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The Dabie Mountains, located at the junction of Anhui, Hubei, and Henan provinces in China, form the watershed between the Yangtze and Huaihe Rivers. The Huaihe River originates almost parallel to the Dabie Mountains, at the Tongbai Mountains on the border between Henan and Hubei. It then flows eastward to join Hongze Lake in Jiangsu, then flows along the Huaihe River main canal into the sea, and southward along the Grand Canal to join the Yangtze River.
During the New Democratic Revolution, the Dabie Mountains area was the cradle of the Fourth Front Army of the Chinese Red Army. Countless passionate men embarked on the road of unyielding struggle, making it a veritable old revolutionary base.
In addition, Dabie Mountains is one of the top ten red tourism bases in the country. Compared with other mature scenic spots, the environment here is primitive, the customs and people are simple and natural, there is no strong commercial atmosphere, and it is beautiful all year round.
Dabie Mountainscheck the details
The Dabie Mountain Main Peak Scenic Area, located in Huoshan County, Lu'an City, Anhui Province, encompasses four scenic spots: Baimajian, Longjing Gorge, Siwang Mountain, and the Water Dabie Mountains, as well as the four-star resorts Dabie Mountain Villa, Tingquan Mountain Resort, and Majiahe Folk Village. Baimajian, the main peak, boasts unusual pines and rocks, while the mountains are blanketed in azaleas in spring, crimson foliage in autumn, and rime and icicles in winter. Longjing Gorge boasts four distinct waterfalls, the tallest reaching 70 meters, flowing year-round. Bieshui Bay's tranquil blue waters shimmer amidst the lights of fishing boats. Siwang Mountain, venerable and rich in history, bears witness to the passage of time.
Recommended months: March to August
4830 reviews, 3315 visits
(Picture source: Internet)
Everyone knows about the Dabie Mountains, but few people go to understand them, and even fewer go there for adventure and sightseeing. This time, we have compiled a travel plan for the Dabie Mountains throughout the year, and listed the attractions worth seeing according to the season.
Spring in the Dabie Mountains begins in late April and early May, when rhododendrons (azaleas) cover the mountains. Besides red, the rhododendrons here also come in white and purple.
(Photo source: Photo Network)
Tianzhu Mountain is located in the northwest of Qianshan County, Anhui Province. The mountain is located on the north bank of the Yangtze River. Due to heavy precipitation and frequent rainstorms, the downcutting effect of rock joints and faults is particularly strong, making Tianzhu Mountain appear particularly majestic and magnificent.
Tianzhu Mountain is at its most charming in March and May, with clear skies and perfect for outdoor activities. It's said that even fewer people reach the summit of Tianzhu Peak than Mount Everest, as the difficulty is comparable to extreme rock climbing. If you're interested, give it a try.
Reference fares:
180 yuan/person (ticket + transportation to the scenic area)
address:
Qianshan County, Anqing City, Anhui Province
(Pictures from the Internet)
Huangshizhai is a popular tourist attraction in the Dabie Mountains in spring. It is 960 meters above sea level and has a well-preserved group of over 300 acres of century-old alpine ancient rhododendrons on the mountain peaks. When you come to Huangshizhai in spring, the mountains are filled with rhododendrons.
Self-driving:
Huangshizhai, Shanghai-Chengdu Expressway - County Road 054 - County Road 053 - Shifo Village, Wujiadian Town
(Pictures from the Internet)
Wuji Mountain, located in Danlongsi Town on the shores of the Foziling Reservoir in Huoshan County, is named Wuji Mountain because its peak resembles the ridge of a roof. A photography platform atop the mountain is the perfect spot for capturing the rhododendrons and the reservoir. The area is often bathed in endless seas of clouds, creating breathtaking views at sunrise and sunset.
Tips:
Rooftop Mountain is a niche photography spot. Friends who like photography should not miss it. In addition to climbing to the top, you can also take a boat tour in the lake at the foot of the mountain.
(Pictures from the Internet)
Baimajian, located in Huoshan County, Lu'an City, Anhui Province, stands at an altitude of 1,777 meters. It is the main peak of the Dabie Mountains. The mountain boasts clear springs, towering ancient trees, and a pristine ecosystem well preserved. Climbing to the summit, you can also admire the mountaintop's impressive stone formations.
Tips for playing:
In addition to the relatively complete routes within the Baimajian scenic area, there are also interesting and primitive hiking routes explored by outdoor enthusiasts around it.
Recommended scenic routes:
Tour route (north slope uphill route): Dabie Mountain Resort entrance - Baimajian (3 hours) - Nantianmen also known as Huayan (3 hours) - Chuanling descent (1 hour).
Reference fares:
90 yuan/person
Deep in the mountains, amidst the chirping of birds, a few old houses, and a tranquil pond, summer in the Dabie Mountains is a picture of tranquility. The towering Dabie Mountains shield you from the scorching heat, allowing you to sleep peacefully in the mountains without the need for air conditioning. From streams to lakes, from peaks to canyons, the air is refreshing everywhere. Summer in the Dabie Mountains is well worth a visit.
(Picture source: Internet)
Tiantangzhai consists of two scenic areas, Tiantangzhai in Jinzhai, Anhui Province and Tiantangzhai in Luotian, Hubei Province. From the top of the mountain, you can enter the scenic area of another province. The biggest feature of Tiantangzhai is that tourists can step into two provinces at the same time.
Anhui Tiantangzhai is mainly for viewing water, and is more suitable for visiting in summer. Walking all the way up from the foot of the mountain, every waterfall is very stunning.
The main attractions include: Baima Peak plank road, Baima Grand Canyon, waterfalls, etc.
Ticket prices:
1. The ticket system for Tiantangzhai Scenic Area is a one-way ticket system. Once you purchase the ticket, you can visit all the scenic spots in the scenic area, including the waterfall scenic area, Baima Grand Canyon scenic area, main peak scenic area, etc.
2. The adult ticket price is 100 yuan per person, which does not include additional experience items such as zip lines, ropeways, etc.
3. Scenic spot tickets and scenic spot bus tickets are valid for 48 hours. During this time, you can enter the park and ride the bus as many times as you want.
Self-driving route:
1. Shanghai - Tiantangzhai (Highway Route): Shanghai - Shanghai-Nanjing Expressway - Hefei-Nanjing Expressway (Shanghai-Wuhan-Chengdu Expressway) - Hefei-Wuhan Expressway (Shanghai-Wuhan-Chengdu Expressway) - Tiantangzhai Exit - Tiantangzhai Scenic Area
2. Wuhu - Tiantangzhai (Highway Route): Wuhu - Hewu Expressway - Hewu Expressway - Tiantangzhai Exit - Tiantangzhai
(Picture source: Internet)
Bodao Peak is the core scenic spot of Dabie Mountain National Forest Park and Dabie Mountain National Geopark. It is 1,404.2 meters above sea level. The entire ridge is shaped like a knife blade and a dragon.
The scenic area covers 30 square kilometers, with a forest coverage rate of up to 98%. The average summer temperature is only 19.2 degrees Celsius, making it a natural "oxygen bar" on earth. Although the Bodaofeng Scenic Area is not well-known, it is well worth exploring.
Attraction address:
Dabie Mountain Bodaofeng Scenic Area, Luotian County, Huanggang City, Hubei Province
Ticket price: 65 yuan
Tour line:
Love of Life and Death → Big Dipper Pine → Hegao Pavilion → Golden Toad Playing with Phoenix → Tianchi Lake → Crouching Dragon Pine → Eagle Foraging → Crouching Dragon Hill → Slender Waist Palace → Beauty Pass → Hero Pass → Emperor Pass → Peacock Pine → Emperor Bends Down → Parasol Pine
(Photo source: Photo Network)
The Longjing Gorge Waterfall Canyon is 15 kilometers long, 400 meters deep and 40-300 meters wide. There are many waterfalls and strange rocks in the canyon. It is the first natural canyon waterfall in Dabie Mountains and East China.
The outdoor route of Longjing Gorge is one of the top ten outdoor hiking routes in China. The route is mature and is the best place for outdoor players to travel. In addition to the established scenic area routes, there are also crossing lines and campsites along the way for camping.
The five outdoor routes are:
Line 1: Dabie Mountain Baimajian main peak 1777 meters scenic area.
Line 2: Longjingxia Waterfalls.
Line 3: Play in the Hundred Ponds of Langya Valley.
Line 4: Guangjiahe Waterfalls - Shijiazhai
Route 5: Yanzui Cliff (rock climbing and rappelling 190 degrees)
Reference ticket price: 90 yuan/person
Address: Longjingxia Scenic Area, Duigushan Village, Mozitan Town, Huoshan County, Lu'an City
(Picture source: Internet)
Jingangtai is a remnant of the Dabie Mountains. It has steep mountains and magnificent scenery. There are 16 peaks with an altitude of more than 1,000 meters. Liuli River, Taojia River and Zhengjia River all flow out from here and rush into the Huaihe River.
Because of the numerous water systems, this place is also a rafting paradise. If you have plenty of time, you can enjoy rafting here.
(Picture source: Internet)
Rainbow Waterfall is located in the middle and lower reaches of Monkey River. The waterfall is 80 meters high and 30 meters wide. It has abundant water and the waterfall cascades down majestically. In good weather, you can see a rainbow.
The Rainbow Waterfall Scenic Area is suitable for visiting in summer. The scenic area is rich in water resources. In addition to the famous waterfall viewing area, there are also many children's playgrounds, which is very suitable for parent-child travel.
Attraction address:
Huangwei Village, Huangwei Town, Yuexi County, Anqing City, Anhui Province
Adult ticket: Adult ticket + glass viewing platform + sightseeing bus 100 yuan
(Picture source: Internet)
The rafting is 8 kilometers long, with a drop of up to 160 meters and the largest single drop of 19 meters. It is thrilling, with high-quality service and the most comprehensive service items. It is the only water sports and entertainment project in East China that allows 6 people to ride in a single boat and has special rafting sections for children and the elderly.
Address: Lutushipu, Baiyunan Village, Luoerling Town, Huoshan County, Lu'an City, Anhui Province
Ticket price: 170 yuan
The Dabie Mountains are more colorful in autumn, with layers of forests dyed in all colors. Looking around, the surrounding mountains are covered with warm and bright autumn colors, releasing a unique warmth of life, waiting for your arrival.
(Picture source: Internet)
Mazongling, located in the hinterland of Dabie Mountains, has 70,000 acres of virgin forest and is a national nature reserve. In autumn, the mountains and forests of Mazongling are all red.
Walking on the winding road up the mountain, there are towering green mountains on one side and crisscrossing valleys on the other. Hundreds of birds are singing on the mountains and streams are gurgling at the bottom of the valley.
Standing on the top of the mountain, you will feel a broad mind and a sense of accomplishment as the mountains are high and people are the highest. Strange peaks, strange pines, strange flowers and strange rocks are scattered throughout the area, and the mountain scenery, water scenery and forest scenery are staggered and complement each other.
Mazongling has not yet been developed into a scenic spot. The local government is preparing to vigorously develop it. While it is still in its original state, friends can quickly go there to see the unique scenery.
Tips:
There is currently no entrance fee in the Mazongling Scenic Area. You can enter through the north gate and exit through the south gate, which makes parking convenient. Before you go, you need to contact other nearby tourist attractions and routes in advance. If you have enough time, you can ask the local inn owner for details before deciding to set off. Some areas are relatively primitive, so please be prepared for outdoor hiking.
(Picture source: Internet)
Jinzhai County also hides a little-known mountain road called "Martin Highway", which refers to the self-driving route between "Mazongling Scenic Area" and "Dingbu Village".
The Martin Highway is located in the hinterland of the Dabie Mountains, connecting a variety of pristine natural landscapes such as forests, waterfalls, streams, and canyons. Driving on this highway is like an adventure. Not only can you see endless peaks, but you can also appreciate the lush flowers and plants along the way and listen to the sound of gurgling streams.
Tips:
This section of mountain road is mostly deep valleys and steep slopes, with changing slopes and sharp turns everywhere. The terrain is very complex. If you want to come here for a self-driving tour, you still need to have certain driving skills.
If you often get carsick when riding in a car, be sure to take motion sickness medicine in advance or ask the driver to drive more steadily.
(Picture source: Internet)
Yaoluoping, a legendary place, a poetic name, a place people yearn for.
Yaoluoping National Nature Reserve is located in Baojiaxiang, Yuexi County. It has a very beautiful natural environment. There are more than 60 peaks with an altitude of more than 1,000 meters in the area. Among them, Tuojian and Duozhijian reach an altitude of 1,750 meters, which are the second and third highest peaks in Dabie Mountains respectively.
Yaoluoping in autumn is worth a visit. Whether you are climbing up to Duozhijian or wandering through the Ten-Li Gallery in the canyon, the most beautiful autumn colors are hidden everywhere. The autumn colors here are changeable. Walking among them, the changing colors will surely give you a deeper understanding of the beauty of autumn.
Recommended places to visit:
Ten-mile Gallery
A little over ten miles down the river from Yaoluoping National Nature Reserve, you'll find the beautiful "Ten-Mile Gallery," a vibrant tapestry of vibrant colors. The scene of serene brooks, vibrant maples, and a myriad of creatures vying for freedom under the frosty sky has become legendary. The hiking trail here is well-established, about 6 kilometers long, and offers a moderately challenging hike, perfect for enjoying an autumn getaway with friends and family.
The 28th Red Army Memorial Hall
The former site of the Red 28th Army Headquarters in Yaoluoping, Dabie Mountains, Yuexi, Anhui Province is one of the 100 key red tourism classic scenic spots in the country. The exhibition hall covers an area of 800 square meters and fully displays the glorious historical facts of the Red 28th Army's arduous guerrilla warfare.
Wu-Chu Ancient Great Wall
Zhaoguan, a majestic pass on the ancient Wu-Chu Great Wall, is the site of the story of Wu Zixu's hair turning white overnight after crossing Zhaoguan. The easternmost viewing platform on the Chu Great Wall offers the best vantage point for sunrise viewing, marking the spot where the first rays of dawn rise over the land of Jingchu.
Tickets: None
Address: Baojia Township, Yuexi County, Anqing City
Tips:
Yaoluoping is located in the heart of the Dabie Mountains, so the most convenient way to get there is by car. Starting from Hefei, take the Shanghai-Shaanxi Expressway and the Ji-Guang Expressway, exit at Danlongsi in Huoshan County, and follow the S318 highway to Yaoluoping. Aside from the winding mountain roads, the roads are generally in excellent condition.
Yaoluoping is basically in its original state, with few farmhouses. You need to book accommodation and meals in advance before going. The Ten-Li Gallery is far away from the concentrated accommodation points of the farms, so it is suitable for self-driving. The hiking route of Yaoluoping is not difficult and is very suitable for friends who love the primitive nature.
Tiantangzhai's rocks, springs, clouds, pines, waterfalls and mist are all unique and exquisitely crafted, and its scenery changes endlessly with each season. It is the brightest pearl in the crown of the Dabie Mountains.
Tiantangzhai's most legendary attraction is Zheren Peak, at 1,518 meters above sea level. Untouched by human intervention, it is a truly natural wonder, known as one of the "Three Wonders of Heaven." Another unique feature of Tiantangzhai is its 145-meter-high sightseeing elevator, which ranks first in Hubei Province in all performance categories.
Whether you're looking to challenge yourself with mountaineering or simply take photos, Tiantangzhai is the perfect spot for autumn. Seas of clouds often appear in the scenic area, and with luck, exploring amidst them truly highlights the uniqueness of the area. Standing on the mountaintop, walking along the plank road, or overlooking the Magpie Bridge, you'll find a touch of the iconic atmosphere everywhere. Amidst the mountains and forests, the coolness of autumn is present, yet the chill is absent. From a height, the surrounding scenery is clearly visible, and at this time, Tiantangzhai becomes a fairyland, a world beyond the realm of the human.
Reference ticket price: 108 yuan/person (including scenic spots and transportation)
Tickets do not include
1. All personal expenses and fees include any expenses not mentioned in the package.
2. Reference prices for personal consumption items in scenic spots
a: Cableway: 70 yuan/person for single going up, 60 yuan/person for single going down, 100 yuan/person for combined ticket;
b: Paradise Flying: 50 yuan/person;
c: Glass plank road 10 yuan/person, sightseeing elevator 60 yuan/person
(The above information is for reference only and is subject to the announcement at the scenic spot on the day)
Address: Tiantangzhai Scenic Area, Jiuzihe Town, Luotian County, Huanggang City, Hubei Province
(Pictures from the Internet)
Mingtang Mountain is located in Yuexi County, Anhui Province, in the hinterland of Dabie Mountains in southwestern Anhui Province. The scenic area is full of towering ancient trees and hidden beautiful scenery. The ancient Taihu County Chronicles praised it as "three sharp peaks piercing the sky, extremely beautiful." Mingtang Mountain is located in deep mountains and old forests, but it still maintains its pure natural original ecology and is known as a treasure house of plants and a paradise for animals.
In autumn, the maple leaves of Mingtang Mountain in Yuexi turn deep crimson, creating a vibrant autumn atmosphere. Countless visitors flock to enjoy the scenery. Autumn is also the season for a sea of clouds to burst forth from the mountain. Walking on the suspended glass plank road feels like walking above the clouds, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding scenery. Climbing Mingtang Mountain is not difficult, but it does require courage and perseverance. Since Mingtang Mountain is less famous and less visited, there are no lines or crowds. It feels like you are alone here, your own personal paradise.
Travel Tips
1. Main Peak Scenic Area (Round Trip by Cableway)
The tour is 4 kilometers long and takes 3 hours. Take the cable car to the main peak scenic area, visit the Tianzisong Terrace, Echo Terrace, the high-altitude plank road and other attractions, and then return by cable car.
2. Main Peak + Qingsongling Scenic Area (One-way Cableway)
The tour is 6 kilometers long and takes approximately 4 hours. Enter Qingsongling via the Jinghu Transfer Center and Shuanghekou Parking Lot. Enter the main peak scenic area via Observation Platform 1 (1.5 hours). After touring the high-altitude plank road, pass the Sacrifice Platform and Tianzisong Terrace to reach the upper cable car station and return by cable car. Alternatively, take the cable car to the main peak and walk back to the Jinghu Transfer Center via Qingsongling.
3. Main Peak + Moon Cliff Scenic Area (One-way Cableway)
The tour covers 6 kilometers and takes approximately 4 hours. Take the cable car to the upper station, then follow the main peak loop (accessible on both sides) and the high-altitude plank road. Return to the upper station and enter Moon Cliff (a 1.5-hour journey) before returning to the scenic transfer center.
4. Hulu River Scenic Area (round trip on foot)
The tour is 3 kilometers long and takes about 2 hours. Walk to Hulu River Scenic Area, pass the four consecutive waterfalls and the Triple Waterfall Pavilion to reach the Rainbow Waterfall and then return.
Reference ticket price: 80 yuan/person
Address: Yuexi County, Anqing City, Anhui Province
(Pictures from the Internet)
Bieshan Lake is the largest lake at the foot of Baimajian, the highest peak in Dabie Mountains. The lake is 30 kilometers long, with an average width of 2 kilometers and a deepest point of 70 meters. It is the highest-altitude water tourist area in Dabie Mountains. Enjoying the scenery of Dabie Mountains on the water with its vast mountains and rivers, the scenic spots on the mountain and lakes of varying widths form a poetic landscape painting.
Tips for playing:
You can take a boat tour around Bieshan Lake. There are many mature resorts around it for tourists to choose from. It is better to book in advance. The various small attractions scattered around Bieshan Lake are also worth visiting slowly.
In the winter, the Dabie Mountains are covered with snow in the primeval forest after the snow, and everything is covered in silver. There are large patches of icicles hanging on the branches and treetops. It is very difficult to come to the Dabie Mountains at this time. It is common for the roads to be blocked due to snow. Therefore, you need to be cautious when traveling to the Dabie Mountains in winter and make adequate preparations in advance to prevent the itinerary from being affected by rain and snow halfway. Even so, tourists who are brave enough to try will still go to the Dabie Mountains to experience the unique flavor of the Dabie Mountains in winter.
The first phase of the Dabie Mountain Ski Park spans 40,000 square meters and features a beginner's trail, a learning trail, an intermediate trail, and a Canadian Snow Flying Tubing Trail, catering to skiers of all levels. The trails follow the natural contours of the mountain, forming a curved, undulating path that offers a challenging experience. The Dabie Mountain area in Yuexi boasts well-preserved natural vegetation, including pine and fir forests, creating a beautiful environment and high levels of negative oxygen ions in the air. Skiers can breathe deeply while experiencing the thrill of a lightning-fast glide, experiencing a natural oxygen bar.
Tickets: Weekday tickets are 188 yuan per person for two hours, 228 yuan per person for two hours during New Year's Day, and 288 yuan per person for two hours during Spring Festival. Each person needs a 300 yuan deposit, which is deposited on the card for your use. A mandatory deduction is for insurance (5 yuan per person). The remaining deposit will be refunded after deducting your purchase at checkout. (Prices vary annually, so please contact the scenic spot ticketing office before your visit.)
Travel tips: There is also a hot spring resort town near the ski resort. You can make a hotel reservation in advance. After skiing, you can go to the hot spring resort to soak in the hot springs to completely relax your tired body and mind and enjoy the gifts of nature in the winter of Dabie Mountains.
(Pictures from the Internet)
Deep in the Dabie Mountains, there is a mysterious fairy mountain - that is the famous Taoist holy land and health paradise - Nanwudang Mountain. Even fewer people have heard of it. Only when you get closer can you see the palace hidden in the mountains.
Visiting Nanwudang Mountain in winter, if the sky clears after a snowfall, the entire mountain is clad in a blanket of silver, pure and splendid. The metasequoia, bamboo, old locust trees, and large pines flanking the Wusheng Palace are covered in clusters and clusters of translucent silver blossoms. The Wusheng Palace, a fairyland beyond the clouds, with its carved beams and painted rafters, appears even more tranquil and sacred in the snow, resembling a jade palace, evoking the scene described by Liu Zongyuan as "a thousand mountains devoid of birds, a thousand paths devoid of human presence." Occasionally, one can even spot the sagelike presence of a Taoist priest, creating a sense of otherworldliness in these deep mountains.
I've been to the Dabie Mountains many times, exploring every corner of them. While China is dotted with famous mountains and rivers, the Dabie Mountains have always hidden their most pristine side, with even more beautiful scenery hidden in the secluded mountain villages. I hope everyone can visit the Dabie Mountains, at least four times, because the scenery is different every season.
