Chuanlong Waterfall

Chuanlong Waterfall

Deep within the bamboo groves of Nankun Mountain lies a valley. At its end stands a cliff, on which the three characters “Chuanlong Gorge” are inscribed in the handwriting of the renowned calligrapher Qin Esheng. A mountain spring gushes out from a stone cave shaped like a dragon’s head and cascades down into a deep pool, creating a spectacular sight. Watching the waterfall from the pavilion beside the gorge even in the height of summer brings a refreshing breeze.

Originally named Shixia Mountain, Chuanlong Gorge has a legend associated with it. In the past, when the area suffered a severe drought, the blazing sun scorched the rocks until they seemed to emit fire, and the bamboo and trees were nearly withered. The villagers were in great distress and lamented their misfortune. The elders gathered men, women, and children to burn incense and pray for rain at the foot of Shixia Mountain. By chance, a deity passing through the clouds witnessed this tragic scene on Earth and reported it to the Heavenly King upon returning to heaven. The Heavenly King then dispatched the Sea God to the East Sea to instruct the Dragon King to rescue the villagers. Before long, the Dragon King assigned a water dragon named Chuanwater to carry out the decree. So, the Chuanwater Dragon leapt from the sea and rushed straight to Shixia Mountain, fiercely striking the fiery boulder. In an instant, thunder roared, lightning flashed, and dark clouds gathered. Then, a generous downpour of life-giving rain poured down. The Chuanwater Dragon also transformed into a waterfall, remaining in the mountains to forever relieve the villagers’ suffering from drought. Since then, the forest on Shixia Mountain has flourished with lush trees and emerald bamboo. Later generations named the place “Chuanwater Dragon,” and Shixia Mountain became known as “Chuanlong Gorge.”