Hiking Guide to Tiantangzhai!

Tiantangzhai in Hubei (actually located at the border of Anhui and Hubei, with the Hubei side in Luotian County) is a tourist destination combining natural scenery and outdoor hiking. Here's a detailed hiking guide to help you explore Tiantangzhai:

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### **1. Basic Information about Tiantangzhai**
- **Location**:
- The main scenic area is at the border of Jinzhai, Anhui, and Luotian, Hubei. The Hubei side belongs to Jiuzihe Town, Luotian, and is called "Luotian Tiantangzhai" or "Dabie Mountain Tiantangzhai".
- **Hubei Entrance**: Tiantangzhai Scenic Area, Luotian County, Huanggang City (connected to the Anhui scenic area but with separate tickets).
- **Features**: Peculiar peaks, sea of clouds, waterfalls, forests (original secondary forest), and one of the main peaks of Dabie Mountain.

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### **2. Transportation Guide**
1. **Self-driving** (recommended):
- From Wuhan: Wuying Expressway (about 2.5 hours) → Luotian exit → Jiuzihe Town → Tiantangzhai Scenic Area.
- From Hefei/Liu'an: Enter via Jinzhai County, Anhui.
2. **Public Transport**:
- Wuhan Fujiapo/Hankou North Bus Station → Luotian County bus (about 2 hours) → transfer to scenic area shuttle (Jiuzihe Town to Tiantangzhai).

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### **3. Recommended Hiking Routes**
**1. Core Route of Luotian Tiantangzhai, Hubei**
- **Route**: Scenic area gate → Philosopher Peak Cableway lower station → hiking ascent → Philosopher Peak (view the sea of clouds) → Magpie Bridge → Tiantang Peak (one of the main peaks of Dabie Mountain, 1729m altitude) → South Heaven Gate → descent.
- **Duration**: About 5-6 hours round trip, moderate intensity, requires some physical strength.
- **Highlights**:
- **Philosopher Peak**: Giant rock wall resembling a meditating philosopher.
- **Magpie Bridge**: Suspended glass bridge overlooking the canyon.
- **Tiantang Peak**: At the Hubei-Anhui border, you can stand in two provinces at once.

**2. Anhui-Hubei Crossing Route (for experienced hikers)**
- **Route**: Anhui Tiantangzhai Scenic Area (Jinzhai) → Baima Peak Plank Walk → Luotian Tiantangzhai, Hubei.
- **Note**: Confirm ticket policies for both provinces in advance. The full route takes about 1 day; it's recommended to go with companions and a guide.

**3. Easy Leisure Route**
- **Route**: Scenic area sightseeing bus → Fairy Valley (streams and waterfalls) → Shengrentang Village (pastoral scenery).
- **Suitable for**: Families or those with limited physical strength, easy stroll.

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### **4. Tickets and Fees**
- **Luotian Tiantangzhai, Hubei**:
- Ticket: About ¥100 (peak season), includes scenic area shuttle.
- Cableway: One-way about ¥70 (Philosopher Peak Cableway).
- **Jinzhai Tiantangzhai, Anhui**: Separate ticket, about ¥115.

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### **5. Accommodation Recommendations**
1. **Within the Scenic Area**:
- Luotian Tiantangzhai Resort Hotel (near the scenic area gate, convenient for early morning hikes).
- Farm stays: Jiuzihe Town or Shengrentang Village, affordable (about ¥100-200/night).
2. **Camping**: Allowed in some areas with prior registration; safety precautions required.

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### **6. Best Seasons**
- **Spring and Autumn (April-May, September-November)**: Pleasant weather, with azaleas (spring) or red leaves (autumn) adorning the mountains.
- **Summer**: A summer retreat with abundant waterfall flow, but prepare for rain.
- **Winter**: Stunning snow scenery, but some sections may be closed.

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### **7. Precautions**
1. **Gear**:
- Essentials: Anti-slip hiking shoes, trekking poles, sun-protective clothing, raincoat (mountain weather is changeable).
- Recommended: High-energy snacks, over 2L of water, first-aid kit.
2. **Safety**:
- Some sections are steep (e.g., Philosopher Peak); hike within your limits.
- Avoid hiking alone in undeveloped areas to prevent getting lost.
3. **Eco-friendliness**: Take trash with you to protect the pristine ecosystem.

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### **8. Nearby Attractions**
- **Luotian Bodao Peak**: About 1 hour from Tiantangzhai, featuring peculiar rocks and steep peaks.
- **Yingshan Taohuachong**: A summer rafting hotspot.
- **Shengrentang Village**: One of "China's Most Beautiful Countrysides," with picturesque autumn foliage.

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### **9. Practical Tips**
- **Mobile Signal**: May be unavailable at the peak; download offline maps in advance.
- **Dining**: Try Luotian Diao Guo (local specialty clay pot dishes).

A hiking trip to Tiantangzhai challenges you while immersing you in natural beauty. Plan your route and gear in advance to enjoy the grandeur and elegance of Dabie Mountain!