The Dalongqiu Scenic Area

The Dalongqiu Scenic Area

The most remarkable features of Dalongqiu are two-fold: first, when sunlight shines on the waterfall, it often displays a spectacular five-colored rainbow; second, the massive volume of water creates a majestic and rugged momentum, like an enraged silver dragon plunging from mid-air straight down to the pool’s heart, resembling thunderous roars and spraying snow. The best time to visit is on a clear day after rain, between August and September—when the water flow is also impressive, allowing you to enjoy both the grandeur and the rainbow in one go.

Introduction

The Dalongqiu Scenic Area is located in the central-western part of Yandang Mountain, historically known as the Western Inner Valley. It stretches from Ma’anshan Ridge in the east to Dongling Ridge in the west, and from Jinzhu Stream in the south to Lingyun Peak in the north. It spans 28 kilometers from east to west and 7.5 kilometers from north to south, covering an area of 28 square kilometers. The stream within the valley is called Jinxi Stream, originating from Dalongqiu, flowing through Xingxing Gorge and Jinzhu Stream before joining the Qing River and eventually the sea.

The area’s attractions are known for their striking peaks, towering cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. The Dalongqiu Waterfall, hailed as the “No. 1 Waterfall under Heaven,” boasts ever-changing and magnificent views that are truly breathtaking. The lofty Furong Peak rising into the sky, the ever-shifting Jianzi Peak, the misty and mysterious Xingxing Gorge, and the deep and serene Jinzhu Stream all offer stunning scenery. Other notable sites include Ma’anshan Ridge, Swallow Tail Waterfall, Nengren Temple, and Lianyun Cliff.

Dalongqiu: Located at the foot of Lianyun Cliff in the valley. The water cascades down from the cliff face, dropping 197 meters—a record height among China’s waterfalls—and earning the title “No. 1 Waterfall under Heaven.”

Throughout history, literati and poets have been captivated by Dalongqiu. Yuan Mei of the Qing Dynasty once wrote: “Dalongqiu Mountain rises high, touching the heavens; / A thread-like waterfall races down like cotton fluff. / Above five zhang it is still water; / Below ten zhang it turns into mist. / And from a hundred to a thousand zhang above, / Water, cloud, and mist all blend beyond distinction.” “Water, smoke, cloud, and mist become indistinguishable.” Legend has it that in the early Tang Dynasty, the monk Nuojulu came to the mountain to build a pagoda and temple, and later attained nirvana while meditating by the Dalongqiu Waterfall. His disciples built the YanZuo Pavilion on the high ground just left of the waterfall pool. Ticket Information & Opening Hours