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The Dalongshan Scenic Area, located north of Anqing City, is surrounded by water on all sides, with Shitang Lake to the east, the Yangtze River to the south, Shimen Lake to the west, and Caizi Lake to the north. It serves as a natural backdrop for the city walls. The mountain stretches from west to east, its majestic peaks stacked on top of each other, winding like a dragon, hence the name Longshan. Longshan is surrounded by water on all sides, with Shitang Lake to the east, the Yangtze River to the south, Shimen Lake to the west, and Caizi Lake to the north.
Dalong Mountain is rich in copper, iron, lead, phosphorus, asbestos, alum, and other mineral deposits. The mountain boasts numerous peaks, valleys, caves, and scenic views. Ancient Chinese praised its beauty as " unique and unlike any other mountain . " Dalong Mountain is blessed with natural beauty, the most notable of which are the Lingshan Stone Trees, the Longshan Secret Valley, the Tianjing Longqiu, the Rizhao Peak, and the Xiaolonghuisheng, known as the Five Wonders of Dalong Mountain.
The Lingshan Stone Tree is nestled in the Lingshan Valley behind Longshan Village in Yangqiao. Formed from the natural stacking of thousands of massive granite boulders, its massive trunk rises straight up the valley, reaching a height of 1,500 meters. The intervening layers of rock overlap, and the stone caves are densely dotted. Entering through a giant cave at the tree's base , one can climb along the tree 's trunk , navigating the treacherous rocky caves, to reach the summit of the tree. Beyond the stone tree, the Lingshan Valley boasts soaring eaves and angled corners.
Many huge rocks formed by the " ice-rock flow " are scattered among the mountains and valleys. Some are shaped like crouching tigers, some like lying cows, there are stone monkeys, stone lions, stone plates, stone warehouses, stone trees, etc., with various shapes and moving images. These rare and strange rocks not only add magical scenery to Longshan, but also bring visitors into a wonderful fantasy world.
Longshan Mountain offers picturesque scenery in all seasons. In spring, flowers bloom in profusion, filling the air with fragrance. In summer, peaks and hills drip with verdant green, and springs and waterfalls hum. In autumn, the mountain is blanketed in crimson, its forests ablaze with color. In winter, the mountain is blanketed in a shimmering, translucent white. Especially at dawn or after rain, when the mountains suddenly appear, the view is shrouded in mist and the peaks appear and disappear, creating a scene known as " Longshan Morning Glory , " one of Anqing's most scenic spots.
Dalong Mountain boasts 92 peaks, 82 crags, 72 ridges, 62 caves, 36 ravines, and 108 unique rocks. It also boasts four major streams—Wulong Creek, Bailong Creek, Huanglong Creek, and Chilong Creek—and six waterfalls. The Longshan Scenic Area boasts over 200 scenic spots, including 35 cultural attractions.
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Dalongshan Scenic Area is known for its natural beauty and historical significance. The area has been a site of Buddhist worship for centuries, and it offers visitors a chance to connect with both nature and the region's spiritual traditions.
Dalongshan is located in Anqing, Anhui Province. It can be reached by taxi or bus from Anqing city center. For a more scenic approach, visitors can hike from nearby trails, but taxis are the most convenient option for most travelers.
The scenic area is open year-round, with the best times to visit during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the foliage is vibrant. Weekdays are less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience.
The entrance fee for Dalongshan Scenic Area is typically around ¥30-¥50. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, with limited online options depending on the time of year.
Booking tickets in advance is usually not necessary, but it's recommended during peak seasons or weekends. Booking a day or two in advance is typically sufficient.
It takes about 3-4 hours to explore the main highlights of Dalongshan, including hiking and visiting temples. If you want to enjoy the hot springs or take a more relaxed approach, plan for a full day.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may be available at some of the temples and main points of interest. It's recommended to check availability at the entrance.
Start from the base and follow the main hiking trail to the summit. Along the way, stop at the temples and viewpoints. Finish with a relaxing visit to the hot springs before descending.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available at Dalongshan. However, special tours can be arranged in advance, particularly for photography or cultural experiences.
The area tends to be crowded during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas are available. There are also food vendors and small shops selling local snacks. For a full meal, it is better to visit restaurants in Anqing city before or after the visit.
The base and lower trails are accessible for elderly visitors and children. However, the more strenuous hikes to the summit may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. It's advisable to check trail difficulty before embarking on the hikes.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments (e.g., WeChat Pay and Alipay) are also widely accepted at most locations. It’s recommended to carry some cash, especially for smaller transactions.
There are a few food stalls near the entrance of Dalongshan, offering basic snacks and refreshments. For more dining options, Anqing city, located nearby, has a variety of restaurants and cafes.
Vegetarian options are available at most food stalls. Vegan and halal food options may be limited, so it's advisable to inquire with the restaurant in advance.
Yes, souvenir shops are available, selling local handicrafts, tea, and traditional Anhui-style items.
