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Home Travel in Jiangxi Mt. Longhushan, Earthy Paradise of Taoism in China
Mt. Longhushan, Earthy Paradise of Taoism in China
Travel in Jiangxi

Longhu Mountain

Longhushan (Lóng hǔ shān 龙虎山) Mountain is the birthplace of Chinese Taoism, located in Yingtan (yīng tán 鹰潭) of Jiangxi (jiāng xī 江西). The Taoism culture experiencing a very long history, beautiful and unique green hills with wandering streams and springs among them, and the mysterious cliff tombs that can not be explained by modern science are the three most amazing and attractive points among the natural and cultural sceneries in the Resort. As a cradle land of Taoism, the Mountain has been regarded as a holy land to which many pilgrimages are made every year.   Show map

Longhushan Summary
Longhu Mountain can be classified as typical Danxia (dān xiá 丹霞) Landform in China. There are 99 peaks, 24 cliffs, 108 natural and cultural scenic spots, and over 20 legendary wells and pools, among which springs and falls are scattered. LonghushanIt is of typical reddish landform. The mountain massif is composed of red sandstones in various shapes. Some are like divine peaches and some are like fairies. Their reflections can be clearly seen in the crystal-clear Luxi River (lú xī hé 泸溪河), forming gorgeous scenery. In recent years, great importance has been attached to the exploration and development of the profound Taoist culture in the Longhushan Mountain scenic area. Thanks to the exceptionally beautiful landscape of the mountain, throngs and throngs of tourists keep coming to the area for vacation, pilgrimage and exploration. The mountain has been honored as "the No. 1 site for Taoist pilgrimage".

Longhushan History
According to the record of Taoism, in the middle of the East Han Dynasty (dōng hàn 东汉), Zhang Daoling (zhāng dào líng 张道陵), the first Taoist priest, started to distill elixirs at this historic mountain, originally named 'Mount of Splendid Clouds'. As the elixirs were made, a dragon and a tiger would appear. Then the mountain's name changed and became a birthplace of Taoism.

Longhushan Attractions
As Longhu Mountain is focused on water visiting, the most suitable period is from April throughout October. However, anytime is suitable for land visiting. Appreciating the green landscapes in spring, enjoying the cool in summer, watching the golden fields in autumn, and admiring wintry scenes in winter, all these are quite attractive and enchanting. 


Ten Scenic Spots

Spunk-Water Rock

Spunk-Water Rock (xiān shuǐ yán 仙水岩)

 

Xianren Cheng

Fairy Rock

Elephant Trunk Hill


Elephant Trunk Hill (xiàng bí shān 象鼻山)


Xianren Cheng (xiān rén chéng 仙人城)                  Fairy Rock (xiān nǚ yán 仙女岩)

 

No-mosquito Village (wú wén cūn 无蚊村)
It is located at a position with 3 sides surrounded by hills and only one water way-out left. The only way to go out is by boats and people here cultivate their crops on the opposite bank. It seems like a really ordinary small village except one thing, there are no mosquitoes throughout the year here. The tools for production and everyday life displayed in the village' s folk museum show ordinary people’s hardship and delight. The traditional wedding custom performance expresses people' s real happiness. A visit to this ordinary yet kind of supernatural village has become a popular option for tourists.


Shangqing Old Town (shàng qīng gǔ zhèn 上清古镇)
It is a place full of Taoism atmosphere. Surrounded by hills established beside water, it has a picturesque environment here. Its rich cultural heritage and proud history manifested by celebrities who lived here before make it seem to be out of the contemporary era. Especially, the folk houses, stores, houses projecting over water, and old ports remain the styles of the Ming and Qing Period, expressing their historical and cultural charm, which record the temporal prosperity and glory.


Zhengyi Temple (zhèng yī guān 正一观)

 

Zhengyi Temple 

 
The birthplace of this religion is situated Zhengyi Temple at Longhu Mountain. In the middle of In the middle of Eastern Han Dynasty, Zhang Daoling, the first Heavenly Master settled down here and began to make Nine-sky Pills of Immortality. The present Zhengyi Temple is a rebuilt construction at the original site according to styles of buildings in the Song (sòng 宋) Period while adopting some helpful points and artistic characteristics applied in the Ming (míng 明) and Qing (qīng 清) Period. With grey tiles and white walls, the whole building emits an air of divinity from inside while realizing an elegant and grand appearance.

 

Tianmen Mountain (tiān mén shān 天门山)
It constitutes the major part of Longhu Mountain National Geological and Natural Park. You can appreciate stretching hills, magnificent falls, and flourishing green trees, and you can also enjoy singing of happy wild animals and peaceful environment. In a word, you can feel a full integration with the nature. The semitropical humid monsoon climate brings her not only flourishing plants, but also diversified species, many of which are listed as national level 1 or level 2 and provincial under-protection species.
 

Shangqing Palace (shàng qīng gōng 上清宫)
Shangqing Palace It is a site where heavenly masters gave Taoism lectures, award titles, and cultivate themselves, known as the Headquarter of Taoism, the Palace for Immortals. Surrounded by streams and hills, this divine place is located in the east of Shangqing Town, a location of excellent geomantic quality. The current Shangqing Palace is grand and solemn, and characterized by its beauty, elegancy, and pureness. The prosperous Taoism environment full of smoke of incense and religious music reappeared. It adds extensive and rich contents to the Taoism Pilgrimage Visit of Longhu Mountain.


Heavenly Master’s Residence (tiān shī fǔ 天师府)
It is where they lived and offered sacrifice. It is an ancient architectural complex which is constructed according to styles of princes' residences. Located at the central part of Shangqing Old Town, the Residence is a grand and magnificent building surrounded by beautiful hills and the Luxi River. Inside the residence, you can hear sweet sounds of birds, and enjoy a peaceful wonderland while leaves keep you from the excessively hot sunlight. As a private residence of Taoism leaders, it is a unique heritage in China.

 

Famous Sights

'Ten cannot' rocks in this area are famous for the vivid guise and attractive stories. They are: the nun carrying monk cannot pass by;
the jade comb that cannot comb the hair;
the water lily that cannot be wore;
the test-sword stone that cannot be put to the test;
the celestial peach that cannot be eaten;
the stone drum that cannot be beat;
the splendid silk that cannot be wrapped;
the fairy cannot be married;

the scoop that cannot be used and the Taoism Hall that people cannot sit in.


Cliff TombsAnother marvelous sight in Longhu Mountain is the Cliff Tombs. Most of the tombs are about 50 meters above the water, and some are more than 300 meters high. Floating in the Lu Xi River, Cliff Tombs of the Spring and Autumn Period (chūn qiū shí dài 春秋时代) and the Warring States Period (zhàn guó shí dài 战国时代) can be seen along the river banks. Because of its expansive area, large quantity, dangerous location and unique shape, the tombs got the title 'the best natural archaeological museum of China'. No one is quite sure why or how the ancient site was built, so it's still a mystery waiting for you to discover.

 

Longhushan Admission

Scenic Tickets: CNY 150
New Line Tour Bus Fare: CNY 50
Scenic Raft: CNY 75
Cruise Ship: CNY 75  

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