erosion.
In this scenic area, you’ll also find the “Ten Cannot Rocks,” famous for their vivid shapes and positions. They each have fun and catchy names like the jade comb that cannot be used for combing, the fairy peach that cannot be eaten, the stone drum that cannot be beaten.
Elephant’s Nose Mountain Pai Ya Rock Scenic Area: The unusual landscape of Elephant’s Nose Mountain is a result of erosion and weathering. A stone beam, about 100 meters (328 feet) tall, looks as if it falls straight from the sky. And the whole mountain looks like a giant stone elephant drawing water with its hanging nose.
3. Marvel at the Ancient Cliff Tombs
Cliff Tombs Group Scenic Area: One of the most astounding sights to see for those who travel to Jiangxi is the cliff tombs of Longhu Mountain. There are hundreds of cliff tombs dating back more than 2,600 years, scattered on the cliffs of Fairy Water Rocks.
They sit inside caves which vary in size. So far, 39 coffins have been excavated, containing 16 sets of complete skeletons, over 200 pieces of pottery, green porcelain, silk linen fabrics, musical instruments, and wood bamboo, some of them being rare treasures.
These ancient tombs have been proven to be from the early Warring States Period. They have attracted archaeologists from home and abroad and hold great value in the study of Chinese ethnology, folklore, and archaeology.
4. Enjoy Cultural Shows and Performances
Learn about rich local history and culture on your Jiangxi tour at Longhu Mountain. There are daily performances of locals reenacting the process of putting up cliff tombs. They climb up the cliff without any tools or protection and have learned this skill from what’s been passed down across generations. It’s truly a wonder to behold in person.
Other than that, Seeking the Dream of Longhu Mountain is China’s first large-scale performance that takes nature as its stage, amongst the mountains and rivers. You’ll see actors in traditional costumes putting on a play about a story that takes place in Longhu Mountain.
How to Get to Longhu Mountain
By Flight: Take a flight to Sanqing Mountain Airport, which is about 130 kilometers (81 miles) from Longhu Mountain. Or fly into Nanchang Changbei International Airport, about 180 kilometers (112 miles) away. In both cases, head to Yingtan City first to get to Longhu Mountain.
By Train: There are two train stations in Yingtan City. Yingtan Railway Station is 50 minutes from Longhu Mountain by bus No. K2. Yingtan North Railway Station has high speed trainlines. It is about a 35-minute drive from Longhu Mountain.
By Coach: If you take a coach to Yingtan Coach Station, you can get to Longhu Mountain on bus No. K2.
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