Longhu Mountain Luxi River

Longhu Mountain Luxi River

Over a thousand years ago during the Eastern Han Dynasty, Zhang Daoling founded Taoism, traveled far and wide to preach, and successfully refined elixirs on Longhu Mountain in Jiangxi. His descendants and followers later settled, practiced, and thrived in Shangqing Town near Longhu Mountain, eventually making the Shangqing Palace in the ancient town of Shangqing and Longhu Mountain the national birthplace and origin of Taoism. Further honored by imperial decrees through the dynasties, the Heavenly Master’s Mansion where the Zhang descendants resided became the center for the dissemination and governance of Taoism across the land.

The Luxi River at the foot of Longhu Mountain, from Shangqing Ancient Town to Xianshuiyan, winds for over twenty li. With its Danxia peaks on both banks and crystal-clear blue waters, the scenery is enchanting, comparable to that of the Li River. It is one of Jiangxi’s classic hiking routes.

The Luxi River is located in Shangrao County, Jiangxi, and is a tributary of the Xin River. It passes through Shanglu Town, hence the name Luxi River. Its upper reaches include Shangrao’s largest artificial lake, the Da’ao Reservoir, originating from the northern side of the Wuyi Mountains, and it meets the Xin River at Yanhe Town in Yanshan, Shangrao. The Luxi River is so clear that you can see the fine hairs beneath the surface, and remains an azure green all year round.

The Poet Sage Du Fu once wrote: “The rivers of Shu are green, the mountains of Shu are blue,” eloquently illustrating the relationship between “blue mountains” and “green waters,” as well as between “barren hills” and “murky streams.” Green waters come from blue mountains — barren hills inevitably lead to murky water. Many who have floated down the Luxi River in bamboo rafts compare it to the Li River, often commenting that it is “similar in form to the Li River,” but when it comes to openness, natural beauty, wild charm, and water quality, it is widely acknowledged as “even better than the Li River.” The bamboo raft journey begins at the dock in Shangqing Town. First, on the left bank lies a dense bamboo forest. The bamboos are lush and verdant, swaying in the wind, dancing gracefully like dragons and phoenixes. Tourists lying in the embrace of the green bamboo and waters are far removed from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and forget the burdens of fame and fortune. There’s no need to trek up the mountains, yet you can still enjoy the beautiful scenery on both banks. After drifting past a kilometer of bamboo forest, the raft makes a hollow sound as it enters the Leidashi area — where the water transitions from shallow to deep, and from gentle to rapid. Legend says Leidashi Rock stands firmly in the middle of the surging river because Master Pu’an, having received thunder magic from Heavenly Master Zhang, blasted the giant rock to divert the floodwaters in both directions. The blasted-off half was washed away by mountain torrents and lost to time, while the remaining half still bears rust-colored marks as if struck by lightning. Sitting on the raft and observing the lives of the villagers along the banks is truly enviable. There are many ducks raised in the Luxi River — both adult ducks and ducklings. The adults swim in groups, quacking joyfully; the ducklings, more independent, either socialize in the water bays or practice swimming in the shallows, their tender feathers adding a touch of innocence.

Women washing vegetables and hanging laundry by the river, woodcutters rowing boats to chop firewood, and children playing by the river after school form an enticing rural sketch. After enjoying these scenes, the peculiar mountains and strange rocks become more numerous. After floating fifteen li, about five kilometers from Xianshuiyan, you’ll see Camel Peak, beyond which lies Longhu Mountain — the place where Zhang Ling refined elixirs and where nourishing mountain and water energies converge.

Attraction Location

Luxi River, Yingtan, Jiangxi Province