Dragon’s Saliva Waterfall

Dragon’s Saliva Waterfall

The Zigzag Waterfall is formed by two unconnected cascades visible to visitors standing on the wooden bridge. Upon closer inspection, you’ll see a pool beneath the falls, and another waterfall beneath that pool—interconnected pools and falls twisting in a series of scenic layers.

The Zigzag Waterfall may not have the awe-inspiring drop of the Sky-Plunging Waterfall, but it surges and tumbles like a wild horse set free, racing through the winding canyon. Midway along the Zigzag Waterfall, you can spot a giant rock shaped like an upside-down gourd. Above this Gourd Rock lies the Dragon’s Saliva Waterfall.

A local legend tells of a Taoist alchemist named Zuo Ci from Lujiang (modern-day Qianshan), who lived in seclusion on Tianzhu Mountain practicing alchemy. One year, many people living along the river suddenly fell ill, with no cure in sight. Upon hearing this, Zuo Ci filled a gourd with medicinal pills, turned it upside down, and let the medicine dissolve into the river as it flowed downstream. Those who drank the water were miraculously healed. Word spread quickly, and people from surrounding areas came to drink the water.

The news reached Heaven, and the Jade Emperor, fearing the stolen elixir, turned the gourd into a giant stone and ordered the Dragon King of the East Sea to post guards.

As more and more people came to draw water, the medicine gradually diminished, and the healing power of the river weakened. Alarmed, the Dragon King’s ninth son decided to sacrifice himself to save the people. He opened his mouth and spat out divine dragon saliva to enhance the river’s healing properties. Over time, the effort drained his strength, and he was unable to return to the Dragon Palace—thus forming the Dragon’s Saliva Waterfall.

To honor the ninth prince’s selfless act, local villagers hold an annual ceremony on the second day of the second lunar month (known as "Dragon Raises Its Head"), bringing incense, paper, and offerings to pay tribute.

Beside the Dragon’s Saliva Waterfall lies a formation known as the "Beasts Drinking Water" scene. The area is quite narrow. In the deep valley, it appears as if several mythical beasts stretch their necks—some bowing to drink, others lifting their heads to gaze around—in amusing and varied poses.

After passing through the Strange Rocks Gorge, you’ll come across the Admiration Bridge. Standing on the bridge and looking back into the deep canyon will leave you marveling at nature’s craftsmanship, the incredible power of water carving stone, and the cliffs you’ve just conquered. It also teaches a valuable lesson: with determination as unyielding as water wearing down rock, no obstacle is insurmountable, and a brighter tomorrow is always within reach.

Zuo Ci, courtesy name Yuanfang, was a Han Chinese from Lujiang (modern-day Qianshan, Anhui), and a renowned Taoist alchemist of the late Eastern Han Dynasty.

He mastered the Five Classics in his youth and also studied astrology. Foreseeing the decline of the Han dynasty and impending chaos, he lamented, “In such troubled times, those in high office are in danger, and the wealthy meet tragic ends. The glories of this world are not worth pursuing.” He then devoted himself to Taoist practices, excelling particularly in the Six Arts, commanding spirits, and conjuring food through mystical means. While meditating deeply in Tianzhu Mountain, he discovered a stone chamber containing the *Classic of Nine Elixirs and Golden Liquor*, which granted him boundless transformative powers beyond reckoning.