A Perfect Spot for Family Fun, So Breathtakingly Beautiful with Crystal-Clear Waters

Shitai Guniujiang (also known as "Guniujiang Scenic Area") is located at the border of Shitai County and Qimen County in Chizhou City, Anhui Province. As the western extension of the Huangshan Mountain Range, it is renowned for its pristine natural landscapes and rich ecological resources, earning the title of "The Last Primeval Forest in East China." Here’s a detailed travel guide to help you explore Guniujiang:

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**1. Basic Information**
- **Location**: Dayan Township, Shitai County, Chizhou City, Anhui (main entrance in Shitai County; another entrance in Qimen County).
- **Opening Hours**: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (early arrival recommended to avoid crowds).
- **Ticket Prices**:
- Peak season (March–November): ¥105/person (includes shuttle bus).
- Off-season (December–February): ¥80/person.
- Online discounts available; students/elderly enjoy half-price with valid ID.
- **Best Seasons**: Spring and autumn (April–May for azalea blooms, October–November for fall foliage), summer for escaping heat, winter for serene snowscapes.

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**2. Transportation Guide**
1. **By Car**:
- From Hefei/Nanjing: Take the Huyu Expressway → Exit at Yinjiahui → Turn onto Provincial Road S221 → Shitai County → Guniujiang (~3–4 hours).
- From Huangshan/Hangzhou: Take the Hangrui Expressway → Qimen County → Turn onto Provincial Road S326 → Guniujiang Qimen Entrance.
- Parking fee: ¥10–20/day.

2. **Public Transport**:
- From Chizhou/Anqing Station: Take a bus to Shitai County (~1.5 hours) → Transfer to Guniujiang shuttle (~30 minutes).
- From Huangshan North Station: Take a bus to Qimen County → Transfer to the scenic area.

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**3. Must-Visit Attractions**
1. **Longmen Pool**:
- Emerald-green waters ideal for bamboo rafting (~¥50/boat) and photography.
2. **Sidie Waterfall**:
- A four-tiered waterfall with a 100-meter drop, especially majestic in the rainy season.
3. **Yan’s Ancient Village**:
- A Hui-style village preserving Ming-Qing architecture and farming culture.
4. **Guniujiang Peak**:
- Summit at 1,727 meters; 5–6 hours hike (guide required, suited for adventurers).
5. **Lovers’ Valley**:
- A tranquil gorge with streams, unique rocks, and forests, perfect for family hikes.

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**4. Suggested Itineraries**
- **One-Day Light Tour**:
Entrance → Longmen Pool → Quanshan Bridge → Sidie Waterfall → Yan’s Ancient Village → Return.
- **Two-Day In-Depth Tour**:
- **Day 1**: Longmen Pool → Lovers’ Valley → Stay at a local homestay.
- **Day 2**: Summit Guniujiang Peak or explore Qimen’s primeval forest.

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**5. Accommodation & Dining**
- **Stay**:
- **Inside Scenic Area**: Julong Guniujiang Hotel (luxury) or farm stays (~¥150–300/night, e.g., "Guniu Villa").
- **Shitai County**: Budget-friendly options (e.g., Shitai Hotel, 30-minute drive to the site).
- **Dine**:
- Local specialties: Qiupu small river fish, stone-ear stewed free-range chicken, bamboo shoots with cured pork, mugwort cakes.
- Recommended: Yan’s Ancient Village farm-to-table meals.

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**6. Tips**
1. **Gear**: Wear anti-slip hiking shoes, pack raincoats (unpredictable weather), and bring mosquito repellent.
2. **Safety**: Steep sections require caution; avoid crossing swift streams during rains.
3. **Eco-Rules**: No plant picking or littering to preserve the ecosystem.
4. **Connectivity**: Limited signal in some areas; download offline maps in advance.

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**7. Nearby Attractions**
- **Xianyu Mountain**: 30 km from Guniujiang, features Rainbow Jade Valley and ancient Huizhou trails.
- **Qiupu River**: A Li Bai-visited site, great for summer rafting.
- **Penglai Fairy Cave**: Karst cave formations for geology enthusiasts.

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Guniujiang is ideal for nature lovers seeking tranquility. Avoid holidays to fully embrace its raw beauty. Plan ahead, allow ample time, and savor the gifts of this "Green Lung of East China"!