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Among the renowned mountains and rivers of southern Anhui, there lies a low-key yet elegant Taoist mountain. Its sunrises are captivated by seas of clouds for up to 260 days a year, and it's shrouded in mist year-round. Its Danxia cliff carvings are known as the "best in Jiangnan," a Danxia landform unique to Huizhou. It's a sacred place for prayer: Mengzhen Bridge for learning, Taisu Palace for fertility, and Shouzi Cliff for longevity. This is a royal Taoist temple and a sacred place for prayer. A Taoist mountain emulating the laws of nature, its Hengjiang River, Dengfeng Bridge, and Bagua Fields form a natural Tai Chi diagram. This is Qiyun Mountain.
▲Sunrise over sea of clouds; (Photographer - Ziyi)
▲Danxia Scenic Spot - Rock Carvings
▲Royal Dojo - a holy place for prayer
▲Taoist Fairy Mountain (Photographer: Yao Yue Ting Feng)
Qiyun Mountain, formerly known as Baiyue, earned its name from the fact that its summit appears level with the clouds from a distance. Located 15 kilometers west of Xiuning County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, it is considered one of the four famous Taoist mountains in China, along with Wudang Mountain, Longhu Mountain, and Qingcheng Mountain. It is also one of China's five immortal mountains and has long been known as "Huangshan and Baiyue are the best in the south of the Yangtze River."
Qiyun Mountain, at an altitude of 585 meters, boasts 36 striking peaks and 72 peculiar cliffs, interspersed with secluded caves, winding streams, serene pools, and clear springs, creating a breathtaking landscape. The scenic area covers approximately 110 square kilometers, with a nature reserve covering approximately 150 square kilometers. In 1994, it was designated a National Scenic Area and National Forest Park by the State Council.
A stone pierces the sky, reaching the clouds and reaching the same height as the emerald clouds, hence the name "Qiyun." Hundreds of birds carry clay statues of Zhenwu, whose miraculous response is renowned throughout the world. Qiyun Mountain is known as "the place where Huangshan and Baiyue stand face to face, and where green waters and red cliffs are the best in the south of the Yangtze River." Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty praised it as "an unparalleled scenic spot and the most famous mountain in the south of the Yangtze River." The Taoist priest Lazi Xianjueli ascended to heaven here, and the successor of the Zhengyi Sect, Zhixu Chongjing, inherited the ancestor Honghua Zhenren, held a ceremony here to pray for descendants. It is one of the Four Famous Mountains and the Five Immortal Mountains.
Qiyun Mountain's sea of clouds appears for up to 260 days a year. The mountain's surrounding waters create a natural environment that traps wind and absorbs air, allowing the sea of clouds to remain remarkably stable at an altitude of 70 to 80 meters above the ground. Furthermore, the sea of clouds at Qiyun Mountain persists for an extremely long time, making a visit to Qiyun Mountain feel like walking through a sea of clouds.
Qiyun Mountain National Scenic Area boasts 36 unique peaks and 72 unusual cliffs, divided into four major scenic spots: Yuehua Street, Loushanglou, Yunyan Lake, and Hengjiang. Qiyun Mountain boasts breathtaking scenery, featuring a variety of unusual peaks, unusual rock formations, secluded caves, and numerous lakes, pools, springs, and waterfalls. Among the most captivating are the incense burner-shaped Xianglu Peak, the ingenious Shiqiao Rock, the enigmatic Fairy Cave, the tranquil and graceful Yunyan Lake, and the dazzling Pearl Curtain Spring.
Dengfeng Bridge, nestled over the Hengjiang River in Yanqian Town, at the northern foot of Qiyun Mountain in Xiuning County, is a must-see for those ascending Qiyun Mountain, one of China's four renowned Taoist mountains. The bridge has become a place of great auspiciousness, leading to a popular saying: "A glance from Dengfeng Bridge brings foresight and blessings; a walk across it brings a lifespan of ninety-nine years."
The bridge has eight piers and nine arches in a boat-shaped pattern, with arches spaced 14 meters apart. The bridge is 147 meters long, 8 meters wide, and 9.5 meters high. The approach bridges at both ends are 16 meters long, all built entirely of bluestone. The bridge deck is paved with stone slabs, with 0.9-meter-high stone railings on both sides. The arches are semicircular with fixed ends. There used to be pavilions and temples on the bridge, but they are now destroyed. At the south end of the bridge stands a two-pillar stone archway with the three characters "Dengfeng Bridge" inscribed on it. At the north end of the bridge stands a prohibition tablet "Junshi" from the main hall of Huizhou Prefecture during the Qing Dynasty. The full text reads: "It is strictly forbidden to push carts to dry, to expose to filth, to sharpen knives on the railings, and to poke fish at the bridge feet. Anyone who dares to violate these rules will be arrested and punished."
▲Photographer-Wumalouzhu
Huizhou, known as the "Zou and Lu of the Southeast," has long placed great importance on education. From the 10th year of the Jiading reign of the Song Dynasty to the late Qing Dynasty, Xiuning produced nineteen top-ranking scholars, making it the highest number in the country for any single county. Before taking their exams, students would burn incense and worship Wenchang at Mount Qiyun. After their wishes were fulfilled, they donated funds to build this bridge. As the saying goes, "Books hold the golden house," and entering the officialdom through literary pursuits has long been a Chinese dream, hence the name "Dream True Bridge." To the left of the bridge stands a beech tree, over 1,300 years old. Its trunk and crown are the largest and thickest of all the famous and ancient trees in Qiyun Mountain, earning it the title of "King of Trees." Because all nineteen top-ranking scholars paid homage to it, it is known as the "Top Scholar Tree."
Located between Wangxian Peak and Zhonghe Peak in Qiyun Mountain, the two peaks form a pass. This pavilion is the last of the "Nine Li Thirteen Pavilions" of Qiyun Mountain. Rebuilt in 1987, it boasts a magnificent and elegant design, adorned with vibrant lacquer, carved beams, and painted buildings. From its perch, it offers breathtaking views of the mountains from afar. This pavilion serves as the main entrance to Qiyun Mountain, with a ticket office and a small shop on either side.
Xianglu Peak, located in front of Taisu Palace on Yuehua Street, stands tall and independent, its shape resembling an incense burner, hence its name. The peak's base is small and sturdy, while the body is thick and robust, with the summit almost identical in size. Legend has it that the iron pavilion and incense burner atop were gifted by Zhu Yuanzhang. Whenever the sky clears after rain and the mist drifts, Xianglu Peak appears and disappears, prompting a poem to praise it: "The mountain is an incense burner, the clouds are smoke, the majestic Jade Pavilion has been hidden for a thousand years."
After visiting various immortal caves, you will find that Qiyun Mountain, like other famous mountains, has also experienced a process of conflict and mutual penetration among the three religions. Therefore, the Taoist temples have a strong atmosphere of the combination of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism, and are quite distinctive.
Among the most famous and worthwhile sites are Yuxu Palace and Taisu Palace. Formerly the Yousheng Zhenwu Temple, Taisu Palace was built during the Baoqing period of the Southern Song Dynasty. Later, after Emperor Jiajing's prayer for a child was granted, he commissioned the construction and named Xuantian Taisu Palace, becoming the premier imperial monastery in Jiangnan. Nestled against the backdrop of Zhongfeng, Gufeng, and Yupingfeng, and flanked by Zhenwu Hall and Fuyun Ridge, Taisu Palace resembles the emperor's chariot. On the central axis of the palace lies Xianglu Peak, serving as a table mountain. White elephants and blue lions stand to the east and west. The Huangshan Mountains stretch out in the distance, resembling kneeling courtiers. Between Xianglu Peak and the Huangshan Mountains, the Hengjiang River winds from west to east, resembling a jade belt, responsible for both invigorating and calming qi. This feng shui is rare throughout China and truly exemplary.
The main attraction on the front mountain is the cliff carvings, with the Zhenxian Cave Mansion being the most spectacular. The cliffs are dotted with caves, and the four large characters "天开神秀" (Heaven's Opening, Divine Beauty) are inscribed on the top, creating a majestic and striking landmark. The caves, housing various deities, are known as the Eight Immortals Cave, Yuantong Cave, Arhat Cave, Yujun Cave, and Wenchang Cave. From the clifftop, a pearly spring continuously drips into the Bilian Pond below, making this a truly breathtaking scenic spot.
During the Song Dynasty, the emphasis on civil virtues over military power led to national weakness, with the greatest threat coming from its powerful northern neighbor. Consequently, the Song dynasty personified the Xuanwu (Black Tortoise) and enshrined it in prayer, hoping to subdue this powerful northern neighbor. Flanking Xuanwu are the Eighteen Arhats. Historically, the conflict between Buddhism and Taoism was brutal, with events like the Sanwuyi Sect's suppression of Buddhism and the two Buddhist scripture burnings during the Yuan Dynasty, also known as the suppression of Taoism. This conflict also played out at Qiyun Mountain. Before the Song Dynasty, Buddhism and Taoism coexisted. However, during the Ming Dynasty, after Emperor Jiajing's prayer for a child was granted, he strongly supported Taoism, leading to the gradual withdrawal of Buddhism from Qiyun Mountain. To exclude Buddhism and commemorate this period, the Eighteen Arhats were arranged to protect the Xuanwu Emperor.
Walking through Peach Blossom Stream, you'll reach a paradise of wonders, home to three cliff carvings: Qizhen Rock, Zhonglie Rock, and Shouzi Cliff. It's said that Qizhen Rock was the place where Qixia Zhenren, the earliest Taoist priest in Qiyun Mountain during the Tang Dynasty, practiced his craft; Zhonglie Rock is a place for worshipping Guan Gong; and the giant "Shou" character on Shouzi Rock was written by Empress Dowager Cixi during the Qing Dynasty. The diameter of this enormous character reaches 230 centimeters.
"Famous writings are as precious as gold and stone, and morality supports the universe." Throughout history, scholars and literati who have climbed Mount Qiyun, such as Zhu Xi, Tang Bohu, Xu Xiake, Zeng Guofan, and Yu Dafu, have left behind famous verses and poems, either engraved on the cliffs or erected in secluded caves. There are 537 surviving stone carvings on Mount Qiyun, designated a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Site by the State Council. Among them, the "Inscription on the Xuan Emperor of the Purple Cloud Palace" at the foot of the Purple Cloud Cliff, with its 1,028 characters, alternating between parallel and prose, is a magnificent work of literary grace and is the only surviving inscription by Tang Yin from the Ming Dynasty.
Yuehua Street, a heavenly street on a cliff, is named after the village nestled on the cliff face. The scenic area boasts not only stunning natural scenery but also a rich cultural heritage, serving as the core area for Taoist practices in Qiyun Mountain. The scenic area integrates Danxia landforms, cliff carvings, Taoist culture, and Huizhou folk customs. The inhabited area feels like heaven, earning it the reputation of China's premier Taoist village.
The Xuantian Taisu Palace, located in the heart of Tianjie Village, was built by imperial decree by Emperor Jiajing of the Ming Dynasty after his prayers for an heir were granted. Its magnificent halls, designed to imperial standards, are the reason Qiyun Mountain earned the title of "Southern China's First Imperial Dojo." Compared to Xidi and Hongcun, Tianjie Village offers a more pristine and rural feel. After spending too much time in the fast-paced city, it's a delight to occasionally sit on a stone bench and relax, soaking in the sun, enjoying a cup of tea, a scroll of precious scriptures, and watching the clouds roll by.
Located not far to the west of Changsheng Tower, this palace is at the foot of Zixiao Cliff and consists of three stone archways: "Taiyi Zhenqing Palace", "Yuxu Que" and "Zhishi Renwei Palace".
Yuxu Temple was completed in 1515, the tenth year of the Zhengde reign of the Ming Dynasty. This was the result of years of fundraising by Yangsu Zhenren, who raised over 8,000 baht (equivalent to 3,000 taels of silver). Over a ten-year period, he constructed the Yuxu Temple and the surrounding passes, pavilions, altars, and mountain stairways. He also reclaimed ponds and fields and planted trees, laying the foundation for Qiyun Mountain's future status as a sacred Taoist site. Yangsu Zhenren possessed profound Taoist skills. To successfully raise funds, he not only preached his teachings but also demonstrated numerous supernatural powers and magical abilities to accomplish this great deed. Yuxu Temple depicts several stages in the life of Zhenwu Emperor. Today, Yuxu Temple is a sacred place where devout believers burn incense and pray for blessings and longevity.
"Tao begets one, one begets two, two begets three, and three begets all things." Atop Mount Qiyun, three heavenly gates and three mirrors appear, though their true nature is hidden from view, words inadequate to describe. Just as I was lost in a celestial realm, the three heavenly gates swung open. Instantly, I deeply understood Tao Yuanming's words: "At first, the path is narrow, but only just wide enough for one to pass; after a few dozen steps, it suddenly becomes clear." Within the valley, shrouded in green trees and shrouded in mist, lies a village of whitewashed walls and black tiles! The houses are truly well-maintained, and the sounds of chickens and dogs can be heard.
▲Photographer-Ziyi
The Five Old Peaks of Qiyun Mountain are 560 meters above sea level and are the most representative peaks of Qiyun Mountain. The peaks are scattered in groups, like five old men bowing to the north and paying homage. Looking at the Five Old Peaks in the sunset gives you a feeling of being in the fairyland of Avatar. It is a must-see place for many photography enthusiasts when they come to Qiyun Mountain.
Loushang Building has two caves, one above and one below. Legend has it that eight Taoists once lived there to practice seclusion. The area includes scenic spots such as Guanyin Cliff, Feitian Centipede, Wanshou Mountain, Stone Buddha Pagoda, and Baiyun Cliff. Not far from Loushang Building is the "Immortal Hanging Painting" attraction. It features a flat cliff face, approximately two meters high, vibrantly colored. Water cascades down either side, creating a natural stone painting.
Yunyan Lake, with its narrow, mirror-like emerald waters and shimmering shimmer, resembles a graceful and tranquil young woman, captivating and captivating. Its breathtaking scenery is complemented by its unique peaks, picturesque waters, and peculiar rock formations. On the east shore, Lantern Peak and the Immortal's Finger Peak are a breathtaking sight, with several "lanterns" hanging from the cliffs. On the north shore, there are Chessboard Rock and the Large and Small Dragon Wells. On the west shore, there are the ruins of Shiqiao Rock, Shimen Temple, Tianquan Academy, and Zhandong Library's reading platform.
On the east side of Mount Qiyun, a narrow, shimmering lake forms. Its surface curves and twists, resembling a towering ancient tree. A boat trip on the lake reveals breathtaking peaks, picturesque waters, and grotesque rocks. At the lake's end, a stone bridge spans, its hollowed-out lower portion housing Tianqiao Rock, the world's third-largest Danxia formation and the world's largest natural bridge. Upon visiting this spot, the great Ming Dynasty traveler Xu Xiake exclaimed, "This stone bridge between two mountains is even more magical than the Tiantai Stone Bridge."
The Hengjiang Scenic Area, shaped like a Tai Chi, is surrounded by verdant mountains and swirling clear waters. Dotted along its banks are charming villages, nestled between them amidst the countryside where villagers have cultivated for millennia. The countryside takes on a different hue as the seasons and crops change: golden cauliflower in spring, vibrant green rice seedlings in summer, golden rice paddies in autumn, and blanketed in snow in winter. These four-seasonal rural beauty, combined with the characteristic Huizhou villages, blend into a rich tapestry of nostalgia.
Tour route
Dengfeng Bridge - Yongle Ancient Road - Wangxian Pavilion - Tianyi Gate - Zhenxian Cave - Xianglu Peak - Yuehua Street - Xuantian Taisu Palace - Xiaohutian - Yuxu Palace - Wulao Peak - Yunyan Lake
▲Picture of Qiyun Mountain Scenic Area
▼There are many hotels on Yuehua Street, with prices ranging from 80 to 200, and the location is excellent;
Located at the foot of the mountain, Xiangfului Inn is poetically transformed into a glittering Huizhou village. The hotel exudes tranquility and a rustic charm, with every detail permeated with the ancient sounds of life.
▼ Free Home - Treehouse World: These whimsically designed treehouses are perfect for making your fairytale dreams come true. Of course, the prices aren't cheap, starting at 2,000 per night!
A visit to Qiyun Mountain is all about the farmhouse cuisine, which is concentrated on Yuehua Street. Wisteria flowers and small river fish are incredibly delicious, while wild bracken and kudzu starch are also local specialties, offering a refreshing flavor.
The stinky salmon, which smells bad but tastes delicious, retains the original flavor of salmon. The meat is tender, mellow and refreshing, and the delicious taste is irresistible.
You must check out the Mao tofu. The fragrant sesame oil + tender Mao tofu, the rich aroma hits your nose, the taste is fresh and not greasy, and the fragrance lingers in your mouth.
Qiyun wild fern is very precious. It is said that the only place in the country where it can be picked is Qiyun Mountain.
▲Pictures from the Internet
The surrounding areas of Qiyun Mountain are rich in tourism resources, which can meet the needs of different levels of travel;
In-depth leisure: Qiyun Mountain + Qiyun Town + Xidi and Hongcun or Chengkan + Xiuli
Small outdoor light hike: Qiyun Mountain + Muli Knoll + Hiking in Mengli Zuyuan + Tunxi Old Street
Autumn Appreciation Special: Autumn Colors of Qiyun + Lantern Persimmons in Jichuan Village + The Ethereal Xixi South
March-November
Peak season (March 1st - November 30th) 68 yuan; off-season (December 1st - February 28th) 50 yuan; ropeway ticket is 60 yuan per person;
There is a ticket + cable car package available, 115 yuan per person.
Peak season (07:30-17:30); low season (08:30-17:00)
(The above is for reference only, the actual situation shall be subject to the public announcement of the scenic spot)
Address: No. 018, Yanqian Street, Qiyunshan Town, Xiuning County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province
▲Qiyun Mountain in autumn, photographer Yao Yuetingfeng
If you're walking up the mountain, you don't need to purchase a ticket at the Visitor Center. The starting point is Dengfeng Bridge, and the entrance fee is at Wangxian Pavilion. If you only walk from Dengfeng Bridge to Wangxian Pavilion, admission is completely free.
2. Luggage storage and hot water supply are available at the visitor center. There are storage signs. Luggage must be picked up before 4 pm.
4. There are not many tourists on Qiyun Mountain during normal times. If you are traveling during the National Day holiday, it is recommended to go up the mountain in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and stay overnight on the mountainside. You can still see the sea of clouds the next day.
5. The most beautiful season in Qiyun Mountain is autumn. The yellow leaves and the red rocks of Danxia complement each other in a colorful way. It is definitely a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
6. Sea of clouds is more likely to appear in autumn, and it is more beautiful and spectacular. If it clears up after rain, the rows of Hui-style houses will appear and disappear in the sea of clouds, like a mirage, ethereal and dreamy.
7. Best viewing spots: Mengzhen Bridge and Yitianmen on Qiyun Mountain, and between supports 3 and 5 along the cable car.
8. From Tianyimen to Sanyimen, you'll pass through the red cliffs of Chibi, where various deities are enshrined in caves, both natural and excavated. The True Immortal Caves are particularly numerous. This section of the mountain offers the most diverse scenery, with Taoist temples dotted beneath the rock faces and stone carvings adorning the cliffs.
9. The temperature difference between morning and evening in mountainous areas is large, so you must prepare some coats when traveling in the scenic area to avoid catching a cold.
10. When playing, remember to wear long sleeves and long pants to prevent bites from poisonous insects and snakes
▲Photographer-Ziyi
The magical and beautiful Danxia landforms, the profound and mysterious Taoist culture, the dazzling array of cliff carvings, and the graceful and restrained Huizhou countryside combine to create a magnificent landscape painting. As far as the eye can see, red rocks tower and verdant, peaks resemble a sea, Taoist temples and Zen rooms stand as camps, and inscriptions and stone carvings are scattered throughout. It is truly a wonderland of myriad spiritual beauty. The beauty of Qiyun Mountain can only be truly appreciated by visiting!
