Dajue Mountain Scenic Area is located in Zixi County, Fuzhou City, Jiangxi Province. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and a national nature reserve. The scenic area covers a total area of 204 square kilometers, with a core area of 30 square kilometers. The highest peak reaches 1,647 meters above sea level. Dajue Mountain is famous for its "primeval forests, alpine lakes, canyon rafting, and ancient temples". The forest coverage rate reaches 97.3%, and the negative oxygen ion content in the air is as high as 300,000 per cubic centimeter, earning it the reputation of "natural oxygen bar" and "the best rafting in East China". There are more than 100 scenic spots in the area, including Dajue Rock Temple, Tianhu Lake, Nantianmen, and canyon rafting.
History and Culture
Dajue Mountain has a long history and rich cultural heritage. According to historical records, monks practiced Buddhism here as early as the Eastern Jin Dynasty. During the Tang Dynasty, Dajue Rock Temple was built and became an important place for Zen Buddhism. In the Song Dynasty, Buddhism in Dajue Mountain reached its peak, with large-scale temples and flourishing incense. Many literati came to worship and visit, leaving behind numerous poems and inscriptions. The Ming Dynasty geographer Xu Xiake visited Dajue Mountain and recorded its unique landscapes in his travel notes.
Dajue Rock Temple is the most representative historical and cultural relic in Dajue Mountain. Built against the mountain during the Zhenguan period of the Tang Dynasty (over 1,300 years ago), the temple preserves precious cultural relics such as stone tablets and Buddha statues from various dynasties. The Song Dynasty bronze Buddha statues and Ming Dynasty murals are of high artistic value. The temple complex, including the Mahavira Hall, Guanyin Hall, and Scripture Depository, reflects the typical architectural style of Jiangnan temples.
Dajue Mountain is also a revolutionary base area. In the 1930s, the Red Army led by Fang Zhimin carried out guerrilla warfare here. Revolutionary sites such as Red Army caves and slogans are preserved on the mountain. These historical and cultural heritage sites complement the natural landscape of Dajue Mountain, forming a unique cultural landscape.
Main Attractions
Dajue Rock Temple
Dajue Rock Temple was built in the Tang Dynasty and is a key cultural relic protection unit in Jiangxi Province. The temple complex covers an area of about 5,000 square meters, built along the mountain with picturesque layout. The most famous is the Mahavira Hall built in the Song Dynasty, which houses three exquisite bronze Buddha statues. Surrounded by ancient trees, the temple offers a serene environment with morning bells and evening drums creating a strong Zen atmosphere. The temple fair on the 19th day of the second lunar month attracts tens of thousands of worshippers.
Tianhu Lake
Tianhu Lake is located in an alpine basin at an altitude of 1,200 meters, covering an area of about 200 mu (13.3 hectares). It is one of the highest natural lakes in East China. The crystal-clear lake is surrounded by mountains, creating a fairyland-like scene when shrouded in clouds and mist. A small island in the lake resembles a pearl, with a viewing pavilion built on it. A lakeside boardwalk allows visitors to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The cool breeze in summer makes it a perfect summer resort, while the frozen lake in winter presents a different charm.
Nantianmen
Nantianmen (South Heavenly Gate) is the landmark of Dajue Mountain, consisting of two towering rocks facing each other like a gate at an altitude of 1,480 meters. Standing at Nantianmen, visitors can overlook mountains and valleys with an extremely broad view. Watching the sunrise over a sea of clouds in the morning is spectacular, and rainbows often appear across the "Heavenly Gate" after rain. Nearby attractions include Fairy Bridge and One-Line Sky, all formed by crustal movements.
Dajue Mountain Canyon Rafting
Dajue Mountain Canyon Rafting, known as "the best rafting in East China", is 3.6 kilometers long with a drop of 188 meters. The winding river runs between cliffs with beautiful scenery. There are more than 20 rapids with a maximum drop of 8 meters, offering thrilling excitement. The rafting season lasts from May to October, taking about 1.5 hours to complete. Facilities such as changing rooms and showers are available at the terminal.
Primeval Forest
The primeval forest in Dajue Mountain covers more than 100 square kilometers with a coverage rate of 97.3%, known as a "natural botanical garden". The forest features ancient trees of various species, including rare ones like southern yew and ginkgo. With extremely high negative oxygen ion content, the fresh air refreshes visitors. Waterfalls, streams, strange rocks, and wild animals like macaques and pangolins can be found in this excellent ecological environment.
Cuisine
Zixi Bread
Zixi Bread is a local specialty with a history of over 100 years. Made through traditional fermentation, it has a crispy crust, soft interior, and rich wheat flavor. Available in sweet and salty varieties, the pork floss bread is most popular. Several time-honored bakeries in Zixi County offer this bread as a souvenir.
Alpine Cloud Mist Tea
Dajue Mountain Alpine Cloud Mist Tea grows in tea gardens above 800 meters, named after the constant clouds and mist. The thick leaves produce clear, bright tea with a refreshing aroma and sweet aftertaste. Tea gardens in the scenic area are open for visits, and authentic alpine tea is available for tasting and purchase.
Bamboo Tube Rice
Dajue Mountain Bamboo Tube Rice is made by putting glutinous rice, preserved meat, mushrooms and other ingredients into fresh bamboo tubes for roasting. The rice absorbs the fragrance of bamboo and the deliciousness of ingredients, creating a unique flavor. Many farmhouses in the scenic area serve this specialty.
Nearby Cuisine
Fuzhou City also offers specialties like Linchuan beef offal, Nanfeng fish balls, and Lichuan rice cakes. Visitors can try these local flavors after touring Dajue Mountain.
Ticket Information
The entrance fee for Dajue Mountain Scenic Area is 120 yuan per person, including Dajue Rock Temple, Tianhu Lake, Nantianmen and other attractions. Canyon rafting costs an additional 168 yuan per person. Cable car tickets: 60 yuan one way, 100 yuan round trip. Students and seniors can enjoy discounts with valid certificates. Opening hours: 8:00-17:00 (peak season), 8:30-16:30 (off season).
Recommended Itinerary
Recommended one-day tour: Take the cable car up the mountain in the morning to visit Dajue Rock Temple and Tianhu Lake; have lunch at the mountain restaurant; walk or take the cable car down in the afternoon, visiting Nantianmen on the way; experience canyon rafting at last. For more time, a two-day tour is suggested to explore the primeval forest on the second day.
Transportation
- Airplane: The nearest airport is Nanchang Changbei International Airport, about 200 km away
- High-speed rail: Take high-speed rail to Fuzhou East Station, then transfer to tourist shuttle bus (about 1.5 hours)
- Self-driving: About 3 hours from Nanchang via Fuyin Expressway and Jiguang Expressway
- Internal transportation: Cable cars and sightseeing buses connect main attractions
Must-see Attractions
- Dajue Rock Temple: Ancient temple with 1,300 years history, key cultural relic in Jiangxi
- Tianhu Lake: Alpine lake at 1,200m with beautiful scenery
- Nantianmen: Landmark spot for sunrise and sea of clouds
- Canyon Rafting: "Best in East China", 3.6km long with 188m drop
- Primeval Forest: 97.3% coverage with extremely high oxygen content
Travel Tips
- Best visiting season: May to October (summer for rafting)
- Suggested duration: 1-2 days
- Bring jackets as mountain temperatures are lower
- Prepare change of clothes and waterproof bags for rafting
- Wear comfortable anti-slip hiking shoes
- Combo tickets can save money
Precautions
- Protect the ecological environment, no littering
- Wear life jackets and follow instructions during rafting
- Be careful on steep mountain paths
- Take care of personal belongings, especially valuables
- Respect religious customs, keep quiet in temples
- Walk carefully on rainy days as paths may be slippery