This attraction introduction is compiled from historical materials in the "Zhangjiajie Tour Guide Network" (33519.com · Scenic Spots section). Ticket prices, opening hours, transportation, and contact information mentioned in the text may be outdated. Please refer to the latest official announcements from the scenic area before traveling; some content consists of historical background/cultural introductions and is for reference only.
On the riverside bank southwest of Lucheng, encircling the mountain, stone cliffs stand steep, covered with green grass. This section of the river is in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze, where the river surface gradually narrows and the current is turbulent and swirling. It is known as 'Daji Head,' also called 'Widow's Rock.' There is a poignant and tragic legend about how 'Widow's Rock' got its name. It is said that during the Qing Dynasty, a wealthy merchant was transporting salt by boat upstream along the Yangtze. When he reached Daji Head, a sudden fierce wind arose and a violent rainstorm struck. In an instant, the river churned and great waves raged. Although the boatmen struggled with all their might, they could not hold on, and in the end the boat capsized and all aboard perished. When the terrible news reached the merchant's home, his wife was overcome with grief and wished to die. She vowed to build a smooth, level rock head here to make navigation easier for passing boats. So she sold all the family property, hired laborers and craftsmen, and worked day and night to level the jagged rocks at the riverbank's edge, thereby reducing the water's flow speed. Afterward, passing boats no longer trembled with fear because of the rushing water and high waves. To commemorate this heroine among women, people named the rock head Widow's Rock.
Later, after repeated repairs and improvements by the local government, Widow's Rock took on a new appearance while retaining its ancient character. The rock head is entirely paved with white stone, in stepped form, with three levels of towpaths. Each terrace wall is chiseled with pole holes and hook eyes, decorated with centipede carved patterns, for boatmen to pull towlines, brace poles, and grip with their hands. The terrace is 7.2 meters high and 150 meters long in total, with stone railings along the top edge for protection. Several stone lions guard the river, both preventing flood waves and ensuring personal safety. Standing on the rock head, one forgets both self and world; its momentum is magnificent, the scenery incomparably splendid—how beautiful are these rivers and mountains. A large navigation beacon has also been built on the wharf. Every night the lights are bright, and the river surface is like daytime, with silver light floating. The Changling Shawu Oil Port, which ships over a thousand tons of oil daily, is located just behind the wharf. Widow's Rock has thus become a wharf capable of berthing large oil tankers, bustling with people and resounding with machinery. Every spring in the second and third months, people from near and far bring their wives and children, drawn by its fame, to enjoy the spring outings and view the scenic spots, contemplating the past and the present. Some even set up pots to cook, lingering and reluctant to leave. In 1986, Widow's Rock was officially designated a key cultural relic protection area by the North District People's Government of Yueyang City.
