Jiulongkou

Jiulongkou

Jiulongkou is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and a national wetland park.

Jiulongkou is located in the southwest of the Jiulongkou Tourist Resort in Jianhu County, situated in the heart of Sheyang Lake. It is formed by the convergence of nine natural waterways: Xian River, Linshang River, Qian’gou River, Anfeng River, Xin’she River, Xi River, Mo River, Jian River, and Cheng River—hence the name “Jiulongkou.” In early 2011, based on the national standard “Classification and Evaluation of Tourism Attraction Quality Grades,” after preliminary evaluation and recommendation by the Jianhu County Commerce Bureau (Tourism Bureau), and official assessment by the Jiangsu Provincial Tourism Attraction Quality Grading Committee, Jiulongkou was approved as a national 3A-level tourist attraction. In May 2018, it was upgraded to a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Jiulongkou Scenic Area is both a national wetland park and a AAAA-level attraction, boasting magnificent and enchanting scenery. Nine rivers meander from all directions toward Dangxin Island, resembling nine dragons vying for a pearl. Vast stretches of green marshes, crystal-clear waters, playful birds, and swimming fish and shrimp create a delightful experience. The nine rivers are Xian River, Linshang River, Qianjia’gou River, Xin’she River, Qi River, Mo River, Gan River, and Cheng River, which flow into Sheyang Lake, Jianhu, Baoying, Huai’an, and Funing respectively, converging at Jiulongkou. Located near longitude 119°35′ and latitude 33°24′, it administratively belongs to Jiulongkou Town, Jianhu County, Jiangsu Province. In February 2001, it was designated as a provincial scenic area by the Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government. The natural scenery of Jiulongkou is captivating, featuring attractions such as “Reflections of Nine Towers,” “Lotus Harbor Fish Viewing,” “Boating on Green Waves,” and “Morning Mist Like Veil.” It’s a great place to visit with incredibly fresh air.

A lake islet 50 meters from the shore complements the water town landscape, forming the highlight of the Jiulongkou Scenic Area—an extraordinary sight. Nine celestial rivers wind in from the southeast, northwest, and other directions, as if nine jade dragons coiling over an endless green carpet, presenting boundless beauty of sky and water. In early spring, reed sprouts emerge, lush and tender green, stretching limitlessly to meet the sky. New willows along the dike cast reflections, while swallows dart through the light. On summer mornings, the vast reed marsh glistens with dewdrops, and as the sun rises, it reflects myriad rays of light. Morning breezes rustle the green leaves, creating a sparkling, spectacular scene. In hot summer days, water chestnut leaves float like embedded jade, while lotus flowers shine red under the sun. It is praised as the “Golden Beach and Silver Marsh” or the “Pearl of the Lixiahe Region.”

Jiulongkou is rich in natural resources, teeming with waterfowl and wild game, abundant in reeds, cattails, lotuses, and water chestnuts, and prolific in fish, shrimp, crabs, and turtles—earning it the reputation of “Golden Beach and Silver Marsh.” The lake water here is classified as national first-grade quality, hailed by experts and scholars as the “Pearl of the Lixiahe Region.” With its splendid historical and cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and unique natural resources, Jiulongkou has won the favor of tourists from China and abroad.

The natural scenery of Jiulongkou is mesmerizing: in spring, willows sway with emerald threads above clear blue waters; in summer, lotus flowers rise with fragrant blooms spanning miles; in autumn, reed catkins dance like flying snowflakes across vast fields; in winter, the land is draped in silvery white, exceptionally charming. The ever-changing seasonal vistas offer breathtaking natural beauty. The most unforgettable experience is ascending Yong’an Dun and viewing the panorama from Jiulong Tower. Yong’an Dun is a small islet surrounded by nine water channels. No matter how high the lake rises, it never submerges the island, hence its name “Yong’an Dun” (Eternal Peace Mound). An old Dragon King Temple once stood on the mound but no longer exists. Today, a palatial-style structure named Jiulong Tower stands in its place. This three-story tower features yellow walls, green tiles, painted eaves, and upturned corners, making it a magnificent sight. From the tower, visitors gaze upon boundless, misty waters—pristine and unpolluted, with crystal-clear lake water revealing aquatic plants and fish beneath. Lotus leaves stand tall like countless green umbrellas, and blooming lotus flowers resemble rain-kissed crabapple blossoms, stunningly vibrant. Ducks and geese on the lake drift like floating clouds, while fishermen’s songs drift from the reeds, boats gliding across the surface and sending out radiating ripples. In autumn and winter, flocks of wild geese fly south, egrets play, and migratory birds such as red-crowned cranes, white swans, mandarin ducks, and reed warblers overwinter here, adding even more charm.

A beautiful legend is told here: during the era of Emperor Yao and Shun, a black python wreaked havoc, tormenting the local people. The Dragon King of the East Sea sent his nine sons to subdue the serpent. The Azure Dragon, determined to rid the people of this menace, engaged the python in a fierce battle and ultimately perished alongside it. The nine rivers are said to be the scars left by the dragons’ struggle, while the convergence point of the nine channels saw the emergence of a large earthen mound. To honor the Azure Dragon’s heroism, locals named the site Jiulongkou (Nine-Dragon Mouth) and built a grand Dragon King Temple, which unfortunately was destroyed in war.

Some say the Azure Dragon did not die but remains underground, forever binding the python and protecting the people. Jiulongkou has an almost mystical aura—despite being surrounded by water and not situated high, it has never been flooded since ancient times, even surviving the major floods of 1931 and 1991. Thus, it is called “Dragon Pearl Island” or “Floating-Sinking Island.”

On Floating-Sinking Island grows a legendary Five-Grain Tree. Officially known as “Snow Willow,” its leaves resemble those of an elm tree. In spring, its branches bloom with snow-like flowers, later bearing fruits that change form unpredictably each year—sometimes resembling rice, sorghum, wheat, millet, or even fish and shrimp. Locals regard the Five-Grain Tree as an auspicious symbol: if the fruits take the shape of grain, it forecasts a bountiful harvest; if they resemble fish or shrimp, heavy rainfall is expected. Such tales have been passed down as local lore.