Xiaokeng Grand Canyon

Xiaokeng Grand Canyon

Xiaokeng Village is located in the Jiuhua Mountain Range, bordering the “Lotus Buddhist Kingdom” Jiuhua Mountain to the east. Historically, it was a vital route for pilgrims traveling along the Qiu River to worship at Jiuhua Mountain, once bustling with “merchants as thick as clouds, goods pouring down like rain, pilgrims swarming like dragons, and incense smoke blowing like wind.” The great poet Li Bai visited Dalu Mountain three times and left behind the timeless lines: “The Qiu River is long like autumn, desolation makes one sorrowful, travelers find no way across, so they climb up to East Dalu Mountain.” The Shanshan Ancient Temple once flourished in history, with over 500 monks residing at its peak, famously known for the saying “Shanshan Temple came before Jiuhua Mountain.”

Natural attractions such as Longchi Waterfall, primeval forests, Chenkeng Bamboo Sea, mist-shrouded Baizhang Cliff, peculiar rocks and oddly shaped pines, as well as blue skies and clear waters, have drawn numerous literati and artists. The Song Dynasty poet Wang Shipeng once wrote the poem “Inscription Beneath Baizhang Cliff at Longchi,” leaving behind the verse: “The west wind howls at the towering Baizhang Cliff, the Longchi waterfall hangs like a stream from the mountain valley, looking around all is green yet no one lives here—who is that girl picking tea?” Longchi resembles the human head, waist, and feet, and legend says it was formed when a disciple of West Wind Monk struck it with his body. Within the area, Longxi Pit was created by nine flying dragons attacking it. Cultural sites such as Xiangzui Zui Tea Pavilion, the former site of Huangxi Working Committee (New Fourth Army armory and garment factory), and the remains of Shanshan Ancient Temple remain popular destinations for those seeking history and serenity. Xiaokeng’s high mountains and heavy fog result in relatively low average summer temperatures, making it an ideal place for summer retreats and sightseeing. Today, the scattered mountain villages, tranquil fields, layered green hills, clear streams, and simple local customs still exude a pastoral charm, bringing a refreshing sense of well-being. In recent years, tourism in Xiaokeng has developed rapidly, with visitor numbers increasing year by year. As living standards improve and the advancement of both material and spiritual civilization deepens, people’s desire to return to simplicity and nature has grown significantly. The natural scenery and cultural attractions continue to draw more and more visitors, leading to the vigorous growth of the tourism and leisure industry.