The stream power model was applied to Lushan Mt. in South China in order to verify its capability of interpreting the uplift of a small block mountain. On a log-log plot, the longitudinal profiles of 9 rivers derived from a 30m DEM exhibit primary characteristics similar to those derived from a 5m DEM; however, the 5m DEM clearly reveals more minor knickpoints, and the positions of knickpoints are pinpointed more accurately. All of the studied rivers on the block mountain are in a transient state due to geological perturbations. Some of them exhibit two segments in steady state separated by a slope-break knickpoint. Such rivers generally develop in a longitudinal valley, which are less perturbed by substrate inhomogeneities. The similar heights of the slope-break knickpoints and the similar uplift rate indicated by the ksn values demonstrate an almost simultaneous headward erosion induced by the fall in base level. This modelling result is consistent with the mode of formation of this particular block mountain. Our study demonstrates that the stream power model is applicable to a small tectonically-active massif only if the channel segments are in a steady state.