Live Your Best Lives
Anhui, nestled in the heart of East China, straddling the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze and Huaihe Rivers, boasts a wealth of tourism resources, from the majestic Huangshan Mountain to the elegant, ink-and-wash paintings of Huicun. Jinzhai, nestled in the heart of the Dabie Mountains on the western border of Anhui, offers the perfect way to explore the area by car.
There is a "Martin Highway" in Jinzhai. It is named "Martin Highway" because its starting point is located between Mazongling Nature Reserve and Dingbu Old Street.
The surrounding scenery rivals that of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. This mystical road through the green mountains stretches 180 kilometers, offering a truly indulgent mountain driving experience. The road winds up the mountain, navigating numerous treacherous curves along the way. Recognized by hikers as the most beautiful road in East China, this scenic route rivals the "Tibet Sky Road." Its flowing green path is as challenging as the Medog Highway.
This time, we drove along China's Hongling Highway, which is a self-driving route that is on par with the "Blue Ridge Highway" in the United States. This self-driving route connects famous red cultural attractions such as the Jinzhai Red Army Square, Tangjiahui Red Town, Dayuan Village, and the Liu-Deng Army's Thousand-Mile Leap into the Dabie Mountains Front Command Post, as well as famous natural ecological scenic spots such as Tiantangzhai, Yanzihe Grand Canyon, Meishan Reservoir, Mazongling, Tea Mountain Flower Sea, and Longjin Creek, among which Tiantangzhai is the core area.
The main self-driving route is China Hongling Highway, with scenic spots along the way: Dabie Mountain Scenic Road, Martin Highway, Tea Mountain Flower Sea, Yanzihe Grand Canyon, Tiantangzhai, Meishan Reservoir, Mazongling, etc.
Jinzhai Railway Station is the closest train station to Tiantangzhai, still over 100 kilometers away. Fortunately, it's a high-speed rail station with frequent trains. Shanghai, Wuhan, Hefei, Nanjing, Changsha, and other cities are all accessible by train or high-speed rail. From there, take a bus from the bus stop next to the train station to Meishan Town, which also has buses to Tiantangzhai.
1. Take the bus from Jinzhai Bus Station in Meishan Town (next to Meishan Police Station on Provincial Highway 210, Meishan Town, Jinzhai County, Lu'an City) to Tiantangzhai. Buses depart at 6:30, 7:30, 12:00, and 1:00 every day. The journey takes about 3 hours and the ticket price is 30 yuan.
2. Take a bus from Lu'an Bus Terminal (next to Lu'an Railway Station, also called Lu'an South Station) to Tiantangzhai. Buses depart at 7:30 and 12:30 every day, the journey takes about 4 hours, and the ticket price is 45 yuan.
3. Take a direct bus to Tiantangzhai from Hefei Tourist Bus Station, departing daily at 7:20 and 12:30 PM. Alternatively, take a direct bus to Tiantangzhai from Hefei West Bus Station, departing daily at 7:40 and 1:00 PM. The drive from Hefei to Tiantangzhai takes about 5 hours, and the ticket price is 85 yuan.
Mention the Dabie Mountains, and what springs to mind is the epic victory of Liu Bei and Deng Xiaoping's army advancing into them many years ago. The origin of the Dabie Mountains can be traced back to the first Chinese geographical work, The Book of Documents: Tribute to Yu. The following passage states: "Leading from Dangzhong, it reaches Jingshan; inland, it reaches Dabie..." The "Dabie" mentioned here refers to the Dabie Mountains.
The foothills of the Dabie Mountains have unique geographical conditions and cultural origins. The Dabie Mountains, which stretch for hundreds of miles, are the watershed between the Yangtze River and the Huai River. The water from the southern foothills of the Dabie Mountains flows into the Yangtze River, and the water from the northern foothills flows into the Huai River, thus forming the difference in climate between the north and south of the mountain.
According to legend, when Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty passed by Dabie Mountains and climbed to the main peak, he could not help but sigh: "The south of the mountain is full of flowers, and the north of the mountain is covered with snow. The greatness of this mountain is different from other mountains!" Sima Qian, who accompanied him, recorded it, and thus the reputation of Dabie Mountains became famous in the world.
There is a Tiantangzhai in the depths of Dabie Mountains. This place, known as "the last virgin forest in East China", is not unfamiliar to people from Anhui or many people. The Dabie Mountains, as the watershed between China's north and south water systems, are probably even more well-known.
Standing atop Tiantangzhai, one can gaze out across the vast Central Plains, a panorama of towering mountains stretching out before one's eyes. It seems as if the momentum of Liu Bei and Deng Xiaoping's army advancing into the Dabie Mountains is still lingering. Tiantangzhai, formerly known as Hengshan Mountain, also known as Duoyun Mountain, is the second highest peak in the Dabie Mountains. Standing majestically at the junction of the main peaks of the Dabie Mountains in Anhui and Hubei, it has been a battleground for military strategists, a place visited by emperors, and a magnet for celebrities since ancient times.
Many people visiting Tiantangzhai head for the Tiantangzhai Forest Park. The park's water features are primarily waterfalls, streams, and pools, with the most not-to-be-missed being the No. 1 and No. 3 waterfalls and the Longjing River.
The 71-meter-high No. 1 Waterfall is visible upon entering the scenic area and climbing the few stone steps. The wooden pavilion beside the waterfall further enhances its extraordinary beauty.
Ascending the winding wooden steps, the rocks we touched were covered in moss. From the damp air, we could sense that this forest park harbored many creatures that our naked eyes could never see.
The main geological structure of Tiantangzhai National Forest Park is intermediate-acidic granite formed in the Yanshanian period. The basement rock is the ancient Dabie Mountain complex with a geological age of 2.66 billion years. It is rich in geological relics, mainly including strange peaks, canyons, strange rocks, caves, etc.
The main peak of Tiantangzhai is shrouded in clouds and mist all year round, making it the best place to watch the sunrise and the sea of clouds. If you arrive at the right season, you can also see the colorful Buddha light.
Tiantangzhai Scenic Area is still rich in precious animal and plant resources. Tiantangzhai, one of China's seven major gene banks, is the last virgin forest in East China, which is the greatest compliment to it.
Baima Peak in Tiantangzhai is 1,600 meters above sea level. The Baima Peak plank road starts at the bottom of the Baima Grand Canyon and ends at the Moon Cliff of Baima Peak. It is 4 kilometers long. Most of the plank road stands on cliffs with a slope of more than 75 degrees.
Climb the Baima Peak plank road. If you want to save effort and time, you can take a zipline. There are about 400 steps from the upper entrance of the Baima Grand Canyon to the bottom of the valley, and then climb another 400 steps to reach the zipline station on the opposite side.
In Tiantangzhai Town, Jinzhai County, stands the Forward Command Post of the Liu Bei-Deng Army's Thousand-Mile Leap into the Dabie Mountains. The name alone speaks volumes about its significance. It was precisely because of the 1947 Liu Bei-Deng Army's Thousand-Mile Leap into the Dabie Mountains that effectively contained the Kuomintang. Entering this modest, five-story courtyard, one truly experiences the hardships and extraordinary experiences of the Liu Bei-Deng Army's advance into the Dabie Mountains, and further immerses oneself in the "red" culture of that era.
Speaking of which, this forward command post is not at the original site, but was designed and built in the Jinzhai Tiantangzhai scenic area according to the layout of the original site. The main building of the forward command post reproduces the Hui style of "Qin bricks, Han tiles, and horse-head walls" of the original site. It is one-story overall and two-story in some parts, with a brick and wood structure and blue brick floors; there are five houses and side rooms, which achieve the effect and artistic conception of "walking around the building without getting your feet wet".
Entering the frontline headquarters of Liu and Deng's army, a magnificent picture scroll of the Liberation War unfolds before you. Looking back at the past, whoever wins the Central Plains will rule the world.
This may or may not have been a factor in Liu and Deng's army's advance into the Dabie Mountains. But in the end, after fierce battles and struggles, Liu and Deng's army finally stabilized on this land and initially completed the development of their strategy.
In November, the autumn winds still lingered in the Dabie Mountains, but the temperature difference was already significant, and the chilly air constantly creeped into the house. Finally, Liu and Deng's army shifted from strategic defense to strategic counteroffensive, breaking into Chiang Kai-shek's territory, advancing into the Central Plains, and making a thousand-mile leap into the Dabie Mountains, marking the beginning of the liberation of all of China.
Tips:
Tiantangzhai Address:
The junction of Lu'an City, Anhui Province and Huanggang City, Hubei Province
Ticket price: 115 yuan/person. Tiantangzhai cable car one-way 70 yuan/person for ascent and 60 yuan/person for descent.
Kind tips:
A. This combined ticket includes access to Tiantangzhai Waterfalls, Baima Grand Canyon, the Baima Peak Plank Road, and the former headquarters site of Liu Bei and Deng Xiaoping's army during the Thousand-Mile Leap into the Dabie Mountains. Ticket is valid for two days.
B. Visitors must take the scenic area shuttle bus from the scenic area gate to enter the scenic area. The shuttle bus costs 28 yuan per person. Details will be arranged by the scenic area. C. An additional 2 yuan insurance fee is required (optional).
transportation:
1. The sightseeing bus costs 28 yuan. Children under 1.2 meters are free, but those with discounted or free admission, such as seniors and students, must purchase a full ticket. Tickets are valid for 48 hours and offer unlimited rides. Operating hours: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM.
2. Cableway within the scenic area (Xieyu Waterfall - Tianping Peak): 70 yuan for ascent / 60 yuan for descent, 130 yuan for round trip; operating hours: 8:30-16:30. 3. Baima Peak Zipline (end of Baima Grand Canyon - foot of Baima Peak): 30 yuan one way / 50 yuan for round trip; operating hours: 8:30-17:00.
The main peak of Dabie Mountains is Baimajian, with an altitude of 1,777 meters; the secondary peak is Duoyunjian, with an altitude of 1,763 meters; and the third highest peak is Tianhejian, with an altitude of 1,755 meters. The three peaks form a tripod.
Most of the peaks in Dabie Mountains are named after "Jian", which is said to be related to the religious yearning and worship of the sky. The main peak and secondary peak are located in Huoshan County, Lu'an City, Anhui Province.
The road beneath our feet is a mountain path, paved with time. Known as the "China Hongling Highway," it's a winding, thrilling, and scenic tourist loop. Known as "East China's most beautiful self-driving route," it's one Jinzhai County is actively developing.
While driving along the route, you will discover that the 500-mile Xianfengdao Ancient Self-Driving Line, the Red Journey Theme Line and the Martin Highway Off-Road Line all have their own unique characteristics. The entire 800-mile journey will also allow you to experience different scenery.
This Hongling Highway is a self-driving route that is on par with the "Blue Ridge Highway" in the United States. It connects famous red cultural attractions such as the Jinzhai Red Army Square, Tangjiahui Red Town, Dayuan Village, and the Liu-Deng Army's Thousand-Mile Leap into the Dabie Mountains Front Command Post, as well as famous natural ecological scenic spots such as Tiantangzhai, Yanzihe Grand Canyon, Meishan Reservoir, Mazongling, Tea Mountain Flower Sea, and Longjin Creek, among which Tiantangzhai is the core area.
The main route of Martin Highway is: Dingbu Old Street, Jinzhai County, Lu'an City, Anhui Province - Mazongling Scenic Area - Qianping Village, Huashi Township - Lianping Village, Gubei Town - Songhe Village, Gubei Town.
In late autumn, the mountains are colorful. Among the vast green are patches of purple and orange. I think they are drops of color dropped by God, inlaid in the mountains that rise and fall in the hinterland of Dabie Mountains. The layers upon layers are not only the scenery that passes in a blink of an eye, but also the past that we have never participated in.
This self-driving route has a place called Mazongling. The road is winding and tortuous, comparable to the "Tibet Sky Road". From the top of Mazongling Mountain, you can go directly to Tiantangzhai Scenic Area, or you can go to the Utopia Qianping Leisure Resort, which is a few kilometers away from Mazongling Scenic Area. Both are very good choices.
The Yanzihe Grand Canyon is adjacent to Tiantangzhai, the last virgin forest in East China, and all kinds of strange rocks stretch across the canyon.
This canyon stretches through the old red revolutionary base area of Dabie Mountains. Walking on the 4,800-meter-long trail, you can see strange rocks and pools, dangerous peaks and cliffs, and between the steep cliffs and waterfalls, there are layers of autumn colors.
The Swallow River Grand Canyon is a landscape left over from glacial movement. Walking in the scenic area, you can also see the exposed riverbed covered with traces of moss, which makes it easy to imagine that this place must have been an ocean many years ago, or that the amount of water here was also very large.
The Grand Canyon is famous for its "four wonders" and "five interests": "strange pits, strange willows, strange waterfalls, and strange caves", "interesting rocks, interesting pools, interesting shoals, interesting valleys, and interesting gorges", and can be said to be "the first valley where wonders and interests coexist."
In fact, the Yanzihe Grand Canyon is not a well-known scenic spot. It has always been sparsely visited by people, and its ecosystem is therefore well preserved. It has rich species resources and a large number of rare species are hidden in the mountains.
Strolling through the Grand Canyon, you feel like you're in a secret place with fresh air. In summer, it's a great place to escape the heat, and in autumn, it's a great place to relax. Here, you can return to nature and be a person without distractions.
In addition to the natural landscape, the mountain's unique climate and soil conditions have given rise to many rare specialties such as chestnuts, tea, bamboo, Ganoderma lucidum, mushrooms, and hemp. It can be said to be a natural treasure trove of resources.
Outside the scenic area, local farmers sell various mountain products, both good and bad, with prices marked. There's something called Gastrodia elata, which is great for treating headaches. It looks like a miniature bamboo shoot, but it tastes pretty good.
Tips:
Address: Jinzhai County, Lu'an City, Anhui Province.
Tickets: Adult ticket: 65 yuan, student/child (1.1-1.4 meters) ticket: 35 yuan.
Transportation: There are no buses that go directly to the scenic area in the city. You can take a local taxi or charter a car to the scenic area.
Tourist lines: Jinzhai Railway Station - Yanzihe (45 minutes), Lu'an - Yanzihe Town (about 2 hours), Hefei - Yanzihe Grand Canyon - Tiantangzhai (about 4.5 hours).
The Hanging Pot Banquet is a highly recommended local delicacy. It is a traditional delicacy in the Dabie Mountains, but the one in Tiantangzhai is the most popular and authentic!
Having eaten at hanging pot a few times, I've discovered that the main dishes are mostly meat-based, with vegetables as a side dish. To eat, first place vegetables like daylilies and wild bamboo shoots on the bottom of the pot, then add the cooked main dish, such as Tiantangzhai river fish, old rooster, lamb, beef, or wild boar. Finally, top the pot with tofu, red tofu, kimchi, and other side dishes.
The origin of the hanging pot banquet can be traced back to more than 1,000 years ago. Life at that time was poor, and every farmer would always make a fire with wood in the house, put an iron pot on a bamboo rack, and then pour all the game and vegetables they hunted into the iron pot and stew them all. In addition to keeping warm, the fire also provided hot water, meals, and other necessities of life.
With the improvement of living standards, the number of hanging pots has decreased. People have moved their meals to the table and rarely sit around the brazier to chat and eat... Only in Jinzhai and Tiantangzhai, in order to better preserve the original living characteristics, the hanging pot banquet has been passed down. Of course, after being improved, the hanging pot banquet is more suitable for tourists to experience and feel the hard times.
