Summer at Longjinggou: Find a Place to Cool Down and Embark on a Mountain and Water Adventure
In the scorching summer heat, the city feels like it's trapped in a giant steamer, with the blazing air leaving no escape. So, I packed my bag, escaped the hustle and bustle, and headed to Longjinggou in Lu'an to seek that refreshing coolness and tranquility.
Entering the Forest: Encountering Nature’s Cool Gift
As the car slowly entered the Longjinggou Scenic Area, it felt like passing through an invisible barrier, instantly cutting off the heat outside. Looking up, all I saw was lush greenery, with trees thick and full, like giant green umbrellas shading the earth with a cool world. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating mottled light and shadow, like a carefully painted natural masterpiece.
Walking along the winding path, wildflowers of unknown names bloomed by the roadside—red, yellow, purple, and colorful—gently swaying in the breeze, warmly welcoming every visitor. The air was filled with the fragrance of earth and grass, mixed with a faint floral scent, inviting deep breaths to fully absorb this freshness and purity.
Playing in the Stream: Enjoying the Joyful Coolness of Summer
The soul of Longjinggou is undoubtedly its babbling streams. The water is crystal clear, revealing the sand and swimming fish below. I eagerly took off my shoes, rolled up my pants, and stepped into the stream. Instantly, a coolness spread from my feet throughout my body, dispelling all the summer heat.
The stream was sometimes calm, like a mirror reflecting the surrounding mountains and trees; sometimes rushing, forming small waterfalls and whirlpools, splashing white water droplets. I walked upstream, sometimes bending down to catch fish, sometimes scooping water to splash my companions, laughter echoing through the valley. Children played by the stream, chasing each other with water guns, the splashes sparkling like dazzling pearls in the sunlight.
In the stream, there were many stones of various shapes. Some were smooth and round like giant pebbles; others had sharp edges, like natural sculptures. I chose a flat stone to sit on, dipped my feet in the water, closed my eyes, and quietly listened to the flowing water and birdsong, feeling the peace and harmony of nature.
Waterfall Exploration: Experiencing the Majestic Power of Nature
Continuing along the stream, a roaring sound came from nearby, like thousands of horses galloping. Approaching, I found a spectacular waterfall. Water cascaded from a high cliff like the Milky Way falling from the sky, splashing huge water droplets and forming a white mist. The mist, illuminated by sunlight, refracted colorful rainbows, like a magical bridge connecting heaven and earth.
Standing at the foot of the waterfall, I felt the mist on my face, as if in a cool world. The thunderous roar of the waterfall was deafening, making me feel the grandeur and infinite power of nature. Looking up, the waterfall resembled a white dragon roaring down the cliff, majestic and awe-inspiring.
Next to the waterfall was a small viewing platform. I climbed up and overlooked the entire waterfall and surrounding scenery. The waterfall looked like a white ribbon embedded between green mountains and waters, complementing the mountains, trees, and streams, forming a beautiful landscape painting.
Forest Walk: Immersed in a Sea of Green
Leaving the waterfall, I entered the forest of Longjinggou. The forest was tall and dense, with interlaced branches forming a natural green barrier. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating golden patches of light that danced and flickered on the ground.
Walking in the forest, the rustling of fallen leaves underfoot sounded like a beautiful symphony performed by nature. Birdsong and insect chirps blended into a harmonious orchestra. I took a deep breath, the air filled with the fresh scent of trees and earth, refreshing and uplifting.
In the forest, I also saw many rare plants and animals. Colorful wildflowers, mushrooms of various shapes, and lively squirrels. The squirrels jumped and played among the branches, their fluffy tails twitching adorably. I quietly stood aside, watching their every move, feeling as if I had merged into this green ocean.
Taste of Longjinggou: Savoring Mountain Delicacies
After a day of exploring, my stomach was growling. I went to a farmhouse restaurant at the foot of the mountain to try local specialties. Most ingredients came from the mountains, fresh and healthy.
First came a dish of stir-fried wild vegetables. The greens were vibrant and refreshing, with a faint wild mountain flavor that lingered delightfully. Next was a plate of braised native chicken, tender and juicy, with rich and mellow sauce, paired with fragrant rice that whetted the appetite. There was also steamed fish, tender and smooth, melting in the mouth with a subtle fresh aroma.
After the meal, the owner served a cup of homemade mountain tea. The tea was golden in color, fragrant, with a rich taste and long-lasting aftertaste. Sitting in the farmhouse courtyard, enjoying the food while admiring the surrounding mountain and water scenery and feeling the mountain breeze was truly one of life’s great pleasures.
As the sunset glow bathed me, I reluctantly left Longjinggou. This summer trip allowed me to escape the city’s noise and heat, get close to nature, and experience its beauty and wonder. Longjinggou, this cool mountain and water secret place, will forever remain deep in my memory, waiting for the next reunion.
1. Core Information of the Scenic Area
1. Opening Hours: 08:30-17:00 (Exit only after 17:00).
2. Tickets: Adults 50 RMB (original price 60 RMB); half price 30 RMB for seniors over 60 and children over 1.2 meters; free for children under 1.2 meters, seniors over 70, active military personnel, and disabled persons with valid ID.
3. Recommended Visit Duration: 3 hours (full hiking route, easy and not tiring).
2. Transportation Guide
Self-driving
Navigate directly to "Longjinggou Scenic Area." From Lu'an city center, take National Highway 312 to Fenlukou Town, then turn to Dushan Town, and finally reach the Shuangfeng Village scenic entrance, about 40 minutes in total.
Public Transport
1. Take a shuttle bus from Lu'an South or West Bus Station to Dushan Town.
2. From Dushan Town, take a local taxi or rural bus directly to the scenic area entrance.
3. Must-Visit Attractions
1. Yaoying Bridge / Dangyun Bridge: Swaying iron chain bridges, great for photos; be careful crossing, elderly and children should hold on and walk slowly.
2. Longjing Waterfall & Feilong Waterfall: Two core waterfalls in the canyon, majestic when water flow is strong, close access to water, perfect for summer cooling.
3. Strange Rock Group: Unique shapes like Immortal’s Foot, Sky Piercing Stone, Jade Seal Stone, full of imaginative fun.
4. Huang Chao’s Military Muster: A cultural site said to be where Huang Chao’s uprising troops once gathered, rich in historical stories.
5. Scenic Area Gate: Iconic entrance with six stone pillars, perfect for group photos.
4. Travel Tips
1. Recommended Seasons: Summer (June-August) for cool canyon and abundant waterfalls, great for stream trekking; Autumn (September-November) for colorful forests, fresh air, comfortable hiking; Spring (March-May) for green bamboo sea and blooming wildflowers, pleasant scenery.
2. Equipment Suggestions: Wear non-slip sports shoes or water trekking shoes (stones near water can be slippery); bring trekking poles, sunscreen, insect repellent, waterproof bags (to protect phone and camera); prepare a dry set of clothes (for changing after water activities in summer).
3. Visit Tips: The route includes stone steps and boardwalks, some sections near water, watch your step; no large shops inside, bring your own drinking water and some snacks; keep away from slippery areas near waterfalls when taking photos.