Penglang Rock

Penglang Rock

Penglang Rock is located on the southern bank of the Yangtze River, about 0.5 kilometers downstream from the county town, facing "the Peerless Island of the Yangtze" — Little Lone Mountain (Xiaogu Mountain) — across the river. Known as Penglang Rock (also called Penglangjiao), it earned its name from the rugged rocks standing firmly in the river, braving the wind and surging waves, with the thunderous tide creating a breathtaking scene. Nestled against the mountain and beside the water, the rocky outcrop boasts a strategically perilous terrain and is one of the three most famous rock formations in the Yangtze River basin. Together with Little Lone Mountain, it is jointly known as the "Foremost Scenic Wonder of the South". During the TianShou era (690–691) of Empress Wu Zetian in the Tang Dynasty, a Dragon Temple was built on the cliff platform of the rock, enshrining a statue of Little Lone and a carved figure of Penglang. Throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties, the site underwent multiple renovations, and its architecture, renowned for its splendor and exquisite design, ranked foremost among all temples in the county. Supporting structures included front chambers, the main hall, rear palace, and side rooms — all facing the river and uniquely styled. Since ancient times, the site has captivated visitors with the beautiful legend of "Little Lone Married to Penglang" and its enchanting natural scenery. Literary masters such as Ouyang Xiu and Su Dongpo of the Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song dynasties, Huang Tingjian, the founder of the Jiangxi Poetry School, and the Ming Dynasty scholar Xie Jin, among others, composed poems here. The great poet Su Dongpo wrote in his lyrics:

“The sky is vast, the waters are vast… Merchants, do not be too arrogant — Little Lone was married to Penglang just the other year.” Timeless masterpieces, celebrated for eternity.