Tianzhu Mountain
Tianzhu Mountain, located in Qianshan City, Anhui Province, is a UNESCO Global Geopark and China’s "King of Flower-Growing Stones". Rising 1,488 meters above sea level, its 2.2-billion-year-old granite formations create dramatic peaks, caves, and cliffs. Revered as the "Southern Sacred Peak" since Emperor Wu of Han (141 BCE), it has inspired poets like Li Bai and Bai Juyi. Designated a national 5A-level scenic area in 2011, the mountain blends Taoist mysticism, Buddhist relics, and rare flora like the "Tianzhu Pine."
Historical Overview
- 141 BCE: Emperor Wu of Han designated Tianzhu as the "Southern Sacred Peak" during his pilgrimage.
- Tang Dynasty (713–741 CE): Li Bai wrote Viewing Tianzhu Mountain from Afar, cementing its poetic legacy.
- Song Dynasty (1064 CE): Construction of the Zhenwu Temple, a Taoist shrine still standing today.
- 1982: Recognized as a national forest park.
- 2011: Awarded 5A-level status, boosting conservation and tourism infrastructure.
Structural Layout
The mountain is divided into three zones:
- Main Peak Zone: Centered on Tianzhu Peak (1,488m), accessible via 3,000 stone steps, offering 360-degree views of granite "flower" patterns.
- Mysterious Valley Zone: A labyrinth of 450-meter-long caves and stone corridors, including the "Three Immortals’ Cave."
- Lianhu Lake Zone: A 10-hectare alpine lake at 1,100m, surrounded by Hui-style pavilions and maple forests.
Major Attractions
- Tianzhu Peak: The highest point, featuring a 10-meter-tall bronze incense burner and inscriptions by Emperor Qianlong.
- Feilai Stone: A 500-ton boulder balancing on a cliff edge, said to have "flown" from Mount Tai.
- Mysterious Valley: A 1.5km cave system with stalactites shaped like Buddha statues.
- Lianhu Lake: A crystal-clear alpine lake where visitors can rent paddleboats.
- Zhenwu Temple: A 1,300-year-old Taoist temple housing a Ming Dynasty bronze bell.
- Tianzhu Pine: A 800-year-old tree with branches twisted into Taoist symbols.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Climb (3–4 hours):
Entrance → Feilai Stone → Mysterious Valley → Tianzhu Peak → Lianhu Lake → Return via Cable Car.
Highlights: Granite "flower" patterns, cave systems, and lake views.
Cultural Route (5–6 hours):
Entrance → Zhenwu Temple → Three Immortals’ Cave → Tianzhu Pine → Ancient Poem Stele Corridor → Lianhu Lake.
Highlights: Taoist heritage, poetic inscriptions, and rare flora.
Comprehensive Tour (Full Day):
Day 1: All sites above + Night Viewing at Feilai Stone.
Day 2: Early climb to Tianzhu Peak → Visit Geological Museum → Descend via Shuanghekou Valley.
Highlights: Sunrise, scientific insights, and valley hiking.
Ticket Purchase
- Online: Book via Ctrip or “Tianzhu Mountain Official” WeChat mini-program (up to 7 days in advance).
- Prices (2025):
- Peak Season (April–October): ¥130 (adults), ¥65 (students/seniors).
- Off-Season (November–March): ¥110 (adults), ¥55 (concessions).
- Combined Ticket (includes cable car): ¥230 (adults), ¥115 (concessions).
- Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors.
Transportation
From Hefei City:
- High-Speed Rail: Hefei South Station → Qianshan Station (1.5 hours), then taxi (¥40, 30 minutes).
- Self-Drive: G35 Expressway → Qianshan Exit → S209 Provincial Road → Mountain Entrance.
From Anqing City: - Direct Bus: Anqing Passenger Station → Tianzhu Mountain (2 hours, ¥35).
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Seasons: spring (April–May) for azaleas; autumn (October) for maple foliage and clear mountain views.
- Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays; weekends attract 3,000+ climbers.
- Essentials:
- Wear sturdy hiking boots (3,000+ steps on steep trails).
- Bring a light jacket (temperatures drop 10°C at summit).
- Photography allowed except in temple sanctums.
- Prohibited: Smoking, littering, and feeding wild monkeys.
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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
