Immortal Maiden Rock

Immortal Maiden Rock

Immortal Maiden Rock, also known as Fairy Waterfall Rock, is located about 6 kilometers east of the county town, at the border between Yuntan and Shencun townships. Part of the Donggong Mountain Range, it stands at an elevation of 625 meters. The natural waterfall here is truly spectacular.

Climbing about a thousand steps from the base of the rock brings you to Immortal Maiden Rock, which towers over fifty zhang high. The site is marked by rugged stones, steep cliffs that rise abruptly, ancient vines winding around the rocks, and towering pines standing firmly against the wind. A waterfall cascades down with force, sending a chilling spray into the air that captivates and awes all who see it.

Below the waterfall lies a bluestone path, over which the falling water drapes. Legend has it that there once lived a kind-hearted immortal maiden here. When visitors approached politely and said, “Immortal Maiden, spare the path,” the gushing waters would suddenly cling to the cliff walls or splash far away from the path, allowing people to pass without getting wet. Otherwise,

they would be drenched like a drowned rat.

Beside the waterfall is the Flowing Water Hermitage (now the Immortal Maiden Shrine), which is said to have been where Shen Jian, a deputy regional inspector during the Ming Dynasty, used to study. Shen Jian once wrote a poem about Immortal Maiden Rock:

“A winding path like a sheep’s trail, I stroll with my cane step by step. Just as mountain rain and mist arrive, springtime brings clear springs from the stone. Ancient trees reach skyward in striking beauty, while twisting vines sprawl across the ground. No trace is found of the immortal’s presence, only the cold sunset beyond the woods.”