Shitai Travel Quick Guide! Efficient Itinerary Tips!

Transportation Options

🚗 Self-drive: About 4 hours from Hefei, with many mountain road curves—novice drivers should be cautious. 40-60 minutes drive from Shitai County to various attractions.
🚌 Public transport: Take high-speed rail to Chizhou Station first, then transfer to a bus to Shitai; or take a direct bus from Hefei South Station to Shitai Bus Station, then taxi to attractions.

Recommended Attractions

🥰 Guniujiang: Known as "Little Jiuzhaigou of Southern Anhui," stroll along the Qinglongtan Boardwalk to admire emerald pools reflecting canyon views, and spot wild macaques. Recommended route: Longmen Pool → Biyu Pool → Yanjia Ancient Village → Sidie Waterfall.
🤗 Penglai Fairy Cave: The cave features four layers—Heaven Cave, Middle Cave, Earth Cave, and Underground River. Its "Four Wonders" are "Gauze Canopy," "Heavenly Silk," "Landscape Murals," and "Thousand-Buddha Mountain." With a constant 18°C temperature, it's a perfect summer retreat.
🤩 Xianyu Mountain: The fourth-highest peak in Southern Anhui, featuring Rainbow Jade Valley, Shenlong Valley, Ancient Huizhou Trail, and Sea of Clouds Viewing Deck. Walk through Rainbow Jade Valley, try selenium-rich tea picking, and summit for cloud-sea views.
🤳✌️ Zuishanye Scenic Area: Boasts pristine ecology and unique canyons. Huangya Grand Canyon has a 108m-high glass bridge and Southern Anhui's longest zip line—ideal for forest-themed photography.
👍🥳 Qiupu River Scenic Area: Crystal-clear waters with picturesque banks. Drift downstream on bamboo rafts, trace Li Bai's five visits, and explore poetic scenes like "Waterwheel Ridge" and "Yuliang Dam."

Food Recommendations

🥰 Selenium Tea Shrimp: Local selenium-rich tea leaves paired with fresh river shrimp for a perfect fusion of flavors.
🥘 Shitai Stew Pot: Layers of ingredients simmered together for rich, intermingled tastes.
🍜 Loach Noodles: Tender loach meat paired with noodles that absorb its umami, offering a smooth texture.
😃 Qijing Pickled Peppers: Peppers from Qijing Mountain, spicy yet crisp—a perfect side dish.

Accommodation Options

👀✨ Luxury: Shitai Julong Guniujiang Hotel (inside Guniujiang Scenic Area) for Southern Anhui landscapes and rural seclusion; Shitai Ruichang·Xiyuan Wellness Resort (nestled in Xianyu Mountain) with high negative oxygen ion levels.
🎉🥳 Boutique Stays: Flower House·Shitai Xishuiwan Hot Spring B&B, featuring Huizhou-style courtyards and private selenium-rich hot springs for tranquil relaxation.