Donglin Grand Canyon (东林大峡谷) is a key component of Mount Lu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Global Geopark, and the world’s only outstanding ecological scenic area. It is also a national 5A-level scenic spot. The canyon comprises two main segments: the ecological natural area of Scissors Canyon and the traditional cultural area of Woyun Long, forming a linear landscape. It stretches nearly 10 kilometers from Guling Central Park to Donglin Temple beside National Highway 105, with a vertical drop of over a thousand meters and a vegetation coverage rate exceeding 95%. The area is home to nearly 3,000 plant species, offering fresh air with an exceptionally high concentration of negative oxygen ions.
Scissors Canyon, the primary ecological segment, features a winding slot canyon with overlapping mountains on both sides resembling pairs of scissors. The valley is composed of quartz sandstone and forms a rare Quaternary glacial U-shaped valley. Within the large U-shaped valley lies a smaller, deeper, and steeper U-shaped canyon, with numerous cascading waterfalls and pools, creating the largest waterfall group in Mount Lu. The canyon boasts the highest water volume among Mount Lu’s valleys, making it the only place where waterfalls can be enjoyed year-round. The lush vegetation and dramatic scenery add to its mysterious charm.
Woyun Long, the cultural segment, is characterized by gentle glacial moraine slopes, abundant springs, and waterfalls, with notable spots such as the Three-Tiered Waterfall and the Curtain Waterfall. This area is rich in ancient cultural relics and sites related to Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism. During the Jin Dynasty, it was under the jurisdiction of ancient Chaisang County, the hometown of the famous poet Tao Yuanming. Tao Yuanming lived here, leaving behind the famous lines, “Picking chrysanthemums by the eastern fence, I leisurely see the southern mountain.”
Liu Chengzhi, the magistrate of Chaisang County and one of the “Three Hermits of Xunyang” during the Jin Dynasty, also lived in Woyun Long. The current residents of Liujia Village are his descendants. According to Daoist records, Woyun Long’s Tiger Creek is the 36th blessed land among the 72 blessed lands and 36 caves of the world. Mount Lu, also known as Kuanglu, is named after Kuang Xu, who practiced Daoism and attained immortality here. In the 4th century, the eminent monk Huiyuan founded the Pure Land Sect of Buddhism near Tiger Creek, establishing the practice of meditative visualization of Amitabha Buddha. Famous historical figures like Su Dongpo and Bai Juyi have also left their marks here.
From the 4th century onwards, numerous temples, Daoist monasteries, hermitages, and scholars’ retreats were established in Scissors Canyon, attracting countless literati and scholars, making it a thriving cultural hub.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Included in the ticket for Mount Lu |
| Opening Hours | 7.30 – 17.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0792-8909090 0086-0792-8909063 |
Location and Transportation
Donglin Grand Gorge is located in Saiyang Town, Woyun Long, on the northern slopes of Mount Lu in Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province. To get there, you can take the No. 7 bus from downtown Jiujiang or a minibus from the Shilidalu building to Donglin Temple. From Donglin Temple, you can easily reach the Donglin Grand Gorge scenic area.
