Tiantai Mountain Waterfall Fairyland Guide

Tiantai Mountain National Scenic Area (Zhejiang Tiantai) is the birthplace of the Tiantai School of Chinese Buddhism and the Southern Sect of Taoism, renowned as the "Source of Buddhist and Taoist Traditions with Divine Landscapes." It is designated as a National 5A-level scenic spot, integrating natural wonders, cultural relics, and religious heritage, and is one of the destinations along the Tang Poetry Trail of Eastern Zhejiang.

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📍Detailed Address:

- **Address**: Tiantai County, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province
- **Core Attractions**: Guoqing Temple, Shiliang Waterfall, Qiongtai Immortal Valley, Huading National Forest Park, Chicheng Mountain, etc.
- **Recommended Visit Duration**: 1-2 days (overnight stay suggested)
- **Ticket Prices** (for reference, subject to official updates):
- **Shiliang Waterfall**: 60 RMB
- **Qiongtai Immortal Valley**: 65 RMB
- **Huading National Forest Park**: 50 RMB (may vary during rhododendron season)
- **Chicheng Mountain**: 15 RMB
- **Guoqing Temple**: Free

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🌟Highlights:

**1. Guoqing Temple**
- **Features**: A Sui Dynasty ancient temple and the ancestral home of the Tiantai School, blending Sui-era plum trees, ancient pagodas, and rice fields.
- **Tips**: Visit in the morning for serene Zen vibes; vegetarian meals available at 5 RMB/person (around 11:00).

**2. Shiliang Waterfall**
- **Features**: A natural stone bridge with cascading waterfalls, famously praised by Li Bai in poetry.
- **Activities**: A 2-hour hike passing by ancient Fangguang Temple and Sword Spring.

**3. Qiongtai Immortal Valley**
- **Features**: Emerald-green lake set in a dramatic gorge, hailed as a "fairyland on earth."
- **Route**: Start from the upper entrance (mountain top) for an easier descent; don’t miss the "Cloud Walkway" and "Eight Immortals Lake."

**4. Huading National Forest Park**
- **Features**: Tiantai’s highest peak (1,098m), famous for sea of clouds, rhododendrons (May), and ancient "Rhododendron King."
- **Seasonal Picks**: May for flowers, October-November for autumn foliage, winter for frost scenery.

**5. Chicheng Mountain**
- **Features**: Red-hued Danxia landform with Liangfei Pagoda at the summit, offering panoramic views.
- **Tips**: 1-hour hike; ideal for sunrise/sunset.

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🚉Transport Guide:

- **Self-Drive**: ~2 hours from Hangzhou/Ningbo; 30-50 minutes between scenic spots.
- **Public Transport**:
- **High-Speed Rail**: Arrive at "Tiantai Mountain Station," then taxi to attractions (~40 mins/80-100 RMB to Shiliang Waterfall).
- **Shuttle Buses**: Direct buses from Tiantai Tourist Center to Shiliang/Huading (limited schedules; check in advance).

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🗓Itinerary Suggestions:

**One-Day Trip** (time-efficient):
**Morning**: Guoqing Temple → **Afternoon**: Shiliang Waterfall or Qiongtai Immortal Valley
**Two-Day Trip** (in-depth):
- **Day1**: Guoqing Temple → Chicheng Mountain → Jigong’s Former Residence (in town)
- **Day2**: Shiliang Waterfall → Qiongtai Immortal Valley or Huading Mountain

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🛏️Accommodation:

- **Near Scenic Areas**:
- **Lucid Waters Tiantai** (Zen-style, by Guoqing Temple)
- **Tiantai Hot Springs Resort** (near Chicheng Mountain, with hot springs)
- **County Town**: More options, budget-friendly.

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🍜Food Recommendations:

- **Local Snacks**: Jiaobingtong (stuffed pancakes), Hulatai (savory crepes), wheat cakes, flat dumplings (try "Yuqingzhai" in town).
- **Specialties**: Dendrobium duck soup, bamboo shoot dishes, mountain vegetables.

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📝Tips:

1. **Attire**: Wear anti-slip shoes for hikes; bring jackets for chilly Huading Mountain.
2. **Seasons**:
- Spring-Summer (Apr-Jun): Rhododendrons and full waterfalls;
- Autumn (Oct-Nov): Vibrant foliage;
- Winter (Dec-Feb): Fewer crowds, potential snowscapes.
3. **Combo Tickets**: Discounted bundled tickets (e.g., Shiliang + Qiongtai ~100 RMB) available online.

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Tiantai Mountain merges nature and culture, perfect for lovers of landscapes, history, and Zen vibes.