Compared to Huangshan, I prefer this underrated hidden fairy mountain

**I. Transportation Guide**
High-speed rail: First choice is **Huangshan North Station**. After exiting, head to the **High-Speed Rail Passenger Hub** (turn right at the west exit, 5-minute walk) and take the **Qiyun Mountain Tourist Shuttle Bus** (about 30 minutes, fare 8 RMB). Departure times: 8:00, 9:30, 11:00, 13:00, 14:30, 16:00 (subject to change).
Self-drive: Navigate to **"Qiyun Mountain Scenic Area Parking Lot"**, parking fee about 10 RMB/day. It’s recommended to park at the mountain base and take the cable car or hike up for convenience.

**II. Tickets & Cable Car**
Tickets: Peak season (March–November) 68 RMB, off-season (December–February) 58 RMB. Book one day in advance on official platforms for discounts.
Cable car: **Yuehua Cable Car** (recommended!), one-way 60 RMB, round-trip 100 RMB. Reaches the core scenic area in 10 minutes, saving energy. Operating hours: 8:00–17:00 (extended in peak season).

**III. Recommended Highlights Route (One-Day Trip)**
1. **Morning**: Cable car up → **Wangxian Tower** (ticket check entrance) → **Mengzhen Bridge** → **Qizhen Rock** (cliff inscriptions) → **Yitian Gate** (prayer and ascent).
2. **Noon**: Lunch at **Yuehua Street** (ancient Taoist village), try **Qiyun Stir-Fry** (bamboo shoots with cured pork) or **Mao Tofu** (40–60 RMB/person).
3. **Afternoon**: **Xuantian Taisu Palace** (main hall worship) → **Yuxu Palace** (cliffside coffin wonder) → **Wulao Peak** (view of Danxia peaks) → **Xiaohu Tian** (serene viewing platform) → Cable car down.
*Tips*: If time allows, challenge the **back mountain hiking loop** (~2.5 hours) via **Fangla Village** and **Yunyan Lake** back to the cable station—scenic but strenuous.

**IV. Accommodation Suggestions**
**On the mountain (Yuehua Street)**: Ideal for sunrise and sea of clouds. Recommended: **Xiangfurui Inn** (great location), **Changsheng House** (tranquil). Off-season rates ~200–400 RMB/night.
**At the base (Qiyun Town)**: Budget-friendly with more options (e.g., **Qiyun Mountain Hotel**), full amenities, suitable for self-drive.

**V. Practical Tips**
**Wear**: Non-slip sports shoes! Many steep stone steps.
**Bring**: Sunscreen, hat, raincoat (unpredictable weather), cash (some stalls lack signal).
**Eat**: Few supply points uphill—carry water + snacks.
**Hike**: No guardrails on some back mountain trails; avoid in rain or thunderstorms.
**Culture**: Stay quiet, respect Taoist sites, no photos of indoor statues.

**VI. Must-Sees**
- **Cliff inscriptions**: 500+ carvings, like *"Heavenly Beauty"* and *"Longevity Rock."*
- **Yuehua Street morning mist**: Stay overnight to catch the dreamy fog at dawn.
- **Taoist vegetarian meals**: Available near Taisu Palace (reserve ahead).

Qiyun Mountain’s beauty lies in its crimson cliffs and emerald waters—and even more in its millennia of Taoist charm. Avoid weekend crowds, wander mindfully, and savor its magic!