Compared to Huangshan, I prefer this lesser-known Taoist sacred mountain next door

Reasons to recommend:

- As one of the Four Great Taoist Mountains, even Xu Xiake praised it highly; it has great fame and profound heritage.
- It houses the only surviving stone inscription by Tang Bohu, rich in cultural atmosphere—history and culture lovers shouldn't miss it.
- Boating at the foot of the mountain rivals the scenery of Guilin, and the diverse landforms on the mountain offer a variety of scenic views and experiences.
- There are free intangible cultural heritage performances at the foot of the sacred mountain, such as charcoal flower dance and iron flower striking; the evening shows are spectacular and offer a unique lively atmosphere.

Attraction address:
📍 Qiyun Mountain, Anhui

Transportation to the attraction:

- 🚄 Take the high-speed train to Yixian East Station or Huangshan North Station, then take a taxi or use the scenic area shuttle to reach the destination.
- It is recommended to plan your transportation connections in advance to avoid delays, especially allowing enough transfer time after arriving by high-speed train.

Must-visit spots:

- Shouziyan (Longevity Rock): A 9-meter-high cliff inscription of the character "Longevity" personally written by Zhu Xi, very imposing and perfect for photos.
- Zhenxian Dongfu (True Immortal Cave Residence): Features Taoist grottoes and cliff inscriptions, with a serene pond in front, offering a strong Taoist cultural atmosphere.
- Yuehua Tianjie (Moonlight Heavenly Street): An ancient Taoist village built on a cliff, still inhabited by many residents. You can visit Tianguan Mansion for a free cup of hot tea and experience the slow pace of village life.
- Yuxu Palace: A red Taoist temple embedded in the cliff wall, home to Tang Bohu’s only surviving stele, worth a detailed visit.
- Fangla Village: A steep heavenly ladder leads to the summit, where a secluded small house stands. Climbing up offers a panoramic view of the surroundings and a great sense of accomplishment.
- Boating at the foot of the mountain: The scenery rivals Guilin’s, and boating on the water in the hot summer is very pleasant, allowing you to enjoy the views on both sides.

Ticket information:

- Specific ticket prices are not mentioned in the text; it is recommended to check the official scenic area information before departure for the latest prices.
- There may be combo tickets including the cable car, or you can purchase tickets and cable car tickets separately according to your travel plan. You might find discounts.

Other tips:

- It is recommended to spend 2 days here: hike and boat during the day, and watch intangible cultural heritage performances in the town at the foot of the sacred mountain at night. More time means more fun.
- Accommodation can be chosen in Baiyue or Xiangfurui, right at the cable car entrance, convenient for travel. There are restaurants nearby for meals, comfortable rooms, and good value for money.
- The full hiking loop takes about 5 hours, with the route: cable car up - Wangxian Tower - Dongtian Fudi - Shouziyan - Yitian Gate - Zhenxian Dongfu - Ertian Gate - Santian Gate - Yuehua Tianjie - Taisu Palace - Xiaohutian - Yuxu Palace - Ziyun Pass - Fangla Cave - Fangla Village - Danxia Corridor - Highest Peak - Yuehua Terrace - Fengyuan Terrace - Zhangaofeng - Zuowang Terrace - Mengzhen Bridge - cable car down. Don’t miss the cable car down time, or it will be troublesome.
- For the night intangible cultural heritage performances, arrive early to get a good spot for a better view. The shows are wonderful, don’t miss them!

Post by restroom_false | Jul 11, 2025