Jiufeng Twelve Crossing Waters

Jiufeng Twelve Crossing Waters

Jiufeng’s tourism resources integrate eco-agriculture, nature sightseeing, former residences of notable figures, and hot spring wellness.

Eco-agricultural tourism: Over 50,000 acres in Jiufeng are planted with fruits such as nectarines, black bromley, nectarines, peaches, pears, oranges, pomelos, and watermelons. In March, you can admire the flowers and enjoy wild vegetables; from May to December, you can savor the fruits. In March, when the blossoms flutter like snow—especially on moonlit nights—the pouring moonlight combined with the mountain-wide plum blossoms immerses you in a poetic “snow and moon” ambiance. During this period, you can also try wild greens like mountain ferns, bamboo shoots, and water celery, as well as the famous Jiufeng cured pork. From May to December, fruits gradually ripen. Visitors can admire, taste, and purchase them, and the sweet, delicious fruits will make you never want to leave.

Twelve Crossing Waters Nature Reserve:

Jiufeng Twelve Crossing Waters is located at Yangdong Mountain in the Dayuling Range of the Nanling Mountains, more than 40 kilometers from Lechang City. Starting from the scenic area Gufo Rock, drive along the “Ancient Western Capital Road,” passing Yanxi Mountain Thatched Cottage where you can sample the green, fragrant Yanxi Mountain White Tip tea. Continue northward, then head east from Jiufeng Town for 1 kilometer to reach the foot of Yangdong Mountain. The name “Twelve Crossing Waters” comes from the fact that you must cross a stream twelve times from the mountain entrance to the mountainside.

Jiufeng Twelve Crossing Waters spans an area of about 20 square kilometers, densely forested with towering ancient trees, forming a typical subtropical primeval forest rich in rare flora and fauna species—including South China tigers, clouded leopards, sambar deer, pangolins, ginkgo trees, guanyinwood, metasequoia, and five-needled pines. Among these, the expansive stands of five-needled pines (similar to the welcoming pines of Huangshan) are rare even within Guangdong Province. A small stream flows year-round from the mountainside, clear to the bottom, creating the Twelve Crossing Waters. Its water is cool and refreshing, with some playfully calling it “better than mineral water.” “Moonlight filtering through the pines, a clear spring flowing over the rocks”—this truly captures its essence. After crossing the twelve streams, follow the narrow trails blazed by hunters, climb over vines and rocks to reach the mountaintop. But don’t assume you’ve reached the peak—“there are peaks upon peaks,” and “to take in a thousand-mile view,” you must “climb yet another summit.” The dense stands of five-needled pines grow on the cliffs of the third-tier peak. Their branches stretch out as if to embrace the wind and moon, which is why they’re also called “welcoming pines.” “When you reach the summit, all other mountains appear small.” Gazing into the distance, you’ll see a world of trees and a sea of forests. In your ears, besides the rustle of pines and chirping of birds, you may occasionally hear the long calls of unknown animals. On misty days, you might even lose track of time.

The Twelve Crossing Waters Nature Reserve is a provincial-level protected area. The area features secluded valleys, winding paths, small bridges over flowing streams, exotic orchids, unique plants, peculiar pines, and strange rocks—a hidden earthly paradise still largely undiscovered.

Former Residence of Anti-Japanese General Xue Yue: Located 2 kilometers from the town government, Xue Yue once served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Ninth War Zone and gained international fame for his celebrated “Three Victories in Changsha” during the Anti-Japanese War.