Tongtianyan Grottoes
通天岩
A Danxia grotto complex about 10 km northwest of Ganzhou’s city center. Hundreds of cliff carvings from the Tang and Song dynasties and inscriptions from many eras earn it the title “Number One Grotto in Jiangnan.”
Tongtianyan lies about 10 km northwest of central Ganzhou. It is a red sandstone Danxia landform, named for its rock peaks that surround the area like a screen, with holes in their summits through which a single line of sunlight shines. It is one of the largest grotto complexes in southern China. From the Tang to the Song dynasties, 359 Buddhist sculptures and 128 historical inscriptions were carved into the cliffs. The Northern Song carvings are the finest and are known as the “Number One Grotto in Jiangnan.” The site is a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit. The scenic area also includes Wanggui Rock, Longhu Rock and Cuiwei Rock. Wang Yangming once lectured here and left inscriptions. From 1939 to 1945, Chiang Ching-kuo, while in charge of southern Jiangxi, also had a villa built here.
Visiting: Following the loop trail takes about 2 hours. You can view the grottoes, cliff inscriptions and Danxia scenery in order. Entry fees are subject to change on site.
Getting there: From the city center, take a bus or taxi, which takes about 25 minutes.
Note: Do not touch the cave carvings. Steps are slippery after rain, and mosquitoes are numerous in summer.
Opening hours
08:00–17:30
Nearby sights
- Fantawild Oriental Dawn
- Bajing Terrace & Song Dynasty City Wall
- Former Residence of Chiang Ching-kuo
- Yugu Terrace
- Xijinmen Section of Ganzhou City Wall
- Ganzhou Ancient Pontoon Bridge
- Zaoer Lane & Yaoyaqian
- Mazu Rock (Mazuyan)