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Siding Mountain is located in southern Feidong County. Facing Chaohu Lake, it is named after its four juxtaposed peaks. The main peak is 174 meters above sea level. Legend has it that the ancient immortal Wei Boyang cast a cauldron and refined elixir here, hence the name Siding Mountain. It was once known as "the most scenic spot in Luyang County."
During the Tang Dynasty, a temple was built here, and later, the Zhaoxia Academy was built here. Both were destroyed. Siding Mountain is known for its "Four Peaks of Morning Glows." Legend has it that the immortal energy gathered by Wei Boyang while refining elixir lingered, resembling the morning glow.
The mountain boasts caves, unusual rocks, and the "Alchemy Pond." Located on the West Peak, the pond is approximately 20 meters long from north to south, 15 meters wide from east to west, and over 1 meter deep. The springs flow year-round, crystal clear, and you can see the bottom. The "Immortal Cave" is 3 meters long, 1.4 meters wide, and 2 meters high, and can accommodate several people. Also on the West Peak is the "Boyang Well," also known as the "Shu Well." It's bottomless, with clear, sweet water.
There are also natural landscapes such as the "Parrot Watching the Sky" stone, the "Old Clam Holding a Pearl" stone, the "Chessboard" stone, the "Captain Censor's Seat" stone, the "Diaoyutai" stone, and the "Heavenly General Guarding the Gate".
Atop the southern peak of the mountain stands a magnificent and magnificent ancient temple. In front of the temple stands a lush forest, home to two red sandalwood trees over ten feet tall. Just north of the fourth peak is "Siding Park." Later, a small, exquisite Western-style villa, named "Zhaoxia Xiaozhu," was built nearby. Between the corridor separating the temple and the garden lies an ancient mountain well, over ten meters deep, called "Dilujing." At night, when the moon is at its zenith, one can see a dazzling display of multicolored clouds and the breathtaking moonlight from the water below. This is the most iconic scene of Siding Mountain: the morning glow reflecting the moon.
The subtropical monsoon climate is suitable for climbing to the top of the mountain to watch the sunset and the morning glow in spring and autumn. You need to stay on the mountain the night before and climb up to the top in the early morning to have a distant view. If you can encounter good weather after rain, you can appreciate the unique beauty of Siding Mountain.
It is recommended to visit the Alchemy Pool, Zhaoxia Temple, Zhaoxia Academy, Dilujing, etc.
It is recommended to play for about 3 hours.
free
Open all day
Siding Mountain is a historically significant location in Anhui, known for its natural beauty and ancient temples. The mountain is revered in local culture and is considered a spiritual destination. It attracts visitors seeking both outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, with a history linked to local religious practices and traditional Chinese architecture.
Siding Mountain is located in Hefei, Anhui Province, China. It can be accessed by taxi or private car from the city center of Hefei. Public buses may also be available, but a taxi or private car is more convenient, especially for reaching the mountain base.
Siding Mountain is open year-round, but the best times to visit are during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is cooler and the natural scenery is at its peak. The mountain is generally open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The entrance fee to Siding Mountain is approximately 40-50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online via local tourism websites.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended during peak seasons (holidays and weekends) to avoid long waits. Booking 1-2 days ahead is usually sufficient, especially during the off-peak months.
A visit to Siding Mountain usually takes 4-5 hours. If you plan to hike to the summit or explore the temples in detail, you may need up to 6 hours. It’s recommended to allocate additional time if you wish to enjoy the surroundings at a more leisurely pace.
Guided tours are available, primarily in Mandarin. Audio guides in English and Mandarin may also be available for self-guided exploration. It’s advisable to check in advance for availability.
Start at the base and hike upwards, stopping at various temples and viewpoints along the way. Reach the summit for the best panoramic views, and then return via a different route to experience more of the mountain's landscapes. A guided tour can help you explore the history and significance of the temples and pagodas along the route.
Currently, there are no night visits or light shows at Siding Mountain. Daytime visits are recommended to fully experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the area.
Siding Mountain can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting during weekdays or in the early morning hours. The off-season months (winter) also see fewer tourists.
Basic facilities such as restrooms, food stalls, and water stations are available at the base and along the main trails. There are also small shops selling souvenirs and snacks.
Some parts of the hiking trail may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. However, there are paved paths and areas near the base of the mountain that are accessible to children and the elderly.
Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted, and credit cards are also accepted in some places. However, it’s a good idea to carry cash as a backup, particularly in more remote areas.
There are several local restaurants and cafes nearby offering traditional Anhui cuisine. Simple snacks and meals are also available at food stalls along the main routes.
Vegetarian and vegan options are commonly available in local restaurants. Halal food options might be limited, so it’s advisable to check in advance if you have specific dietary preferences.
There are several hotels and guesthouses in Hefei city, with options ranging from budget accommodations to more luxurious stays. The city center is about 30 minutes by taxi from Siding Mountain.
Souvenir shops are available near the entrance, offering local crafts, tea, and other regional specialties. Common souvenirs include Anhui tea, handicrafts, and small statues or paintings.
