Jiuquxi River
Nine Bend River(Jiuquxi), the soul of Wuyi Mountain’s UNESCO landscape, is a 6-kilometer serpentine waterway winding through sheer cliffs, tea gardens, and Daoist sanctuaries. Carved over millennia, its nine oxbow bends (“jiuqu”) offer bamboo-raft adventures beneath 300m basalt walls adorned with Song Dynasty inscriptions. A pilgrimage for poets, emperors, and modern travelers, this “Fairy River” melds geological wonder with cultural legacy—where every turn reveals a tale of sages, tea, and timeless landscapes.
Historical Overview
Celebrated in Tang Dynasty poetry (7th–10th centuries), the river became a Daoist retreat during the Song Dynasty, when scholars carved Confucian maxims into its cliffs. Emperors Zhao Kuangyin and Qianlong praised its beauty, while 17th-century Dutch traders documented its “black dragon” tea. UNESCO recognized it in 1999 for its “harmonious blend of nature and human creativity.” Key moments include the 1980s rediscovery of Han Dynasty boat coffins and the 2017 launch of eco-rafts powered by local guides.
Structural Layout
The river splits into three sections:
1. Upper Reaches: Rapid-fed bends flanked by wild orchids and the 800-year-old “Da Hong Pao” tea bushes.
2. Middle Course: The iconic “Nine Bends,” where bamboo rafts drift past 12 viewpoints like “Elephant’s Trunk Rock” and “Jade Maiden Peak.”
3. Lower Zone: Calm waters near Xiamei Ancient Village, with Ming-Qing wooden houses and a 14th-century ancestral hall.
Key structures include the 17th-century Yulong Bridge, the 1982-built Raft Dock, and the Ecological Interpretive Center.
Major Attractions
Bamboo Raft Ride: A 90-minute drift with commentary on cliffside inscriptions and tea lore.
Tianyou Peak Viewpoint: Hike 2,300 steps for panoramic vistas of the river’s meanders.
Da Hong Pao Tea Gardens: Taste the “Mother Tree” oolong (¥3,000/gram) at its 800-year-old source.
Water Curtain Cave: A 24m cascade where 1986 Journey to the West filmed scenes.
Song Dynasty Inscriptions: 1,000+ carvings along “Taoyuan Cliff,” including a 1103 CE ode by scholar Cai Xiang.
Xiamei Village: Ming-Qing architecture and a performance of the “Tea Ceremony Dance.”
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (3–4 hours):
Raft Dock → Nine Bends → Tea Tasting → Xiamei Village.
Highlights: Rafting, tea culture, and historic homes.
- Adventure Route (6 hours):
Tianyou Peak → Water Curtain Cave → Rafting → Evening “Impression Wuyi” Show.
Highlights: Hiking, cascades, and cultural performances.
- Immersive Route (2 Days):
Day 1: Rafting → Tea Gardens → Xiamei Village.
Day 2: Tianyou Peak → Inscription Trail → Overnight at a Daoist Guesthouse.
Highlights: Full immersion with sunrise rafting.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via the official Wuyi Mountain website or Ctrip (up to 7 days in advance).
On-Site: Tickets at the Raft Dock (cash/credit card).
- Prices:
Raft Ride: ¥130 (includes guide).
Combined Ticket (Raft + Peak): ¥200.
Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors.
Transportation
Within Wuyi Park: Free shuttle buses connect the Raft Dock to other attractions.
From Wuyishan East Station: Take the K1 bus (¥10, 30 minutes) to the South Entrance.
By Taxi: Direct to Raft Dock (¥40 from Wuyishan City).
By Bike: Shared bikes (HelloBike) available near the Ecological Center.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–2 PM; book morning (7 AM) or late-afternoon (4 PM) rafts.
Crowds: Spring (Apr–May) and autumn (Sep–Oct) are busiest; winter offers misty solitude.
Weather: Rainy season (May–Jun) brings lush greenery; Oct–Nov has clear skies.
- Essentials:
Waterproof shoes (rafts splash!).
Hat and sunscreen (limited shade on peaks).
Respect tea plantations—no picking leaves!
Pro Tip: Hire a bilingual guide (¥200/day) to decode cliff inscriptions and tea rituals.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
