Dalong Mountain Scenic Area

　　Standing to the north of Anqing City, fifteen kilometers from the urban area, it serves as a natural painted screen for the city. The mountain stretches from west to east with undulating terrain, majestic and elegant, with beautiful peaks rising one after another. Winding like a dragon, it is thus named Longshan (Dragon Mountain). The mountain spans twenty-five kilometers in circumference, covering an area of over 120 square kilometers, running in a north-south direction and crossing the urban suburbs as well as Huaining and Tongcheng counties. Surrounded by water on all sides, the mountain borders Shitang Lake to the east, the Yangtze River to the south, Shimen Lake to the west, and Caizi Lake to the north. It is rich in mineral resources such as copper, iron, lead, phosphorus, asbestos, and alum. The mountain features numerous peaks, valleys, caves, and scenic spots. Ancient people praised its beauty as “unlike any other mountain.” Dalong Mountain boasts 92 peaks, 82 cliffs, 72 ridges, 62 caves, 36 valleys, 108 peculiar rocks, as well as four major streams — Black Dragon Stream, White Dragon Stream, Yellow Dragon Stream, and Red Dragon Stream — and six waterfalls. The Longshan Scenic Area has over 200 scenic spots, including 35 cultural and historical sites.

　　Legend has it that “Dalong Mountain has seventy-two temples.” Historical records in the county annals document ancient descriptions of the temple landscapes. Visitors ascending the mountain from the eastern end will walk between massive boulders, with the mountain folds unfolding before them. Upon reaching Yuanzhao Temple, they will see striking cliff inscriptions on the facing gray rock that read “The First Temple of Longshan,” written in regular script by Ma Xianggu in the year Dinghai of the Daoguang reign. Yuanzhao Temple was built during the Song Dynasty, with a grand scale, consisting of three temple buildings, pavilions, towers, and more. Behind the temple, there was once a tall pagoda called Wuliang Pagoda, which was built during the Tang Dynasty.

　　However, with the passage of time, the pagoda and temple unfortunately perished in war. Today, only ruins and inscribed stone tablets remain as evidence. In front of the temple stand two ancient ginkgo trees over 400 years old, with trunks four meters in circumference, standing tall and lush. A nearby newly built TV transmission tower adds a modern touch to this serene and classic scenic spot. The Longquan Pagoda of Dalong Mountain is 8.5 meters high with seven levels — six above ground and one underground. It is constructed from 165 granite blocks and is a well-preserved Tang Dynasty structure. There are many springs on Longshan, the most famous being Longquan, also known as Longqiu (Dragon Pool). The spring is bottomless, with legend saying it connects directly to the Yangtze River. Longqiu is said to be where the Dragon King bathed during his earthly travels. The spring is surrounded by steep cliffs, five to six ren high, with delicate bamboo and ancient pines growing in the crevices. To the north of the spring rises a towering peak, from which gushing springs and waterfalls flow year-round. On the cliff, there is a prominent rock inscribed with the two characters “Forget to Return” (忘归) written by Ming Dynasty official Huang Xizuan, adding a captivating charm to the site. These ancient inscriptions stir a deep sense of nostalgia in visitors.

　　Climbing up from Longquan leads to the highest peak of Dalong Mountain, also the best spot to view the mountain’s scenery, named “Sanxiangjian” (Three Townships Peak), though mistakenly later called “Sanxianjian” (Three Counties Peak), with an elevation of 693.4 meters. It stands opposite Tianzhu Peak. The famous Rizhao Peak features rugged cliffs, bizarre rocks, mountain streams, lush bamboo forests, and ever-changing clouds and mist, offering spectacular views. From the mountaintop, one can enjoy panoramic views: the shimmering waves of Shitang Lake, the landscape of the Yangtze River, and the new look of Anqing City. This has always been a beloved spot for visitors to reflect on history, appreciate the scenery, and find joy.

　　The four seasons of Longshan are picturesque. In spring, the mountain is covered with blooming flowers and fragrant blooms; in summer, the peaks are lush green and springs and waterfalls sing merrily; in autumn, the mountains glow red and forests turn vibrant layers of color; in winter, the land is blanketed in silvery white, crystal clear and pure. Especially at sunrise or after the rain clears, with the mist lingering around the peaks that appear and disappear, it is hailed as “Dawn Mist over Longshan,” one of Anqing’s scenic wonders. Moreover, many massive rocks formed by “glacial debris flows” are scattered among the mountain valleys, some shaped like crouching tigers, others like lying oxen — there are stone monkeys, stone lions, stone plates, stone granaries, stone trees, and more, all uniquely shaped and vividly charming. These rare and peculiar rocks not only add magical scenery to Longshan but also transport visitors into a wondrous dreamland. Today, Longshan attracts more and more tourists with her graceful charm.