Dabie Mountains 7-Day, 6-Night Self-Driving Guide | 800km Scenic Drive, Experience the Stunning Beauty of Lu'an
Preface
The towering Dabie Mountains, the surging Pi River, and the beautiful western Anhui offer boundless scenery. From the breathtakingly beautiful "summer secret" of Mazongling, the mysterious and thrilling "primeval forest" of Tiantangzhai, to the warm, spring-like mountain hot springs of Doushahe Hot Spring Town, to the breathtakingly beautiful "fairyland on earth" of the Dabie Mountains, and the mesmerizing, "emerald green" of Wanfo Lake, Lu'an's scenery is truly captivating. This 7-day, 6-night self-drive tour of the 800-kilometer Dabie Mountains Scenic Road allowed me to deeply experience Lu'an's beauty.
Itinerary
Day 1: Hengpaitou Scenic Area - Passing the Pi River - Jiugongzhai - Dushan Town - Dabie Mountain Scenic Road Yu'an Section - Accommodation at Dabie Mountain Xugu Hot Spring Resort
Day 2: Dabie Mountain Xugu Hot Spring Resort - Western Anhui Great Rift Valley - Dabie Mountain Scenic Valley - Hongshan Beautiful Hotel - East Stone Shoot Scenic Area - Wanfo Lake - Heishidu Bridge - Sleeping Beauty Mountain - Riverside Villa
Day 3: Fuziling Reservoir - Xianrenchong Painter Village - Liuwanqing Gorge - Dabie Mountain Scenic Road - Sun Village - The Most Beautiful Self-Driving Route
Day 4: Tongluo Village - Tiantang Village
Day 5: Dabie Mountain Scenic Road, Hongling Highway, Mazongling Section - Dawan Village - Tangjiahui - Meishan Reservoir
Day 6: Jinzhai County Red Army Square - Yeji District Red Culture Exhibition Hall - Yeji District Library - Yeji Sanyuan Farming Culture Park - Taifu Farmhouse - Huoqiu Li's Manor - Huaihe River (Huoqiu Section) - Linhuaigang Scenic Area (Huaihe Cultural Park, Huaihe Farming Folk Museum, Linhuai Clay Sculpture Art Museum, Willow Weaving Culture Museum)
Day 7: Shuimentang Park, Huoqiu County
The beautiful scenery of the Pihe River in Hengpaitou, Lu'an, and the stunning Yu'an section
Lu'an, also known as "Gaocheng", was named after Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. It was named after the first characters of the six counties in Hengshan, namely Anfeng and Anfeng, and also means "the six lands are peaceful and will never rebel". Because Emperor Shun granted Gao Yao the title of Six, later generations called Lu'an Gaocheng.
The first stop was the Hengpaitou Scenic Area, located at the source of the main canal of the Pi River, 20 kilometers south of Lu'an City, Anhui Province. With the Hengpaitou Water Conservancy Project and Fengyuan Lake as its core, it integrates natural and cultural landscapes such as dangerous peaks and ridges, flat lakes with strange rocks, ancient temples and famous monasteries, and combines the beauty of mountains and rivers with the charm of waters. It integrates the majestic, dangerous and unique with the exquisite and delicate in one area, and is known as the "Hengpai Wonderland".
Driving to Qingyuan Tower, the Pi River lies in front of the building. The scenery here is picturesque. From the air, the Pi River is shaded by trees. In front of the building, there are lifelike statues depicting the working conditions of the Pi River Water Conservancy Project. Western Anhui has been plagued by disasters since ancient times. This is related to its mountainous terrain.
The area is home to three major rivers: the Pi River and the Shi River, which flow into the Huai River, and the Hangbu River, which flows into the Yangtze River. However, all three rivers have low riverbeds, with many high hills along their banks. During droughts, gravity irrigation is difficult. However, continuous rains can cause waterlogging in the riverbeds, hindering drainage and making flooding more likely.
If you walk through Subu's Ming and Qing Dynasty streets, you'll seem to see old scrolls and hear the cries of vendors amidst the mundane world. Suddenly, you'll feel the tranquility of history and experience a sense of peace within your heart.
The blue bricks and gray tiles here are very much like the Jiangnan region, earning it the nickname "Little Nanjing." Rich in history, it has long been a major commercial center at the entrance to the Dabie Mountains in western Anhui Province. The region's production of kenaf, seafood, and fishing gear is renowned both domestically and internationally.
In the evening, I drove to the Yu'an section of the Dabie Mountain Scenic Road and witnessed a breathtaking sunset. Just as the sun was about to set, its afterglow shone on the fields, its golden reflections glittering in the water. The sunset was truly beautiful, but it was only just approaching dusk. On one side of the road was a forest, on the other a wetland park. The scenery was breathtaking, like a beautiful landscape painting. It was truly captivating.
The Great Rift Valley in western Anhui, where the rocks look like a mountain range split in half by a divine axe
Driving along the Dabie Mountain Scenic Byway, we arrived at the Wanxi Great Rift Valley Scenic Area in Lu'an, Anhui Province. From the air, the rock formations resemble a towering mountain split in two by a divine axe, with cliffs on either side towering over the sky, and a winding 2-kilometer-long stone staircase running down the middle. Visitors can ascend the stone steps and glimpse the wonders of nature, a truly remarkable experience.
The Great Rift Valley in Western Anhui was originally named Biwangyan. It belongs to the piedmont basin landform. The scenic area is full of attractions. The most famous attraction is the three dangerous gates. You have to climb up the steps by following the traces of artificial excavation and using your hands and feet at the same time.
It is said that Biwang Rock can accommodate thousands of troops at a time. The largest of them is a scenic spot called the Grotto Palace. On the rock face, you can still see the chisel marks left over from hundreds of years ago when troops were stationed to resist the enemy.
Tourists who come here can visit various scenic spots. Every scene and object here will surely amaze you. Whether it is gravel, cracks in the ground, or three gates, you can experience the thrill and excitement of the scenic area.
Dabie Mountain Valley, known as the "Jiuzhaigou" of Anhui
This is a tranquil and refreshing ecological wonderland nestled in the Dabie Mountains. Located approximately 100 kilometers from Hefei, the capital of Anhui Province, the scenic area covers 20 square kilometers, including 8 square kilometers in the core scenic area. It is a sister site to the Dabie Mountain Grottoes. Dotted with mountain streams and rift valleys, cliff caves with unique rock formations, and mud coffins and cave dwellings, the area is known as the "Jiuzhaigou" of Anhui. With each passing season, the scenic valley presents visitors with a variety of unique charms. In spring, lush grass blooms, flowers bloom, and birds sing. The summer solstice brings vibrant life and lush greenery. In autumn, sweet-scented osmanthus blossoms fill the air, and leaves turn red. In winter, plum blossoms stand proudly amidst the shimmering ice and snow.
This place combines waterfalls, strange rocks, water flows, and covered bridges. The valley is filled with the fragrance of grass and trees. Come here to breathe the breath of nature and stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is indeed a great place for leisure and vacation.
Dabie Mountain Grottoes and Wanfo Lake, Heishidu Bridge at sunset
The Dabie Mountains Grottoes are located in Zhangdian Town in the southern mountainous area of Jin'an District, Lu'an City, 30 kilometers away from Lu'an City and about 7 kilometers away from Zhangdian Town. The Dabie Mountains Grottoes Scenic Area borders the Western Anhui Great Rift Valley Scenic Area. The main peak, Hongshanzhai, is 291.2 meters above sea level and is the second highest peak in the area. It is abrupt on three sides, with many caves and dangerous terrain.
The Wanfo Lake Scenic Area is centered around Wanfo Lake, formerly known as Longhekou Reservoir. It's located 30 kilometers southwest of Shucheng County, about 80 kilometers from Hefei, and 73 kilometers from Lu'an. The main attraction is the lake's clear waters, dotted with small islands.
The second is to see the water conservancy projects. The Wanfo Lake Dam was built in 1960. It was built entirely by hand by the people during the three years of natural disasters. It is quite remarkable. Wanfo Lake is not small, but transportation is not convenient. It is best to drive yourself and enjoy a free tour around the lake.
In the evening, the sun slowly set. We drove along the Dabie Mountain Scenic Road to Huoshan County, Lu'an. We happened to encounter sunset and parked the car next to the Heishidu Bridge. A brilliant ray of light appeared on the horizon. In an instant, the sky was dyed deep red, like a magnificent red ocean. It was very spectacular. At this time, it was like a huge red peony blooming in the sky, emitting its fragrance and beauty.
The Fuziling Reservoir has a majestic appearance and clear water.
Located in Huoshan County, Lu'an City, the Fuziling Reservoir, 17 kilometers west of the city, is known as "New China's First Dam." Unlike typical dams, its most distinctive feature is its arched design. Its imposing appearance and crystal-clear water create a sapphire-like appearance when viewed from the air.
The most important thing you cannot miss when you come to Fuziling Reservoir is to take a boat ride to enjoy the scenery on both sides of the reservoir. You can get on the deck of the speedboat, feel the breeze, and see the picturesque scenery on both sides, as if you are in a painting.
The reservoir was started in 1952 and completed in 1954. It is also an important part of the Huaihe River control project. When the dam was first built, it can be said that many difficulties were overcome. The older generation of water conservancy experts advanced by trial and error, learning while working, and finally built the first reinforced concrete arch dam designed and constructed independently in New China.
The most beautiful self-driving section of Dabie Mountain Scenic Road in Sun Township
After parking at the Wangjiu Chong Highway Observation Deck in Lu'an's Taiyang Township, the view from the deck was breathtaking, with towering mountains and lush greenery lining the road. The sun had just set, and this was the most beautiful section of the Dabie Mountain Scenic Byway in Taiyang Township. Wangjiu Chong is the first stop on the road into Taiyang Township, situated at the entrance to the area at an altitude of over 900 meters, offering a panoramic view of the township.
Looking out into the distance, the mountains overlap, forming a nine-fold formation, hence the name "Wang Jiu Chong." The road winds downhill, and the road is excellent, with various farmhouses dotted along the way. After passing one curve after another, we arrive at the iconic Figure 8 bend, marked by a sign for the Sun Village Dream Travel Factory. This is a popular cornering destination for motorcycle enthusiasts.
During the days of self-driving, there are beautiful sunsets and afterglow every day. The 800-kilometer Dabie Mountain Scenic Road is a self-driving road, and every road is a scenery worth your check-in.
From the top of Tiantangzhai, you can see the Central Plains in the north and Jingchu in the south.
The Dabie Mountains, where Tiantangzhai lies, form the watershed dividing China's northern and southern water systems. Water from the north flows northward into the Huai River, while water from the south flows southward into the Yangtze River. Therefore, from Tiantangzhai's summit, one can overlook the Central Plains to the north and Jingchu to the south, with towering mountains all within sight. At 1,729 meters above sea level, Tiantang Peak boasts a pond, which never overflows or dries up, earning it the nickname "Yaochi."
To reach Tiantangzhai, you need to take a cable car to the summit, where you can get a close-up view of the forest park's pristine beauty. Once there, you can hike along the Forest Corridor, visit Qu Yuan's Questioning the Heavens, watch whales, and visit Lovers' Peak, all while immersing yourself in the natural oxygen bar of the primeval forest. Experience the exhilaration of the high mountains and clear breeze, and gaze down at the magnificent landscape of the Jianghuai region.
Tiantangzhai is a cool place in the hot summer. It is a great place to check in during the summer.
Mazongling section of Hongling Highway on Dabie Mountain Scenic Road
The Mazongling section of the Hongling Highway on the Dabie Mountain Scenic Byway is located at the northern foot of the Dabie Mountains and southwestern Jinzhai County. Forest coverage is 95.9%, with the highest peak in the area at 1,671 meters, and the entrance to the scenic area exceeding 600 meters above sea level. The Hongling Highway, inspired by the unique topography of Jinzhai, has formed a unique route. Comprising the 500-mile Xianfeng Road Ancient Self-Driving Route, the Red Journey Route, and the Martin Highway, the route boasts exceptional natural conditions, creating a pristine, ancient, and pristine green treasure trove.
Every April and May, the mountain reds on the ridge compete for beauty, their splendor as brilliant as clouds. This time, my self-driving trip here happened to be raining, and the mist was shrouded in a picturesque scene. The road winds up the mountain, weaving through the mist, as if entering a green forest world. The road is full of beautiful scenery. From the roadside parking lot, standing on the Hongling Highway and looking down, the distant mist and mountains are shrouded in a dreamlike atmosphere.
Jinzhai Jintao Bridge spans the Meishan Reservoir, with picturesque scenery
Driving along the Dabie Mountain Scenic Byway, we arrived at the Jinzhai Jintao Bridge in Lu'an, which spans the Meishan Reservoir. In the evening, the sun set, shining on the surface of the reservoir. A boat slowly sailed across the water, creating ripples on the surface. The Meishan Reservoir is located in the Meishan urban area upstream of the Shi River. The artificial lake formed by the Meishan Reservoir is crystal clear and picturesque from the air.
The reservoir area boasts beautiful scenery and numerous scenic spots, including Swan Island, Nine Kings Village, and the Dressing Table, each with its own unique and lifelike appearance, leaving visitors captivated and captivated. This is a must-see destination on the Dabie Mountains Scenic Byway and a great place to check in on a self-driving tour.
Check in at the Yeji District Library in Lu'an, a popular check-in spot
Reading improves the mind and refines the soul. A book is a world. For those who enjoy reading, the library is the perfect place to find beauty and find the perfect home. For those who enjoy quiet time, the library is a haven of tranquility, a haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city. On the first floor of the Yeji District Library in Lu'an, you'll find a newspaper and magazine reading area, a children's reading area, and a casual coffee bar.
The children's reading area, themed around forests and oceans, boasts a collection of approximately 30,000 books, catering to the reading interests of children of all ages. There are also adult reading areas, a digital reading area, a newspaper and magazine reading area, a capsule library, a visually impaired reading room, a 24-hour library, and a coffee bar. The Yeji District Library boasts a well-organized layout, catering to the reading needs and habits of diverse audiences. Crucially, reading here is completely free, with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, coffee, and books available. It's a perfect summer destination, perfect for bringing children to enjoy the cool air conditioning while they delve into the ocean of knowledge found in books.
Ten thousand mu lotus garden in West Lake, Huoqiu County, Lu'an
After driving 800 kilometers along the Dabie Mountain Scenic Road, I arrived at the 10,000-acre Lotus Garden at West Lake in Huoqiu County, Lu'an. The aerial drone view was truly breathtaking: 10,000 acres of lush green lotus flowers, their leaves woven into a single color, and hibiscus blossoms spreading out to either side of the face. The graceful lotus blossoms, in full bloom under the scorching summer sun, vie with each other for splendor. The captivating charm of the water and the intoxicating fragrance of the lotus create a beautiful and unique summer scene.
Seeing this 10,000-acre lotus garden is truly refreshing and captivating. The scenery is truly breathtaking: a pond of emerald lotus, a classic poem, a beautiful painting. Such a poetic scene, a truly beautiful experience! It's a shame there weren't many lotuses in bloom during my visit, but the poetic atmosphere and beautiful scenery attract many tourists to enjoy the water and flowers. Soon, the lotus flowers will bloom, transforming the West Lake Ecological Wetland into a sea of flowers.
Meet the rainbow at Dabie Mountain Resort, surrounded by mountains on three sides
Dabie Mountain Villa Resort is located at Baimajian, the main peak of Dabie Mountain, at an altitude of 950 meters. We drove here on the day of the Dabie Mountain Scenic Road and stayed there. It felt like we had come to a paradise, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The buildings here are built against the mountain, so what we see here is the integration of buildings and natural objects, with trees passing through the roof, stones growing from the walls, and water flowing from the house.
The entire complex is designed to follow the terrain, retaining its original appearance, utilizing nature and creating a staggered layout. The entire villa is located halfway up the mountain. From a drone's perspective, the entire resort is surrounded by mountains on three sides and is covered by trees, making it a much cooler place to escape the scorching summer heat.
Dabie Mountain RV Campground, a resting place during self-driving trips
The Dabie Mountain RV Campground is located in Taiyang Township, Huoshan District, Anhui Province, offering convenient transportation and a beautiful environment. Located adjacent to the Dabie Mountain National Scenic Road, it is surrounded by lush mountains and clear waters, creating a breathtaking scenery. The campground is equipped with parking, public restrooms, and children's play facilities. The Sunshine Bookstore is located in the upper left corner of the campground, open to visitors and suitable for small meetings and other activities.
There are currently 9 trailer RVs in the camp, which are equipped with different room types for different customer groups, including deluxe rooms, bunk beds, standard rooms, and couples' rooms. Each RV is equipped with an independent courtyard for tourists to barbecue by themselves, and barbecue utensils are provided free of charge. It is very close to the Dabie Mountain Scenic Road and is a resting place during self-driving trips. In the evening, you can sit in front of the RV with your family to barbecue, eat delicious food, drink tea and chat, and watch the twinkling stars in the sky at night.
Huoqiu County Shuimen Park, known as the "Thousand Island Lake" of western Anhui
We drove along the Dabie Mountain Scenic Road to Shuimen Park in Huoqiu County. Covering a massive 3.15 hectares, Shuimen Park, unlike other parks, lacks many artificial features, yet boasts stunning scenery. Built over 2,600 years ago by Sun Shuao, it was initially a scenic garden, but is now Lu'an's largest tourist destination, boasting a comprehensive array of amenities and recreational facilities.
Shuimen Park, originally an ancient pond, was transformed into a reservoir after the founding of the People's Republic of China, and a park was built on its foundation. The reservoir holds 10.4 million cubic meters and features 46 islands connected by winding bridges. Visitors can stroll across the bridges and enjoy the scenic beauty of the islands, each with its own unique character. Flanking the long bridges are pavilions, towers, lush forests, bamboo groves, and vibrant flowers and birdsong, earning it the nickname "Thousand Island Lake" of western Anhui.
Lu'an cuisine is not to be missed
The most common dish here is hanging pot cuisine, which is available in every restaurant. Lu'an hanging pot cuisine is a specialty of Lu'an, Anhui Province, with Tiantangzhai's hanging pot being the most famous. Its defining characteristic is its "one pot, a hundred flavors." This means all the half-cooked ingredients are placed in a hanging pot and served while being heated. As you eat, you can still smell the aroma of the simmering ingredients. This cuisine is known for its strong flavors, being heavy on oil, spicy, and possibly a bit salty.
Hairy fish, also known as "cat fish" by the people of Lu'an, comes from the pristine Laowei River. Fishermen from Hexi, feeling it would be a shame to discard the small fish, clean them, salt them, and dry them in the sun. They're then stir-fried with green peppers for an unparalleled delicacy.
Wanfo Lake Fish Head is a specialty dish of Shucheng County, Lu'an City. It is made with authentic Wanfo Lake bighead carp heads, paired with unique seasonings, and simmered for a long time. It has a delicious taste, fresh but not fishy, fatty but not greasy, and is a rare delicacy.
Conclusion
The scenery of Lu'an is so fascinating that you can't help but linger. This time, we drove 800 kilometers along the Dabie Mountain Scenic Road for 7 days and 6 nights, and deeply experienced the beauty of Lu'an.
