Longhu Mountain: The Taoist Center of Jiangxi

Longhushan in Jiangxi Province is the headquarters of Zhengyi Taoism, one of the two main Taoist schools. The mountain combines religious significance with natural beauty: red cliffs, river views, and ancient hanging coffins.

Taoist Heritage

Longhushan has been a Taoist center since the 2nd century CE. The Celestial Masters, founders of Zhengyi Taoism, established their headquarters here. The Shangqing Temple is the current center of Zhengyi practice. The mountain remains an active religious site.

Hanging Coffins

The most distinctive feature of Longhushan is its hanging coffins. Over 200 ancient coffins are lodged in cliff crevices, placed there by the Guyue people over 2,000 years ago. How they were placed remains debated. The coffins are visible from boats on the Luxi River.

Luxi River

The Luxi River flows past Longhushan red cliffs. Bamboo rafts carry visitors past the hanging coffins and scenic viewpoints. The river journey is the main tourist activity. The scenery resembles Guilin but with Taoist temples instead of karst peaks.

Tianshi Mansion

Tianshi Mansion is the residence of the Celestial Masters, the hereditary leaders of Zhengyi Taoism. The building dates to the Ming Dynasty and contains Taoist artifacts and archives. The mansion is a center of Taoist learning.

Red Cliffs

The cliffs of Longhushan are red sandstone, similar to Danxia formations elsewhere. The color contrasts with green forest and blue water. The cliffs contain caves and niches where Taoists meditated.

Getting There

Longhushan is about 2 hours by bus from Nanchang or Yingtan. Plan a full day for the river cruise and temples. Spring and autumn are the best times; summer is hot, winter is mild.