Jinxiu Valley (锦绣谷) is located in Mount Lu, Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province. It is formed by the convergence of Daling Peak and Tianchi Mountain. Shaped by the glacial activity of the Quaternary period, this southwest-facing valley features a flat bottom and steep walls. It is said that during the Jin Dynasty, the renowned monk Huiyuan would gather flowers and herbs here. The valley is adorned with blooming flowers year-round, resembling a beautiful tapestry, hence its name “Jinxiu” which means “Splendid Embroidery.”
Among the clustered rocks in Jinxiu Valley, a large rock juts out, seemingly suspended in mid-air, known as the “Heavenly Bridge.” According to legend, during the battle between Zhu Yuanzhang and Chen Youliang at Poyang Lake, Zhu Yuanzhang fled to this place. Faced with a deep ravine ahead and pursuers behind, a golden dragon suddenly descended from the sky, lying across the ravine to form a stone bridge. After Zhu Yuanzhang crossed the bridge on horseback, the sky turned dark with rolling clouds and thunder. A dazzling blue light struck the stone bridge, breaking it. The clouds dispersed, and everything returned to normal, with the ravine once again separating the cliffs. This story is, of course, a myth. In reality, the area is a large fault zone with towering peaks and deep gorges. A large brown rock juts out towards the ravine, resembling a broken bridge from a distance.
Walking along the mountain path, you’ll encounter a solitary stone peak rising tens of meters into the sky. At the top of this peak sits a giant rock resembling the head of an elderly man, hence the name “Human Head Rock.” The weathered face, with its clear features and lifelike appearance, is remarkably detailed, including eyebrows, eyes, and wrinkles. Below the peak is Jinxiu Cave, which can accommodate more than ten people and is furnished with natural stone tables and benches for resting. A clear spring flows continuously into the cave, adding to the serene and otherworldly atmosphere.
