The Jinggang Mountain is located in the west of Jiangxi Province, with basins surrounded by precipitous mountains.This lush mountain area is known as "the cradle of the Chinese Revolution" because it is the first rural revolutionary base set up by Mao Zedong during the second Civil Revolutionary War. There are one after another waterfalls and pools in Jinggang Mountain, and among them, five pools and five waterfalls lie in the Jade Valley less than two kilometers long.
Biyutan Waterfall (Jade Pool Waterfall)
Walking from the Longtankou by the site of the Xiaojing Red Army Hospital, one can see the first waterfall 800 steps down the down the granite path. Known as the Jade Pool Waterfall, it rushes down from cliffs above, with a fall of 67 meters and a width of 6 meters at the top and 17 meters at the bottom.
It sends out thunderous sound and gives off thick mist. The water has the color of green jade, hence the name Jade Pool. The Jade Pool is located at the outset of the canyon, with precipitous mountains on three sides covered with green moss. The sightseeing path is built on the comparatively less steep side.
Thick mist and clouds rise on this side, with trees and bamboos swaying to one side in the strong wind. Folds on the cliffs look like a Kwan-yinsitting on a lotus throne. The Jade Pool Waterfall is one of the grand ones in Jinggang Mountain.
Suolongtan Waterfall (Locked-up Dragon Pool Waterfall)
Following the flow of the stream, one can see an azalea forest and the second waterfall, the Suolongtan Waterfall. It is hidden inside the deep valley and within the forest, sending out low and hoarse sound, as if an impatient dragon is locked up in the cave. The Suolong Pool looks like an unmarried daughter of the Dragon King, shy and graceful.
Zhenzhutan Waterfall (Pearl Pool Waterfall)
The third pool is the Pearl Pool. Its waterfall pouring down from upper air has a fall of over 30 meters, sending out clear and melodious sound. The azure blue waterfall splashes sprays of water in the deep pool, as if numerous pearls fall into a jade plate, shining under the sunshine. A huge rock stands beside the pool, engraved with two Chinese characters Zhen Zhu (pearl) inscribed by Xie Juezai. It is a good place for visitors viewing the waterfall and taking photos.
Jigutan Waterfall (Drum-Beating Pool Waterfall)
Not far away from the third pool lies the fourth pool, namely Jigutan (Drum-Beating Pool). The Jigutan Waterfall is comparatively larger and wider, with a huge rock lying at its mouth. Blocked by the rock, the water is split into many columns, dashing down to the deep pool. It sounds like someone is beating a drum, with drumbeats rising and falling, hence the name Drum-Beating Pool Waterfall. Giant salamanders and crabs inhabit in the pool. Different from common black ones, they have a light color due to a large deposit of minerals in the pool.
Yunutan Waterfall (Jade Fairy Pool Waterfall)
Being the fifth pool, the Yun tan Waterfall is famous for its beauty. The mouth of the waterfall is deep and has smooth surface. At the top of the waterfall, the water separates into two streams that reunite after rushing down in the midair, looking like a fairy dancing in the air. The water in the bottomless pool is clear and green, sending out deafening sound. Trees around the pool sway in the dense mist and strong wind. To the right side of the pool, a rectangle stone board protrudes out in the air, forming a natural diving platform.
Near Longtan (Dragon Pool) in Jinggang Mountain lie five pools and eighteen waterfalls, like pieces of music of nature composed by mountains and waters.
