Shangrao Damaoshan: A Hidden Mountain and Water Poetic Painting in Northeastern Jiangxi
Setting off from Nanchang early in the morning, speeding east along the Hukun Expressway, when the navigation prompts “Dexing Damaoshan,” the scenery outside the window has already shifted from city neon lights to layers of bamboo sea. This national 4A-level scenic area, nestled among Sanqing Mountain, Wuyuan, and Jingdezhen, offers a grand feast where mountains, waters, and culture intertwine, painting a vivid stroke on my weekend.
Landscape Scroll: A Natural Oxygen Bar Immersed in Greenery
Entering the scenic area, the negative oxygen ions carrying the fresh scent of pine needles instantly dispel travel fatigue. Walking along the Wufengdong Trail, towering ancient trees and a sea of bamboo flank both sides, with sunlight filtering through the leaves casting mottled shadows, as if stepping into a flowing ink painting. Halfway up the mountain, the roar of water suddenly fills the air. Looking up, a silver curtain cascades down a cliff dozens of meters high—the Fairy Pool Waterfall crashes into the deep pool with thunderous force, the mist refracting a rainbow halo in the sunlight, attracting visitors to stop and take photos.
Continuing upward, the Senquan Waterfall Group reveals a gentler beauty. The stream winds down the reddish rock walls, forming layers of miniature waterfalls, with moss swaying beneath the water like an emerald carpet. Some companions take off their shoes to step into the shallow water; the clear stream flows over their ankles, instantly washing away the summer heat.
Cultural Code: A Millennium Mark of Buddhist and Taoist Fusion
Damaoshan’s charm lies not only in nature but also in its profound historical heritage. During the Ming Dynasty, it was already a famous Buddhist sanctuary, and ancient temple sites like Baiyun Temple and Xiangxi Temple remain preserved. At the summit of Wumeng Mountain, over a thousand meters high, I met an elderly temple keeper who pointed to a thousand-year-old ginkgo tree in front of the temple and said, “This tree is older than the temple; its leaves can cover the entire courtyard when they fall.” A gentle breeze stirred the golden ginkgo leaves, fluttering down as if telling stories of time.
For those interested in geology, the Shifeng Scenic Area is a must-see. Here, the Danxia landforms and karst caves complement each other, with huge stone pillars rising from the ground in various shapes—some like swords piercing the sky, others like graceful fairies standing tall. Locals jokingly say, “Sanqing Mountain is for watching the sea of clouds, Damaoshan is for watching the sea of stones.”
A Feast for the Palate: A Taste Carnival in the Mountains and Fields
By afternoon, hunger starts to protest. Following the aroma, I enter the “Hundred Birds Facing the Sun Fairy Tale Village,” where the most authentic Damaoshan culinary secrets are hidden. Specialty snacks like ban guo (rice cakes), taro cakes, and Wulao cakes are dazzlingly abundant. The most impressive is the “Jinshi Cake”—made from selenium-rich glutinous rice and wild mountain walnuts, soft and sticky in the mouth, with the walnut fragrance unfolding layer by layer on the tongue. At the farmhouse restaurant at the village entrance, the owner serves a pot of “Senquan Fish,” with tender, boneless fish meat, broth simmered with mountain spring water, sprinkled with wild scallions—so fresh and delicious that I drank three bowls in a row.
As the sunset gilds the Shifeng with golden edges, I set off home, carrying the mountain and field essence with me. Looking back at the gradually receding Damaoshan, I suddenly understand why locals often say, “Sanqing Mountain is immortal, Damaoshan is home.” Here, there is no bustling fame of famous mountains, but a gentle harmony between mountains and waters; no deliberate carving, yet natural wisdom is everywhere. Perhaps this is the truest form of travel—to meet the long-lost self in a strange place.
1. Practical Information
Tickets and Opening Hours
- Ticket: 80 RMB per person; free for children under 1.2 meters, seniors over 65, active military personnel, disabled persons, and Dexing residents; half price for full-time students and seniors aged 60-64.
- Sightseeing Bus: 20 RMB per person, unlimited rides; recommended due to the large area of the scenic spot.
- Opening Hours: 08:00-17:30, last entry at 17:00.
- Parking: Free parking at the scenic area.
Transportation Guide
Self-driving (Recommended)
- From Shangrao: Hukun Expressway → Deshang Expressway → Bimu Exit → G237 National Road → Damaoshan, about 1.5 hours.
- From Nanchang: Dechang Expressway → Dexing Exit → G237 National Road, about 2.5 hours.
Public Transport
- High-speed rail to Dexing Station, then taxi about 30 minutes/50 RMB directly to the scenic area.
- From Dexing city, take the bus towards Huaqiao, get off at Wufengdong Station, and walk to the core area.
2. Core Attractions
1. Wufengdong: The core of the scenic area, a deep mountain valley flanked by two slopes, a summer resort with Maxie Creek running through.
2. Qicai Pool: The essence section of Maxie Creek, mineral-rich water turns emerald green, shining with seven colors under the sun—perfect for photos.
3. Fairy Pool: A three-tier waterfall with clear water; in autumn, red leaves reflect in the pool, creating a full atmosphere.
4. Guanyin Waterfall: A 30-meter-high waterfall shaped like Guanyin, roaring water sound, cool and refreshing.
5. Dianjiang Platform: A relic of the Huang Chao Uprising, a giant rock standing in the creek, an excellent spot for historical check-ins.
6. Bijia Mountain: The main peak area, featuring a narrow sky gap and the “Divine Turtle Gazing at the Moon,” climb to the top to enjoy the sea of clouds over the mountains.