Xiushui Huanglong Mountain

Xiushui Huanglong Mountain

Huanglong Mountain is located in the central part of the Mufu Mountain Range and the western part of Xiushui County, serving as a natural barrier between the three provinces of Hunan, Hubei, and Jiangxi. It is less than 300 kilometers from the provincial capitals of all three provinces. The under-construction A’shen Expressway runs along the western side of the mountain. It is a mountainous scenic area that combines natural and cultural attractions. The site was re-planned and developed in 2005.

Huanglong Mountain boasts stunning natural scenery as the main peak of the Mufu Mountain Range. It is renowned for its majestic mountains, spectacular landscapes, lush forests, and beautiful waters, earning the nickname “Shangri-La of Jiangxi.” At the same time, it has a profound historical legacy and far-reaching influence. Huanglong Mountain is the product of intense tectonic movements millions of years ago and is classified as a folded fault-block mountain. Since ancient times, Huanglong Mountain has remained untouched by human activity, preserving its pristine, untouched natural beauty. There are countless natural attractions, and throughout history, literary figures such as Huang Tingjian and Su Dongpo have composed poems and inscriptions here, leaving behind many precious poetic verses and stone carvings that add a rich cultural atmosphere and deep historical significance. The ancestral temple of the Huanglong Sect, Huanglong Temple, which was thrice bestowed imperial honors throughout various dynasties, still stands today and remains a place of flourishing worship. In the Southern Song Dynasty, Master Huinan (refer to the "Dictionary of Famous Chinese Figures") founded the Huanglong Sect, making Huanglong Temple one of the four major Buddhist monasteries in Jiangxi during the Song Dynasty and the birthplace of the Huanglong Sect, one of the seven sects of Chinese Zen Buddhism, which gained worldwide fame. Since the Sui Dynasty, it has been an important site for religious and Buddhist activities. The Japanese Buddhist community, deeply influenced by the Huanglong Sect, often sends special delegations to pay homage to the ancestral temple of Huanglong. The mountain is also home to abundant hot springs with temperatures consistently no lower than 70°C, known for their therapeutic properties. To accommodate visitors, the scenic area features a variety of uniquely styled leisure resorts and hot spring facilities, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and vacation. Events such as the annual Huanglong Mountain Hiking Festival held every March and specific Buddhist festivals at Huanglong Temple attract large numbers of tourists. The main attractions in the scenic area include over 40 sites such as Dragon King Peak, Dragon Pool, Sword-Testing Stone, Ming Shui Waterfall, cliff inscriptions at Huanglong Temple, Tomb of Liu Pan, Rhino Gazing at the Moon, Three Acres of Fields, Taiqing Hot Springs, Jade Emperor Hall, Stone Turtle Asking the Pine, and Eight Trigrams Stone.

Dragon King Peak: Located at the summit of Huanglong Mountain, it stands at an elevation of 1,511 meters. From the peak, visitors can overlook the surrounding mountains, with clouds and mist swirling beneath their feet. On clear days, looking west offers a view of the vast waves of Dongting Lake, while looking east reveals the shimmering waters of Poyang Lake, creating a refreshing and otherworldly experience.

Huanglong Temple Cliff Inscriptions: Huanglong Temple has been celebrated by poets and scholars throughout the ages, with rare handwritten works preserved. Huang Tingjian, the founder of the Jiangxi Poetry School, personally inscribed characters such as “Spiritual Spring,” “Huanglong Mountain,” and “Buddhist Cave.” These numerous inscriptions have been listed as a provincial-level key cultural relic protection unit.

Dragon Pool: Located about 300 meters northwest of Dragon King Peak, it is a square-shaped well approximately two feet in size, also known as the Stone Horse Dragon King Well. The water is sweet and never dries up year-round. According to the "Yining Prefecture Annals," “At the mountaintop lies a dragon pool, within which live two yellow fish capable of summoning wind and rain.” The mountain derives its name from this legend.