Donghuzhai Scenic Area

Donghuzhai Scenic Area

Donghuzhai is also known as "Zhonggu Zhai" (Bell and Drum Fortress). It is said to have been named after two nearby rocky mountains that resemble a bell and a drum. Located in the northwest of Heshi Town and bordering Zhengcun Township, the area within a 3-kilometer radius features majestic mountains, ancient towering trees, steep cliffs, clear springs, and hidden rivers, all shrouded in mystery. Donghuzhai is divided into a larger and a smaller fortress, formed by two towering rocky peaks separated by a deep rift valley about 300 meters deep and several meters wide, commonly known as Yinzipeng (Silver Pit). The two sides of the valley are connected by a massive rock (Sky Bridge). The fortress is surrounded by steep cliffs, with only a perilous path (commonly called Eighteen Bends) leading to the top of the main fortress. The flat terrain at the mountaintop drill ground spans an area of over 5,000 square meters. Donghuzhai was once a stronghold for rebel forces during the Taiping Rebellion. Cave shelters, drill grounds, stone tables, wells, stone horses, and horse tethering posts remain well-preserved to this day, along with rare square bamboo. The scenic area also includes attractions such as Five Horses Returning to the Nest, Oil and Salt Rock, Tiger Jump Gorge, Dragon Rock, and Hongyan Temple. Among these, Tiger Jump Gorge is a 200-meter-long, 2-to-5-meter-wide, and over 100-meter-deep rift valley, where the sound of clear springs echoes but remains unexplored to this day.

Heshi Town: Heshi Town is located in the southeastern part of Xiushui County in northwestern Jiangxi, approximately 56 kilometers from the county seat. Spanning 114°31′ to 114°41′ east longitude and 28°46′ to 28°55′ north latitude, the town covers an area of 162 square kilometers with a population of 23,000, governing 14 administrative villages. Known as the "Ancient Town of Ningzhou" and the "Land of Fish and Rice," over 20,000 residents of Heshi, united under the leadership of the Party, have strived forward with determination. Like a soaring eagle, they have written a magnificent chapter between the blue skies and vast lands of northwestern Jiangxi... More details about Heshi Town++