Guniujiang Summer Escape Guide

Here's a detailed travel guide to Guniujiang Scenic Area in Shitai, Anhui, covering transportation, attractions, tickets, food, and practical tips to help you plan a perfect nature getaway:

1⃣️ Basic Info
📍📍Location: Xinnong Village, Dayan Township, Shitai County, Chizhou City, Anhui (bordering Qimen County)
⏰⏰⏰Opening Hours: Daily 7:40 AM - 5:00 PM (year-round)
🍀🍀🍀Best Seasons:
🌼 Spring/Autumn (Apr-May & Sep-Oct): Pleasant weather with azalea blooms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn.
🌼 Summer (Jun-Aug): Average 25°C, ideal for summer retreat (watch for thunderstorms).
🌼 Winter: Occasional rime ice, some mountain paths may close.

2⃣️ Transportation
🚗🚗🚗Self-drive:
🌼 From Hefei: Jingtai Expressway → Shitai exit → County Road 039 (~3.5 hrs).
🌼 Recommended stops: Taiping Lake Bridge viewpoint, rapeseed flower terraces along S218 (spring).
🚌🚌🚌Public Transport:
🚅 High-speed rail to Chizhou Station → Shitai County bus (¥25, 1hr) → Scenic shuttle (¥10, 3 daily departures).
🚅 Chizhou Station offers combo tickets including round-trip transfer + entry (¥168/person).

3⃣️ Must-See Attractions 🖼️🖼️🖼️
📍Dagang Mountain (1,727m):
🌼 5-6hr hike via Four-Tier Waterfall & Dragon Gate Pool; optional cable car (¥80 one-way, covers 2/3 route).
📍Dragon Gate Pool & Jade Pool:
👍🏻 Crystal-clear emerald waters for wading, bamboo rafting, and filter-free photos.
📍Yan Village:
🌼 Hui-style architecture with thousand-year-old king yew tree, free entry, great for cultural photography.
📍Nine-Dragon Pool Park:
👍🏻 Nine interconnected natural pools, "Emerald Pool" is most photogenic, family-friendly.
📍Four-Tier Waterfall:
🌼 Rare cascading waterfall in East China with cooling mist and high negative oxygen ions.

4⃣️ Tickets & Fees
🎫🎫🎫Entry:
🍀 Adult: ¥88 online (original ¥98), ¥103 with shuttle bus.
🍀 Discounts: 60-65yo half-price, students (6-18yo), free for 65+/military/disabled.
🍀 Combo Deals:
Guniujiang + West Huangshan Rafting = ¥133, + Penglai Fairy Cave = ¥158 (ideal for 2-day trips).

5⃣️ Accommodation & Food
🏠🏠🏠Stay:
🍀 Yan Village homestays (¥150-300/night), try "Instant Connection" or "Shuanghekou" for stargazing.
🍀 "Ten-Mile Homestay" in Xinhuo Village offers quiet location and guided village tours.
🍜🍜🍜Eat:
Shitai Stew Pot (chicken/bamboo shoot/ham), Qiupu River Fish (crispy & spicy), Kudzu Root Dumplings (chewy).

6⃣️ Pro Tips
1. Gear: Waterproof jacket, hiking poles, non-slip shoes; download offline maps (weak signal).
2. Eco-rules: No plant picking/animal feeding, carry trash to recycling points.
3. New in 2025: Glass slide rafting (1.8km) and cable car for enhanced experience.
4. Itinerary Ideas:
🍀 Day Trip: Dragon Gate Pool → Four-Tier Waterfall → Yan Village (~3hrs).
🍀 2-Day Trip: D1 Guniujiang highlights, D2 rafting or Penglai Fairy Cave.

Known as "East China's Primeval Forest," Guniujiang is a natural oxygen bar far from urban bustle. Whether hiking, photography, or family summer escapes, it fulfills all nature cravings. Plan ahead and immerse in its serene landscapes!