From Qiyun to Muli: Experience the charm of Huizhou at the unparalleled Qiyun Mountain

Day 1 Wuxi → Qiyun Mountain

All day

Meetup time: 07:00-07:15, Metro Line 1/2 - Sanyang Square Station, Exit 11A. Please wait for the bus. Please do not be late. (Drivers can park at Yunfu Building, 4 yuan/hour from the 3rd hour onwards)

The team leader led everyone to interact in the car, with laughter and joy along the way, and they stopped at the service area for lunch in due time;

Around 2:00 PM, we arrived at Qiyun Mountain. Among the renowned mountains and rivers in southern Anhui, Huangshan is undeniably the most famous. Perhaps because of its fame, it often eclipses many of its neighbors. In comparison, Qiyun Mountain in Xiuning County is quite understated. However, despite its understated status, it's well-deserved to be called the first of the Four Famous Taoist Mountains.

Qiyun Mountain, shrouded in mist year-round, has been a Taoist paradise since ancient times. While Wudang Mountain, Qingcheng Mountain, and Longhu Mountain are all renowned Taoist shrines, they dwarf Qiyun Mountain in terms of seniority. Its breathtaking Danxia landforms cloak it in beauty, and within them, Xianglu Peak, Taixu Palace, Yuehua Street, and other breathtaking scenery await. We crossed Dengfeng Bridge, crossed the Hengjiang River, and ascended the mountain along the Jiuli Thirteen Pavilions. Passing Wangxian Pavilion, Mengzhen Bridge, and from Yitianmen to Santianmen, we visited Xuantian Taisu Palace, where numerous cliff carvings and Taoist temples were located. Qiyun Mountain truly stands as an overlooked mountain. After a little over two hours, we arrived at Yuehua Street, the heart of Qiyun Mountain, and checked into our inn.

In the evening, if the weather is good, you can look up at the starry sky.

Driving time: about 5 hours

Note: 1. The journey is long, so it is recommended that you bring some snacks.

Day 2 → Qiyun Mountain Summit Loop → Descend → Zuyuan → Mulikeng

All day

Early risers can enjoy the sunrise over the sea of ​​clouds at Xianglu Peak. After breakfast, you can relax and unwind as you please. You can also take a short circuit walk on the mountaintop under the guidance of your tour guide to deeply appreciate the profound charm of the Taoist mountain.

We started to go down the mountain at about 9:30, from Yuxu Palace to Fangla Village, then to Wulao Peak and Xianren Bridge, and then hiked down the mountain from the other side.

Arriving at Zuyuan Ancient Village around 12:00 PM, we met at a local farmer's house for a 24-hour meal, enjoying delicious chicken soup. Zuyuan Village, originally built in the Song Dynasty, boasts a beautiful ecological environment, whitewashed walls and black tiles, and a rich Huizhou-style charm. The village boasts historical and cultural attractions such as waterways, ancient bridges, ancient dwellings, ancient trees, and Sixian Ridge. It is particularly famous for its thousand-year-old yew trees and boasts over 100 acres of terraced fields. After visiting Zuyuan, we took a 5km-long ancient trail connecting the two ancient villages, known as the Dream Trail. The walk was pleasant, with photos taken along the way. It was a relaxing and non-tiring journey, lasting approximately 1.5 hours.

Around 5:00 PM, we'll arrive at the cloud-supplied village of Muli, catching the last rays of sunlight. Marvel at the magical village while awaiting sunset. Enjoy a delicious farm-style meal in due course.

Driving time: about 1 hour

Notes: 1. Today's descent of Qiyun Mountain is 4 km, with a 5 km hike. The difficulty and intensity are relatively low. 2. Accommodation in Muli Village is in a small, mountain-side farmhouse cabin off the road. The rooms are small and the accommodation is limited, but the mountain environment is beautiful and peaceful, and you can often see beautiful morning mist in the morning. (Your luggage cannot arrive with the car tonight, so just bring a backpack and some toiletries up the mountain.)

Day 3 Mulikeng → Tunxi Old Street → Wuxi

All day

In the early morning, everyone can freely decide the time to get up according to their sleep schedule.

Those who want to watch the sunrise should get up early! Muli Village is famous for its sea of ​​clouds. The sunrise and the clouds, combined, create a fairyland-like experience! Muli Village is considered one of Huangshan City's top 100 photography spots. A photographer captured the boundless scenery of Xin'an, based on this mountain village, and won first prize. There are so many beautiful sights to discover! Grab your camera and snap away!

After breakfast, we had ample time to explore the ancient village on our own, descending a hidden path through the village. We then took a bus eastward to Tunxi Old Street. Known as a moving "Along the River During the Qingming Festival," Tunxi Old Street is a well-preserved ancient Chinese street market, showcasing architectural styles from the Southern Song and Ming and Qing dynasties. Here, you'll find countless delicious delicacies, including Huizhou xiaohun dun (small wontons), Huangshan Mao tofu, and Anhui stinky mandarin fish. Not only are you able to browse, but you'll also be able to feast on them.

We will have some free time to eat here at noon. After lunch, we will return to our departure point in Wuxi at around 19:00. We will be reluctant to leave and kiss each other goodbye with tears in our eyes.

Driving time: about 4.5 hours

Qiyun Mountain, formerly known as "Bai Yue," is one of China's four famous Taoist mountains. Historically, it's also known as "Huangshan and Bai Yue are the best in Jiangnan." Along with Huangshan, Jiuhua Mountain, and Tianzhu Mountain, it's considered one of the four famous mountains in southern Anhui. Qiyun Mountain's peaks and cliffs are known for their dramatic appearance, with a single rock piercing the sky and level with the clouds. Designated a National Forest Park by the State Council in 1994, it's often said that "Huangshan and Bai Yue face each other, and green waters and red cliffs are the best in Jiangnan." Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty praised it as "an unparalleled scenic spot under heaven, the most famous mountain in Jiangnan." China-TravelNote highly praises Qiyun Mountain!

Muli Village: This village boasts a beautiful ecology and unique topography. Nestled on a mountain ridge, suspended on three sides, it boasts a rich Huizhou style and is known as "Huangshan's Most Beautiful Alpine Village." Muli Village is shaped like a camel and can be clearly seen from the opposite mountain, known locally as "Front Mountain." Locals cultivate numerous tea trees on Front Mountain, which enjoyed robust production in previous years. However, in recent years, the village's young residents have chosen to work elsewhere, leaving only the elderly to maintain the village, leaving much of the tea production uncultivated. Bamboo is also abundantly planted on Front Mountain, and the locals make a living selling it. From Front Mountain, one can overlook the entire village, creating a breathtaking landscape, especially after rain, when a sea of ​​clouds can be seen. The village feels like a fairyland.