Yangshuo Longtou Mountain

Yangshuo Longtou Mountain

The sheer cliffs of Longtou Mountain rise abruptly over the river, bulging at the top and curving in the middle, resembling the gaping mouth of a dragon’s head—hence the name. To the west of the mountain, dozens of peaks are lined up like the head, body, and tail of a dragon, stretching for miles, unmistakably forming a giant dragon soaring eastward, giving rise to the saying “a mighty dragon leaping over the river.”

Longtou Mountain acts as the southern barrier of Dripping Water Cave, with its main peak reaching 440 meters above sea level, making it the third highest peak in Shaoshan Chong. The *Second Revised Genealogy of the Mao Clan of Shaoshan* describes Longtou Mountain as “rising abruptly from the earth, standing proudly alone amidst thousands of ridges and valleys, presenting a unique sight, with precipitous terrain. It has fertile fields and sweet springs… The mountain looms before your face, with clouds forming around the horse’s head.” Legend has it that a giant dragon from the Dragon King’s Palace in the North Sea had its tail submerged in Dongting Lake, while its head rose in Shaoshan Chong, eventually forming Longtou Mountain at Dripping Water Cave. This gave rise to numerous mystical tales.

Longtou Mountain is home to a perennial mountain spring, known as the Dragon King’s saliva, which is crystal clear, sweet, and pure to the taste. The spring feeds into a stream that winds through the deep valley and out toward the mountain pass, twisting and turning like a silver hook. There used to be a small bridge over the stream, and at its base was a natural stone cave with a small opening but a hollow interior like an urn. The spring water dripped into the cave, producing a pleasant tinkling sound year-round. Locals called it Dripping Water Cave or Hanging Water Cave—this being the origin of the name Dripping Water Cave. The entire valley thus gained fame and came to be known as Dripping Water Chong. Since “Dripping Water Chong” wasn’t as catchy as “Dripping Water Cave,” villagers eventually began referring to the valley as Dripping Water Cave.

Climbing to the top of Longtou Mountain, you’ll see jagged rocks along the ridge that resemble dragon scales, with vines and trees growing among them in whimsical shapes, like a natural stone painting. Standing atop the dragon’s head and looking into the distance: to the southwest, there are thousands of mirror-like ponds and vast expanses of fertile fields; to the east, the Muzi and Zhurong mountains stand facing each other; to the northeast, the buildings of Shaoshan Chong are densely clustered; and to the south, Shaofeng Peak rises like a pillar, piercing the clouds.

Close by, amidst the lush greenery, stands a towering 20-meter-high blue rock, unattached on either side, formed by two connected boulders—one large, one small—resembling a mother embracing her child in an affectionate hug. Locals call it “Guanyin Rock,” also known as “Guanyin Holding Her Child.” The top of the rock is flat and can seat three or five people. Because it lies beneath the dragon’s head, it is also referred to as Dragon Ascent Platform.

At the foot of Longtou Mountain, on the slope where the dragon’s saliva gushes forth, peach trees sway gracefully. In early February, their branches are covered in blossoms—some white, some pink—like woven brocade or rosy clouds, a breathtaking sight. In the scorching summer heat, cherries hang abundantly from the branches, white with a tinge of red, fragrant and mouthwatering.