Tianqiao Scenic Spot ~ The artistic conception of a bridge that is not really a bridge!

✔ Lushan Tianqiao Scenic Spot ✡ Although it appears to be a "thrilling" attraction, it is actually a unique existence created by natural wonders and historical legends. ✡ It offers the visual shock of "flying across the sky bridge" and adds a legendary color due to the legend of Zhu Yuanzhang. It is a highlight not to be missed on the Jinxiu Valley tour route. ✔🌉 Tianqiao Scenic Spot: "Flying Across the Clouds" Between Reality and Illusion ✡ Scenic Features: Geological Wonder and Visual Magic ① Illusion of a Natural Stone Bridge: - The core attraction consists of two huge rocks facing each other across a gap. The east side is a steep cliff, and the west side is a platform extending into the air. Below is Jinxiu Valley, about 50 meters deep. From a specific angle (the west platform), the two rocks appear to be connected by a natural stone bridge, hence the name "Tianqiao" (Heavenly Bridge). - In reality, there is no actual bridge. It is a "visual illusion" formed by the displacement of sandstone faults. Visitors need to stand on the west platform and use the east cliff as a background to take photos to create the thrilling effect of "standing on the bridge." ② Geological Background: - Formed about 120 million years ago during the Cretaceous period sandstone, shaped by glacial movement and weathering erosion. The rock body fractured to form this "facing each other" special landform, an important example of Lushan’s Quaternary glacial relics. - Huangshan pine trees grow in the rock crevices with twisted branches stretching horizontally, combined with the steep cliffs and deep valleys, forming a typical Lushan ink painting scene of "strangeness, danger, and beauty." ✡ Historical Legend: Zhu Yuanzhang’s Myth of the "Golden Dragon Saving the Lord" ① Escape from the Battle of Poyang Lake: - Legend has it that at the end of the Yuan dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang was defeated by Chen Youliang in the Battle of Poyang Lake and fled to Lushan’s Jinxiu Valley. Ahead was a deep abyss, and behind were pursuing soldiers. At the critical moment, "a golden dragon suddenly descended from the sky, transforming into a rainbow bridge spanning both banks." Zhu crossed the bridge on horseback, and then the dragon bridge suddenly broke, preventing the pursuers from crossing. - After Zhu Yuanzhang became emperor, he sent people to search for this bridge but failed. He then named it "Tianqiao" and built the nearby "Fangxian Pavilion" to commemorate the divine grace. Although the legend is fictional, it adds a human touch to the steep natural landscape. ✡ Folk Interpretation: - Locals enhance the story’s authenticity by calling the indentations on the west platform’s giant rock "horse hoof prints," said to be marks left by Zhu Yuanzhang’s steed. The cracks on the east cliff are called "dragon claw scratches." These associations make Tianqiao the "most storied stone attraction" in Lushan. ✔📜 Cultural Highlights and Touring Experience ✡ Cultural Highlights: From Legend to Photography Culture ① Literary Praise: - Qing dynasty poet Shu Tianxiang once wrote: "Kuanglu is the most beautiful under heaven, Tianqiao is the most extraordinary in Kuanglu," praising its unique artistic conception of "a bridge that is not really a bridge." - Modern martial arts novelist Jin Yong visited here and incorporated the "Tianqiao flying across" scene into his novel "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber," inspiring Zhang Wuji’s cliff escape. ✡ Photography Hotspot: - The forced perspective of "standing on the bridge taking photos of the cliff" creates a strong visual impact, making it a must-shoot internet-famous spot in Lushan. The best time to shoot is between 9-10 AM (when sunlight slants into the valley and the chance of sea of clouds is high). - The scenic area thoughtfully sets up "best photo spot" signs and staff assist in adjusting angles, so ordinary visitors can also capture stunning shots of the "suspended heavenly bridge." ✔ Touring Experience: A Mix of Thrill and Surprise ✡ Sensory Stimulation: - Standing on the west platform looking down, the deep valley is shrouded in mist, with streams like threads at the bottom. The slightly forward-leaning rock design gives a real sense of "hanging in midair" thrill. - Early morning or after rain, a sea of clouds often fills the valley. At this time, the "Tianqiao" appears and disappears, and standing on the rock feels like being in the clouds, echoing the immortal cave’s artistic conception of "viewing clouds flying." ✡ Cultural Immersion: - Along the way, there is a "Golden Dragon Saving the Lord" relief wall with illustrations and text explaining the origin of Tianqiao, allowing visitors to deeply understand the cultural narrative behind the natural scenery. - Linked with nearby attractions like "Good Luck Stone" and "Dangerous Peak," it forms a tour theme of "seeking victory in danger," symbolizing the life metaphor of "bravely climbing to the peak." ✔ Address and Practical Guide 📍 Detailed Address: Located in the middle section of Jinxiu Valley Scenic Area in southeastern Lushan, coordinates approximately within Jiujiang City, Lushan Scenic Area, Jinxiu Valley (about 1.2 km from Xianren Cave), situated on the "Dangerous Peak – Tianqiao – Xianren Cave" tour route. ✡ Transportation and Tour Routes - How to get there: ① Sightseeing Bus: Take the scenic area sightseeing bus to the "Jinxiu Valley Entrance" stop, then walk 5 minutes to reach the west platform of Tianqiao; ② Hiking Route: From Xianren Cave, walk northwest along the Jinxiu Valley trail, passing "Dangerous Peak," about 20 minutes to reach Tianqiao. It is recommended to tour in reverse (enter from Jinxiu Valley Entrance and exit at Xianren Cave) to avoid backtracking. ✡ Practical Tips: - Tickets: Included in the Lushan Scenic Area pass (160 RMB in peak season), no extra fee required; - Safety Tips: The platform is small and slippery when wet; wearing non-slip shoes is recommended; - Best Times: 7:30-9:00 AM (high chance of sea of clouds), 4:00-5:00 PM (sunset lighting the valley with rich color layers). ✔ Connection with Jinxiu Valley’s Landscape Tianqiao is the core node of Jinxiu Valley’s "One Valley Four Wonders" (strange rocks, dangerous peaks, secluded caves, flying waterfalls): - Preceded by Dangerous Peak: Descend 300 meters from the "Infinite Scenery at Dangerous Peak" viewing platform to continue the "climb high and see far" tour rhythm; - Followed by Guanyin Pool: After crossing Tianqiao, descend stone steps to reach "Guanyin Pool" to watch fish and experience the shift from "danger to seclusion." ✔📝 Notes and Tips: It is recommended to combine Tianqiao with the entire Jinxiu Valley route (about 2 km), allowing 1.5 hours for a leisurely walk. Along the way, you can not only experience Tianqiao’s visual wonder but also enjoy shape-like stone formations such as "Lion Swallowing the Sun" and "Monkey Watching the Sea," fully appreciating Lushan’s unique charm of "scenery at every step, each scene distinct."