Jiulongke Canyon in Wuyishan

✨ Highlights

Tea Culture Heritage

Jiulongke (九龙窠) is the birthplace of Wuyi Rock Tea (武夷岩茶), especially the world-famous “King of Tea” – Da Hong Pao (大红袍). The legendary six original Da Hong Pao mother trees grow deep inside the canyon, rooted on sheer cliff walls.

Natural Wonder – “Nine Dragons Playing with a Pearl” (九龙戏珠)

On both sides of the canyon stand nine rugged Danxia rock peaks, resembling nine dragons soaring into the sky. In between them lies a small round-topped peak, called the “Dragon Pearl” (龙珠), forming the unique “Nine Dragons Playing with a Pearl” landscape.

Cliff Inscriptions (摩崖石刻)

The canyon walls are filled with inscriptions from famous poets and scholars, including Northern Song statesman Fan Zhongyan (范仲淹) and Southern Song philosopher Zhu Xi (朱熹). You can also see poems by Lu Tingcan (陆廷灿), a Qing Dynasty magistrate and descendant of tea sage Lu Yu (陆羽). This is one of the best spots to immerse yourself in the literary and cultural history of Chinese tea.

? Essential Information

?️ Main Attractions & Activities

Da Hong Pao Mother Trees (大红袍母树)

Located deep in the canyon on the cliffs, these ancient tea trees are the heart of Jiulongke and a must-see for all visitors.

Wuyi Rock Tea Garden (武夷岩茶名枞园)

Home to 36 precious varieties of Wuyi Rock Tea, including Bai Ji Guan (白鸡冠), Ban Tian Yao (半天腰), Bu Zhi Chun (不知春), Shui Jin Gui (水金龟), and Tie Luo Han (铁罗汉). A leisurely walk lets you admire these varieties while breathing in the tea’s natural fragrance.

Cliff Inscriptions (摩崖石刻群)

The open cliff walls near the canyon display numerous inscriptions, including the famous “Wan Gan Hou” (晚甘侯, an honorary title for Wuyi Tea). It’s a perfect spot to enjoy calligraphy and appreciate the cultural heritage of tea.

Tea Pathway (茶田步道)

A stone-paved trail winds through the canyon with flowing streams and lush tea gardens on both sides. Walking here is refreshing and tranquil.

Tea Factory & Tea Ceremony Experience

Inside Jiulongke, you can visit a tea workshop to learn about traditional tea-making, recognized as intangible cultural heritage. There are also elegant tea ceremony performances to enjoy.

? Suggested Tour Route

1. Start from the scenic area entrance and walk along the stone trail, admiring tea gardens and Danxia cliffs.

2. Visit the Da Hong Pao Mother Trees (大红袍母树) at the canyon’s deepest point.

3. Explore cliff inscriptions and the unique “Nine Dragons Playing with a Pearl” formation.

4. If time permits, visit a tea factory to observe tea-making or attend a tea ceremony.

5. Combine Jiulongke with nearby attractions such as Tianyou Peak (天游峰) or Jiuqu Stream (九曲溪) for a 1–2 day itinerary.

? Special Experiences

• Tea Tasting: Sip authentic Wuyi Rock Tea in the canyon or nearby teahouses, especially Da Hong Pao.

• Tea Knowledge: Learn about different tea varieties and the unique flavor profile of Wuyi Rock Tea.

? Practical Tips

• Address: Inside Wuyi Mountain Scenic Area (武夷山风景区), Wuyishan City, Nanping, Fujian Province (福建省南平市武夷山市).

• Transportation: Accessible on foot once inside the scenic area.

• Contact: +86-599-5131890

• Official Website: http://www.whwy.org/ (check for updates before visiting).

Travel Tips

• What to Wear: Comfortable walking shoes and casual clothing for light hiking.

• Safety: Be cautious around cliffs and rocks; avoid risky climbs when taking photos.

• Best Tea Season: Visit between Qingming (清明节) and Frost’s Descent (霜降) for the tea-picking season.

• Combine Nearby Attractions: Jiulongke is close to Dàhóngpáo Scenic Area (大红袍景区), Tianxin Yongle Temple (天心永乐禅寺), and more.

• Respect Nature & Culture: Do not damage plants, inscriptions, or historical relics.

?️ Local Food Recommendations

• Langu Smoked Goose (岚谷熏鹅): A local specialty with tender, aromatic meat.

• Farmhouse Cuisine: Enjoy free-range chicken and stream fish in local restaurants near the canyon.

• Rock Tea (岩茶): The star of Wuyishan – don’t miss tasting Da Hong Pao and other authentic varieties.

? Final Note

Jiulongke Canyon (九龙窠峡谷) may not be as grand as Tianyou Peak (天游峰) or Jiuqu Stream (九曲溪), but its rich tea culture, historic inscriptions, and serene canyon scenery offer a deeper and more tranquil Wuyi Mountain experience. Enjoy your journey!