Main Peak Scenic Area of Jinggangshan

Main Peak Scenic Area of Jinggangshan

-- The Main Peak Scenic Area is the symbol of Jinggangshan. The commemorative badge of the revolutionary base and the main scene on the back of the 100-yuan RMB note are both designed based on its image, hence it is known as China's most valuable mountain.

-- This area includes Wuzhi Peak, Shuikou, Shuangmashi, and Jingzhushan. Among them, Wuzhi Peak features dense forests, vast terrain, and caves scattered all over the mountain, offering ample room for maneuvering, making it a historically strategic hiding place for military forces.

-- There are two routes to explore the scenic area: one is to pass through a 716-meter tunnel to reach the viewpoint of the 100-yuan RMB back design; the other is to first ascend to Jijing Peak from the entrance and then proceed to the 100-yuan RMB pattern viewpoint.

-- Free shuttle buses are available within the scenic area to reach various spots. Due to the large number of visitors, it’s best to avoid peak holiday periods when visiting.

The Main Peak Scenic Area includes: Wuzhi Peak, Shuikou, Shuangmashi, and Jingzhushan. Its main attractions are: Wuzhi Peak, Shuikou, Rainbow Waterfall, and Jinggang Lake.

Wuzhi Peak (Main Peak of Jinggangshan)

(also known as Azalea Mountain)

The peaks stand side by side like five fingers, hence the name.

It is located six kilometers southwest of Ciping, at an elevation of 1,586 meters.

It is the symbol of Jinggangshan. The commemorative badge of the Jinggangshan Revolutionary Base and the main scene on the back of the 100-yuan RMB note are both designed based on its image, thus earning it the title of China's most valuable mountain. Some say that visiting here will surely bring great wealth.

The area features high mountains, dense forests, vast land, and numerous caves, offering plenty of space to maneuver, making it a historically strategic hiding place for military forces.

It is said that during the Ming Dynasty, Prince Ning Zhu Chenhao, after failing in his rebellion,

fled here with his family and soldiers. After the fall of the Taiping Rebellion, some remnants also moved here to continue their resistance.

Later, local armed leaders such as Wang Zuo, who lived in the mountains, gathered forces and even set up camps in the caves of Wuzhi Peak.

Wuzhi Peak is covered with various species of azaleas—red, yellow, white, purple—over ten varieties in total, displaying a dazzling array of colors, each vying for attention. Hence, it is also called "Azalea Mountain."

Shuikou, also known as Jinxiu Valley

Located to the left of Wuzhi Peak, nine kilometers from Ciping. The scenery here is exceptionally beautiful, especially the winding streams, secluded valleys, emerald pools, mountain peaks, and azalea forests. Major attractions include the Shuikou River Valley, Golden Ox Playing with Water, Hundred-fold Spring, Rainbow Waterfall, Zhenlong Pool, Hidden Star Rock, Dragon Gate, and the Arrayed Banner Peaks.

Walking through the cave-like entrance of Shuikou, you’ll see steep stone peaks standing opposite each other, with cliffs as if carved by knives and axes, forming a deep, two-li-long valley. Ancient trees tower above, cliffs hang down, forests are lush, mountain birds fly about, squirrels leap, and springs murmur like musical instruments—this is a pristine valley untouched by the mundane world. At the bottom of the valley flows a clear stream, its waters pure and crystal-clear, winding in nine curves. In the water, there is a sight called “Golden Ox Playing with Water.” Along both banks of the stream, azalea trees grow densely, mostly the rare "Monkey-head Azalea." Following the walking path along the stream to the waterfall’s mouth, you’ll suddenly find yourself in a wide, bag-shaped valley. The valley is surrounded by cliffs, with two steep stone walls standing at the front, acting like the valley’s grand gates. To the right of the valley, bare rocks and solemn peaks rise; to the left, grotesque stones and towering pines create a serene and uniquely beautiful scene, often referred to as “Little Huangshan.”

The Rainbow Waterfall is a trapezoidal waterfall, 96 meters high and over 10 meters wide.

From 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in summer, when sunlight shines on the waterfall, a seven-colored rainbow appears, layered within the cascading water—vivid and splendid, shifting positions as visitors move. When you walk up the stone steps, the rainbow appears above the waterfall; when you descend, it shifts below. “Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet—like radiant clouds in the sky,” being in this colorful world feels like unity with nature, inspiring awe and wonder.

On the left side of the Feitan (Flying Pool), there is a small hill covered with precious Monkey-head Azaleas, usually around 6 meters tall, with large flowers that are white with red hues—thus named “Azalea Island.”

Turning left from the loop road entrance, you’ll find the first peak in front of the Feilong Waterfall, called “Taishou Peak” (Governor Peak). It resembles a dignified governor sitting formally on a platform, hence the name. Climbing Taishou Peak offers a full view of the waterfall.

From the Red Army Guerrilla Cave, take the path to the left up to the mountaintop, and ascend to the summit of Jijing Peak. From there, you can overlook the majestic view of Huangyangjie, the beauty of Wuzhi Peak, and the panoramic scenery of surrounding peaks such as Bijia Mountain and Bamen Mountain. Closer views include the full expanse of Qunluan Lake.

Jinggang Lake

(Qunluan Lake)

It is an artificial lake formed by damming a river, featuring a double-curved arch dam constructed with block stones, standing 92 meters high, recognized by the China Guinness Book of Records. The lake surface spans 620,000 square meters, with a water storage capacity of 18.7 million cubic meters. Boating from South Lake through Middle Lake, you can cruise through forests to West Lake and North Lake, covering a total distance of 5.3 kilometers. The entire lake is surrounded by dense layers of foliage, with twisted roots and shady canopies. The northern gorge stretches 2,500 meters, resembling a giant carrying pole, known as the “Carrying Pole Cliff.” At the top of the cliff are peculiar rocks and peaks, dotted with a few Taiwan pines, shrouded in mist, gracefully swaying like an ink painting connecting to the sky. Boarding a cruise ship from the main peak dam pier allows you to tour Jinggang Lake, disembarking at the Shuikou Shimen Pier to explore its various attractions.

Time Needed for Visit

2-3 hours

Transportation

Located within the Jinggangshan Scenic Area, you first need to reach the Jinggangshan Scenic Area

1. External transportation to the Jinggangshan Scenic Area

2. Internal transportation in Jinggangshan: to reach the scenic area within, you can take an environmentally friendly shuttle bus to the Main Peak Scenic Area

Ticket

Included in the Jinggangshan Scenic Area ticket

Opening Hours

Open all day

Location of the Attraction

Southwest of Ciping, Jinggangshan City, Jiangxi Province

Jinggangshan Nature Reserve: Established in 1981, the Jinggangshan Nature Reserve was approved as a national nature reserve in April 2000, covering a total area of 15,873 hectares. It is a forest ecological nature reserve, primarily aimed at protecting the mixed mountain forest ecosystem and rare wildlife resources. The area features enclosed terrain with complex landforms, including over 50 peaks above 1,000 meters in elevation. The mountains are majestic with crisscrossing ravines, and the main peak, Pingshui Mountain, stands at 1,779 meters. There is a clear vertical differentiation in climate, vegetation, and soil. The average annual temperature is 14–17°C; the annual precipitation is 1,865.5 mm, no... Jinggangshan Nature Reserve detailed information++