Tianzhu Mountain Scenic Area is located in Qianshan City, Anqing City, Anhui Province. It is one of the first batch of national key scenic spots, a national 5A-level tourist area, a national forest park, a national geological park, and a national natural and cultural heritage site. It is also listed as one of China's "Top Ten Most Promising Scenic Spots". The scenic area covers 102.72 square kilometers, with a protected area of 304 square kilometers. Dominated by granite peak cluster landforms, Tianzhu Mountain is a mountain-type scenic area combining the grandeur of northern mountains and the elegance of southern ranges, featuring numerous strange peaks, unique rocks, dense caves, and secluded waterfalls. It also boasts the largest and deepest exposed ultra-high-pressure metamorphic belt in the world.
History and Culture
Tianzhu Mountain has a long history. During the Spring and Autumn Period, it was the fiefdom of the State of Wan, hence the name "Wan Mountain" and "Wan Water". The abbreviation "Wan" for Anhui Province originates from here. In 106 BC, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty paid homage to Tianzhu Mountain and conferred the title of "Southern Mountain". In the 9th year of Kaihuang in the Sui Dynasty, Emperor Yang expanded the territory and renamed Mount Heng in Hunan as the Southern Mountain, but Tianzhu Mountain has since been revered as the "Ancient Southern Mountain". Emperors of past dynasties either personally worshipped or dispatched officials to offer sacrifices to Tianzhu Mountain as the Southern Mountain.
Tianzhu Mountain is also a prosperous land of religious culture. Since the late Eastern Han Dynasty, there have been frequent religious activities, with alchemists, monks, and Taoists practicing, building temples, and preaching here. Baozhi, a high monk from Jinling, established the first temple at the foot of the mountain (now around the Third Patriarch Temple). During the Tang Dynasty, Qianshan City served as the administrative center of Shu Prefecture. In the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, Mazu'an was imperialy designated as Foguang Temple, which later became a renowned monastery.
Furthermore, Tianzhu Mountain has a profound cultural heritage, attracting literati such as Wang Anshi, Su Shi, and Huang Tingjian, who left behind many poems, essays, travel notes, and stone inscriptions. It is also the birthplace of "The Peacock Flies to the Southeast", China's longest ancient poem, and the hometown of Diaochan and Xiaoqiao, the beautiful women of the Three Kingdoms period. It has produced figures like Cheng Changgeng (the founder of Peking Opera), Zhang Henshui (a master of Zhanghui novels), Xia Juhua (the queen of acrobatics), and Han Zaifen (a rising star of Huangmei Opera).
Main Attractions
Tianzhu Peak
Rising to 1,489.8 meters above sea level, Tianzhu Peak is a monolithic rock pillar towering over the Yangtze-Huaihe region, resembling a giant pillar supporting the sky. Its summit features eight-character inscriptions: "Zhongtian Yizhu" (Pillar of the Sky) and "Guli Qingxiao" (Isolated and Soaring), each character spanning five meters, exuding majestic momentum.
Feilai Peak
At an altitude of 1,424 meters, Feilai Peak is a massive monolith with a boulder on top that appears to have flown from afar, hence the name "Feilai Stone" (Flying Stone) and the peak's title.
Mysterious Valley
A highlight of the main peak area, Mysterious Valley is formed by naturally stacked boulders, stretching over 450 meters with a drop of more than 100 meters. The valley features interconnected caves, creating winding paths that form the "Heavenly Palace", "Underground Palace", "Palace of Leisure", "Labyrinth", and "Dragon Palace".
Shangu Liuquan Cliff Inscriptions
Preserving over 400 inscriptions from the Tang Dynasty to the Republic of China, this site features authentic works of poetry and prose by officials and literati. It showcases various styles (poems, ci, essays, fu, inscriptions) and calligraphic scripts (running, cursive, regular, clerical, and seal), serving as a natural calligraphy exhibition hall and corridor of inscriptions.
Liandan Lake
China's third largest alpine artificial lake, Liandan Lake is located at an altitude of 1,100 meters, covering nearly 30,000 square meters with a water storage of 80,000 cubic meters. Like a jasper, it is inlaid among the peaks, offering stunning views.
Gourmet Food
Tianzhu Mountain Gualou Seeds
A specialty of Tianzhu Mountain, these seeds are plump, nutritious, and delicious, making them an excellent choice for snacks.
Tianzhu Jianhao Tea
A famous Anhui tea, Tianzhu Jianhao features a flat, sword-like shape, emerald green color, and visible white hairs. It offers a fresh, lasting aroma and a mellow, sweet taste.
Stone Ear Stewed with Local Chicken
Made with local chicken and stone ears from Tianzhu Mountain, this dish is slowly stewed to perfection. The chicken is tender, the stone ears are smooth, and the soup is flavorful and nutritious.
Shanfen Yuanzi Braised with Pork
A traditional Huizhou dish, it combines yam flour dumplings and streaky pork. The dumplings are soft and waxy, absorbing the meat's flavor, while the pork becomes fatty but not greasy.
Tickets
The admission ticket is priced at 130 RMB per person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "安徽天柱山" to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online. Various ticket types are available; please choose according to your needs.
Opening Hours
The scenic area is open from 07:00 to 17:30, with no entry after 16:00.
Tour Routes
One-day tour: Take Dalongwo Cable Car up → Tianzhu Peak → Feilai Peak → Mysterious Valley → Liandan Lake → Take Tianzhu Mountain Cable Car down.
Two-day tour: Day 1: Take Dalongwo Cable Car up → Tianzhu Peak → Feilai Peak → Mysterious Valley, stay overnight on the mountain; Day 2: Liandan Lake → Take Tianzhu Mountain Cable Car down → Third Patriarch Temple → Shangu Liuquan Cliff Inscriptions.
Transportation
- High-speed rail: Arrive at Qianshan South Station, then take the tourist shuttle bus directly to Tianzhu Mountain Scenic Area.
- Bus: Take a bus from Qianshan Bus Station to Tianzhu Mountain.
- Self-driving: Navigate to Tianzhu Mountain Tourist Center; parking is available at the scenic area.
Must-visit Attractions
- Tianzhu Peak: The iconic attraction of Tianzhu Mountain, standing at 1,489.8 meters, symbolizing the "pillar of the sky".
- Mysterious Valley: A challenging and fun route through stacked boulder caves, showcasing nature's wonder.
- Liandan Lake: A high-altitude lake with clear water, offering beautiful views of mountains and waters.
- Shangu Liuquan Cliff Inscriptions: A cultural treasure displaying calligraphy works of past dynasties.
Tour Tips
- Check the weather forecast in advance and choose a sunny day for the best views.
- Wear comfortable sports shoes suitable for hiking long distances.
- Consider taking a cable car to save energy based on your physical condition.
- Bring adequate water and snacks, as prices in mountain shops are relatively high.
Notes
- Abide by scenic area regulations: No spitting or littering.
- Pay attention to safety while climbing; follow signposts and staff guidance.
- Protect cultural relics: Do not touch or carve on cliff inscriptions.
- In case of severe weather (e.g., heavy rain, strong winds), seek shelter in safe areas promptly.