Dalong Mountain Scenic Area

Dalong Mountain Scenic Area

Towering north of Anqing City and located fifteen kilometers from the urban area, it serves as a natural scenic backdrop to the city. Stretching from west to east, the mountain features majestic peaks and undulating ridges that twist and turn like a dragon, hence its name "Dragon Mountain." The mountain spans approximately twenty-five kilometers in circumference, covering an area of over 120 square kilometers. It runs from north to south, extending across suburban areas as well as Huaining and Tongcheng counties. The mountain is surrounded by water on all sides—east by Shitang Lake, south by the Yangtze River, west by Shimen Lake, and north by Caizi Lake. The area is rich in mineral resources such as copper, iron, lead, phosphorus, asbestos, and alum. The mountain boasts numerous peaks, valleys, caves, and scenic spots. Ancient people praised its beauty as “unlike any other mountain.” Dalong Mountain has 92 peaks, 82 cliffs, 72 ridges, 62 caves, 36 valleys, 108 unique rocks, as well as four major streams—the Black Dragon Stream, White Dragon Stream, Yellow Dragon Stream, and Red Dragon Stream—and six waterfalls. The scenic area contains over 200 attractions, including 35 cultural and historical sites.

Legend has it that “Dalong Mountain has seventy-two temples.” Historical county records document ancient descriptions of the temple landscapes. Visitors ascending the eastern side of the mountain will find giant rocks lining the path and the mountain folds in on itself. Upon reaching Yuanzhao Nunnery, they will see striking cliff inscriptions on the facing gray rock that read “First Temple of Dragon Mountain,” written in regular script by Ma Xianggu in the year Dinghai of the Daoguang reign. Yuanzhao Nunnery was built during the Song Dynasty, featuring a grand structure with three main halls, pavilions, towers, and terraces. Behind the nunnery once stood a tall pagoda known as Wuliang Pagoda, which was built during the Tang Dynasty.

However, over time, both the pagoda and the nunnery were unfortunately destroyed in wars, leaving only ruins and inscribed stone tablets as evidence. In front of the nunnery stand two ancient ginkgo trees over 400 years old, with trunks four meters in circumference, towering and lush. A nearby newly built TV transmission tower adds a modern touch to this serene and classic landscape. The Longquan Pagoda of Dalong Mountain stands 8.5 meters tall with seven stories—six above ground and one underground. It is constructed from 165 granite blocks and is a well-preserved architectural relic from the Tang Dynasty. The mountain is dotted with springs, the most famous being Longquan, also called Longqiu (Dragon Pool). The spring is bottomless, with legends claiming it connects directly to the Yangtze River. Longqiu is said to have been the bathing place of the Dragon King when he roamed the human realm. The spring is surrounded by steep cliffs five or six zhang high, with elegant bamboo and ancient pines growing in the crevices. To the north of the spring rises a lofty peak, where springs and waterfalls emerge year-round. On the cliff above, there is a prominent rock inscribed with the two characters “Forget to Return” (忘归), written by Ming Dynasty’s Imperial Eunuch Huang Xizuan. These ancient inscriptions add a captivating charm to the site, evoking a deep sense of history among visitors.

Ascending from Longquan leads to the highest peak of Dalong Mountain, the best vantage point to view the mountain’s scenery. Known as “Sanxiangjian” (Three Township Peak), though mistakenly called “Sanxianjian” (Three County Peak), it stands at an elevation of 693.4 meters. It faces Tianzhu Peak from afar. The renowned Rizhao Peak features rugged cliffs, bizarre rocks, mountain streams, bamboo forests, and ever-changing mists, offering spectacular views. From the mountaintop, visitors can take in panoramic scenes: the shimmering waters of Shitang Lake, the vista of the Yangtze River, and the new look of Anqing City. This spot has long been a favorite for visitors seeking inspiration, nostalgia, and scenic delight.

The mountain presents picturesque scenery in all four seasons. In spring, it blooms with flowers and fills the air with fragrance; in summer, its peaks are lush and green, with springs and waterfalls singing cheerfully; in autumn, the mountains are covered in red foliage, and forests are dyed in layers of color; in winter, the landscape is draped in silvery white, crystal clear and pristine. Especially at sunrise or after rain when the sky clears, the peaks appear and disappear amid the surrounding mist, earning the name “Dawn Mist on Dragon Mountain,” one of Anqing’s celebrated sights. Additionally, many massive rocks formed by “glacial debris flows” are scattered across the mountain valleys—some shaped like crouching tigers, others like lying oxen, as well as stone monkeys, lions, trays, granaries, and trees, all in vivid and diverse forms. These rare and peculiar rocks not only add a magical touch to the mountain but also transport visitors into a wonderful dreamlike world. Today, Dalong Mountain attracts more and more tourists with its enchanting beauty.