Dragon’s Saliva Waterfall

　　The Zigzag Waterfall, visible from the wooden bridge, is made up of two unconnected cascading sections. Up close, there’s a pool beneath the waterfall, and below the pool another waterfall, creating an interconnected series of pools and falls — a scene within a scene.

　　Though the Zigzag Waterfall lacks the majestic grandeur of the Heaven-Reaching Waterfall’s sheer drop, it surges forward like a wild horse unleashed, tumbling and racing through the winding canyon. Midway along the Zigzag Waterfall, you can spot a giant rock shaped like an upside-down gourd. Above this Gourd Stone lies the Dragon’s Saliva Waterfall.

　　A local legend tells of a Taoist alchemist named Zuo Ci from Lujiang (present-day Qianshan), who lived in seclusion on Tianzhu Mountain practicing alchemy. One year, many people living along the river suddenly fell ill, and no one could cure them. Upon hearing this, Zuo Ci filled a gourd with medicinal pills, turned it upside down, and let the medicine dissolve into the river. As the locals drank the water, their illnesses were miraculously cured. Word spread quickly, and soon people from a hundred li around came to drink the healing waters.

　　The news reached Heaven, and the Jade Emperor, fearing the stolen elixir might be taken, turned the gourd into a giant stone and ordered the Dragon King of the East Sea to send guardians to protect it.

　　As more and more people came to draw water, the medicine gradually diminished, and the river’s healing power weakened. Alarmed, the Dragon King’s ninth son decided to sacrifice himself to save the people. He opened his mouth and spat out divine dragon saliva to amplify the remaining medicine’s effects. Over time, the prince exhausted his vital energy and was unable to return to the Dragon Palace. His essence gave rise to what we now know as the Dragon’s Saliva Waterfall.

　　To honor the ninth prince’s selfless act, local villagers hold an annual pilgrimage on the second day of the second lunar month — known as “Dragon Raises Its Head” — bringing incense, paper, and offerings to worship him.

　　Next to the Dragon’s Saliva Waterfall is a formation known as the Beasts Drinking Water. This narrow area in the deep valley resembles several mythical beasts stretching their necks — some bowing to drink, others looking up — each with unique poses, making for a charming sight.

　　After passing through the Strange Stones Canyon, you’ll come across a bridge called the Bridge of Awe. Standing on the bridge and looking back at the deep canyon fills you with awe for nature’s master craftsmanship, the miraculous power of water carving through stone, and the courage to climb cliffs along the way. It also teaches us this truth: with determination as unyielding as water wearing down mountains and rocks, no difficulty is insurmountable, and a bright tomorrow is sure to come.

　　Zuo Ci, courtesy name Yuanfang, was a Han Chinese from Lujiang (present-day Qianshan, Anhui Province) and a renowned Taoist alchemist of the late Eastern Han Dynasty.

　　From a young age, he mastered the Five Classics and studied astrology. Seeing that the Han dynasty was in decline and chaos was imminent, he lamented: “In such an age of decay, high-ranking officials face danger, and the wealthy meet death. Worldly glory isn’t worth pursuing.” He then turned to Taoist practice, especially excelling in the Six psychic arts and commanding spirits, even conjuring banquets at will. After meditating deeply in Tianzhu Mountain, he discovered a stone chamber containing the Scripture of Nine Elixirs and Golden Liquor. Through it, he attained transformative powers beyond reckoning.