Tianzhu Peak Scenic Area

West Tianzhu Peak Scenic Area is located in Daduan Town, Tonggu County in northwestern Jiangxi. Tonggu is listed among China’s Top 100 Fresh Air Counties and is renowned as a Hometown of Longevity. As the core zone of Tianzhu Peak National Forest Park, it boasts a 12-kilometer aquatic Danxia landform famous for its precipitous peaks, exquisite waters and exotic rock formations.

The landmark Tianzhu Peak earns the title of The First Peak of the Xiu River and stands as the symbol of Tianzhu Peak National Forest Park in Tonggu County.

Surrounded by water on three sides, the towering Tianzhu Peak rises at the heart of the scenic zone. According to local legend, Zhang Guolao, one of the Eight Immortals, accidentally dropped a divine spiral shell into the grass here. The sacred shell turned into mortal stone, growing one thousand feet each day until it nearly pierced the sky. The Jade Emperor sent the God of Thunder to subdue it. A thunderbolt split a huge hollow in the boulder, which later became Lingshi Nunnery, and the mountain stopped growing into today’s Tianzhu Peak.

To climb the peak, you must first cross the lake — Nine-Dragon Lake. The lake originated from Nine-Dragon Pool at the foot of Nine-Dragon Ridge after a reservoir dam was built. Stretching 8 square kilometres, the lake has an average depth of 30 metres and a maximum depth over 60 metres, with a total water storage capacity of 115 million cubic metres. It serves as a multi-purpose water project integrating power generation, flood control and tourism.

Green mountains are mirrored on the water like clusters of water lilies, turning the lake into a misty aquatic labyrinth. Boat trips are essential here: you cruise amid green hills, wandering inside a living landscape painting. When you reach the summit of Tianzhu Peak, you will overlook vast misty waters with branching fjords winding for more than a dozen kilometres, just like giant dragons crawling among wooded mountains. The lakeshore features terraced rice fields, small stone bridges, farm courtyards, winding lanes and curling kitchen smoke.

The lake is most enchanting at sunset. The setting sun dyes the whole water golden. The rippling waves and mist-shrouded peaks create a profound, dreamlike scene.

This spot lies on the upper right of Tianzhu Peak. A steep lone rock bears a boulder shaped exactly like an embroidered lady’s shoe. Legend says Goddess Guanyin stopped here on her way back to the South China Sea after paying homage to Buddha. She stepped accidentally into the crystal-clear Nine-Dragon Pool and laid her wet shoe on the rock to dry before resting in Linyan Cave on Tianzhu Peak. The ancient pool is now submerged under the reservoir, yet the shoe-shaped rock still tells this beautiful tale to visitors.

Located on the left side of Tianzhu Peak, this is the second highest rocky peak in the area. Head-on, it reveals a narrow slit of sky; viewed from the side, it perfectly resembles an elephant’s trunk.

Carved naturally among blue waters and Danxia red rocks, the plank road has no trace of artificial carving. Its subtle charm can only be felt rather than described in words.

Combining fantastic natural scenery and vivid myths, Tianzhu Peak Scenic Area is an ideal destination for sightseeing, leisure and wellness.

Also known as Tianzhu Waterfalls, this cluster is one of the core highlights of the scenic zone. After docking at the waterfall pier, walk along the bluestone waterside trail through dense forests, where springs and cascades run along the path. It is the largest waterfall group in northwestern Jiangxi, made up of nine separate falls plunging down the mountain with deafening roars.

The most breathtaking is the Ninth Tier Waterfall, hailed as The No.1 Waterfall in Western Jiangxi. It stands 78 metres high and 9 metres wide. Viewed from below, the mighty torrent crashes against cliffs like thousands of troops charging into battle, while swirling sprays look as graceful as celestial maidens descending to the mortal world.

Built inside a mid-mountain cave on Tianzhu Peak, Lingshi Nunnery dates back to the Southern Song Dynasty. For over a thousand years, it has maintained continuous incense burning and enjoyed wide fame across the Hunan-Hubei-Jiangxi border region.

The stone path up the mountain rings melodiously under footsteps. Lined with bamboo and ancient trees, the hillside stays cool in summer and warm in winter. Halfway up the mountain, a clear spring well offers sweet, refreshing water said to cure eye ailments.

Past the spring stands Guanyin Hall of Lingshi Nunnery. On the right inner wall, a cliff carving bears the inscription Another World, engraved by Zhu Weigang from Hunan’s Xiangxiang area.

The Yining State Chronicle of the Tongzhi reign records: “A nunnery nestles inside a hollow cliff shaped like a hanging chime. Secluded from mortal chaos, it long attracted eminent monks as a spiritual retreat.” Su Dongpo once visited and left a poem: Clear streams wind around rocks, Where a sage dwells in peaceful seclusion.

Today the recluses are gone, but incense still burns vigorously. Far away from bustling cities, visitors can immerse themselves in tranquil mountains and gain inner peace. You may pray to Goddess Guanyin to fulfil your wishes. A nunnery hidden deep inside a cliff; Guanyin smiles, granting blessings and children