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Explore the cliff tomb caves and hanging coffins along the red cliffs; take a raft ride on the Luxi River to view tombs from the water; watch a hoisting performance (re-enactment of placing coffins in caves); hike to viewpoints overlooking cliff faces; photograph the Danxia scenery and reflections; visit Zhuoist / Taoist temples and ruins along the route; combine with other Longhu Mountain scenic nodes.
Ancient tombs carved into cliffs or rock formations existed in China from the Warring States Period to the Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties. Warring States cliff tombs are concentrated in the Wuyi Mountains of Jiangxi Province. They range from single-cave burials to single-cave group burials to linked-cave group burials, with the coffins carved from a single log. This type of tomb is distinguished by its chambers carved into the cliff face, offering greater privacy and security than conventional burial chambers. Cliff tombs, a popular burial style during the Han Dynasty, emulate human dwellings, with chambers carved into the rock. They reflect the Han Dynasty's emphasis on lavish burials, where the dead are treated as if they were alive.
Yingtan has a warm climate, abundant sunshine, plentiful rainfall and a long frost-free period.
It is recommended to play for one hour
The cliff tombs at Longhu Mountain (Dragon-Tiger Mountain) are ancient hanging coffins carved into cliff faces, dating to the Spring & Autumn and Warring States periods (over 2,600 years old). They represent burial practices of the ancient Yue people and remain mysterious in how and why they were placed so high. They are considered one of the signature archaeological and natural features of the Longhu Mountain scenic area. Longhu Mountain is also a Taoist sacred site and part of China Danxia (a UNESCO site).
The cliff tombs are part of the Longhu Mountain Scenic Area, about 20 km from Yingtan city center. From Yingtan Railway Station or bus stations, take a tourist bus (e.g. K2 route) headed to Longhu Mountain. Within the scenic area, there are sightseeing bus lines or shuttle services connecting different attractions (including the cliff tomb sites) so you don’t always walk the full distance.
In peak months (April–October) the area is open ~07:30 to 17:30. In off-peak months, hours are ~08:00 to 17:00. The best time to visit is spring to early autumn when weather is mild, water levels normal, and visibility good.
Entry to the Longhu Mountain scenic area including access to cliff tombs and sightseeing buses costs about 135 CNY (this includes the scenic bus). You can purchase tickets online via official scenic area platforms or at ticket counters at the scenic area.
It is not strictly necessary on normal days, but during peak season or major holidays advance booking helps (a day or two ahead). The scenic area sometimes issues online quotas.
A visit to see the cliff tomb sites and drift on the river takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. To include multiple scenic nodes in Longhu, plan a full day or more.
— The cliff tomb caves and hanging coffins along the steep cliffs on both banks of the Luxi River — The hanging coffin hoisting performance (re-enactment) at a viewing platform — The Danxia landform cliff faces and rock shapes seen from river drift and vantage points — Scenic temples and Taoist architecture in Longhu Mountain, which often accompany the tomb sites
Local guided tours (in Chinese) are typically available in the scenic area. There’s no clear information about audio guides in foreign languages for the cliff tomb specifically.
— From the river drift, framing tombs on cliffs against water and sky — From cliffside observation decks facing clusters of hanging coffins — In morning or late afternoon for softer lighting and shadow contrast — Shots during the coffin hoisting performance (but maintain safe distance)
Start at visitor center → take sightseeing bus to the cliff tomb viewing section → drift on Luxi River to see tombs from water → disembark and visit viewing platforms and performance area → walk trails up to elevated viewpoints and temples → return via another route or shuttle.
No evidence of night visits or light shows at the cliff tombs; the site is primarily day-time.
Peak seasons (spring/summer, holidays) draw more crowds. The least crowded times are weekday mornings and off-peak seasons.
The scenic area provides visitor infrastructure: restrooms, refreshment kiosks, snack shops, shuttle buses, viewing platforms and seating.
The sightseeing buses and some viewing platforms make parts accessible. However, cliffside paths or steep areas may be challenging; elderly/children should use caution. Disabled access may be limited beyond main paths.
Ticket purchase and vendors within the scenic area likely accept mobile payments (WeChat, Alipay) and cash as backup.
In and around Longhu scenic area and Shangqing town, there are restaurants serving local cuisine (e.g. river fish, tofu, local specialties). Kiosks may exist at scenic nodes.
Vegetarian dishes (tofu, vegetables, rice) are commonly available in local eateries. Halal options may be scarce in this region without Muslim communities.
In Shangqing town or in the base of Longhu Mountain, there are guesthouses, inns, and hotels serving visitors to the scenic area. Staying in Shangqing gives earlier access to the cliff tombs.
Yes — items like postcards with cliff tomb imagery, Taoist or Longhu themed memorabilia, local crafts, teas, and small local products.
Use the scenic area shuttle buses, or return via tourist bus to Yingtan or Shangqing. For further travel, connect to regional buses or trains from Yingtan.
