Yanziji (Swallow Rock)

One of the three famous rock outcrops of the Yangtze (its head reaching over the river resembles a swallow), Emperor Qianlong's imperial stele "Yanziji", and Tao Xingzhi's "Think it over—death is not the answer" life-saving stele; the scenic riverside belt along Mufu Mountain. The rock's sheer cliffs hang over the Yangtze on three sides; from the top you look down on the surging river with boats small as leaves, and it is ranked with Chenglingji and Caishiji as the three famous rock outcrops of the Yangtze. Emperor Qianlong made six southern tours and climbed this rock three times; the three characters "Yanziji" in the imperial stele pavilion are in his own hand. The educator Tao Xingzhi once set up a wooden sign here reading "Think it over—death is not the answer" to dissuade those contemplating suicide — a humanistic tale still told today. Behind the rock, the riverside boardwalk along Mufu Mountain links sights such as the ancient Bodhidharma Cave, good for a half-day riverside hike.

Getting there: Bus, Qixia / self-drive