Dragon Head Waterfall

　　Dragon Head Waterfall is situated where Taojiang Township of Longnan County meets Longxiang Township of Quannan County, within Longnan. The Dragon Head Tourist Scenic Area extends from Litouzui Wharf in the county town to Dragon Head Beach and the Leigong Mountain Range, covering a planned area of 29 square kilometers.

　　Boarding a cruise boat from Litouzui at the western edge of the county town, you head downstream toward Dragon Head Beach. As the boat glides across the river, sparkling waves and picturesque scenery unfold on both banks. Mountains, water, forests, shapes, sounds, and colors blend into one harmonious whole. Cruising downstream through the Nine Bends and Eighteen Rapids, you’ll pass by the Jade Fairy Rock on the riverbanks, which looks like a fairyland; historical relics such as the centuries-old Dragon Head Pagoda and Dragon King Temple; and the Five-Tiered Waterfall that cascades down dramatically. There are a total of twenty-eight scenic spots that captivate visitors.

　　Located on the eastern bank of the Tao River, Jade Fairy Rock resembles a “stone that flew from the riverbank.” There is a cave here called Yuxu Cave, which can accommodate hundreds of people. Inside the cave, hanging stalactites and stalagmites can be found, while the cave walls feature naturally formed rock formations resembling startled snakes and galloping elephants. In the 13th year of the Zhengde era of the Ming Dynasty (1519 AD), during his campaign to pacify the “Three Rulers,” the imperial censor Wang Yangming (Wang Shouren) visited this place and composed an inscription on a stele inside Yuxu Cave, titled “The Pacification Stele.”

　　Inscription.

　　Yuxu Cave is exquisitely crafted, a marvel of nature. “The two caves are so uniquely marvelous that one hesitates to leave,” and it is nestled within what is called the “Yangming Small Grotto-Heaven.” On such occasions, inspired and filled with poetic fervor, he composed as many as five regulated poems in one sitting. This cave houses a total of 43 stone inscriptions personally handwritten by Wang Yangming and other notable figures throughout history. These poetic stone carvings are intoxicating and represent a rare cultural attraction.

　　After traveling about one kilometer, you will enter the Nine Bends and Eighteen Rapids. Here, the river is dotted with jagged rocks, turbulent waves, and numerous perils. Yet, as the boat bounces along the currents, you lose track of how many dangerous rapids or deep pools you’ve passed. At times, it feels as if “the cries of monkeys on both shores never cease, yet the light boat has already passed ten thousand layered mountains.” After navigating five to six kilometers of waterway in just over half an hour, you will arrive at the most treacherous section of the Tao River — Dragon Head Beach. Here, steep cliffs rise sharply on both sides, and massive rocks stand upright in the middle of the river. The water surges through the rocky gorge, roaring violently as if churning thousands of piles of snow-like waves, reminiscent of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River. No wonder people say, “If you don’t have seven-tenths of courage, dare you brave Dragon Head Beach?”

　　When the boat reaches Dragon Head Beach, the narrow river channel is fraught with hidden reefs, rapid currents, and towering waves, creating a spectacular sight. In ancient times, it was known as one of the “Eight Great Scenic Spots of Longnan” — “Dragon Head Snow Waves.” It was later demolished to facilitate safer navigation. Legend has it that during the late Southern Song Dynasty, Zhong Kejun, a patriotic disciple of the famed general Wen Tianxiang, raised a volunteer army in Ganzhou to support Wen’s brave resistance against the Jin invaders. Upon hearing of Wen’s defeat, Zhong disbanded the army and returned to Longnan, where he took his own life by jumping into the river at Dragon Head Beach. His act embodied unyielding bravery in the face of the Yuan army, earning him the title “Longnan’s Qu Yuan.”

　　Upon disembarking at Dragon Head Beach Wharf, on the east bank stands a majestic and exquisitely built ancient structure — the Dragon King Temple. Facing north and situated on the southern bank, the temple was first built during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty. With its unique design, classic elegance, and peculiar structure, this ancient temple has survived the test of time. From afar, it looks like a mirage atop the screen of green mountains and clear waters, evoking deep thought and reverie. Up close, it resembles an upright stele, chronicling the trials of history and the glories of the past. Above the main gate hangs a resplendent horizontal plaque inscribed with the three large characters “Dragon King Temple.” Inside the temple, incense smoke curls upward, and a cool breeze blows, creating an atmosphere that is both awe-inspiring and reverent. The Dragon King sits solemnly at the center of the hall, flanked by a pair of vividly depicted boy and girl attendants exuding commanding presence. The four guardian deities — “Rain Master, Wind Lord, Thunder Goddess, and Lightning Duke” — have also been restored to their historical appearance. Even more thought-provoking is a couplet that reads: “Summoning wind and rain, you forever dwell among us to bestow blessings; subduing demons and evil, you protect the people and ensure their peace.”