Direct from Hangzhou! This Taoist immortal mountain in Anhui is truly underestimated!

Seriously, looking for a place near Hangzhou that's less crowded, beautiful, and offers an immersive 'immortal cultivation' experience? It has to be Qiyun Mountain! As one of the Four Sacred Mountains of Taoism, it not only boasts a super long history and unique Danxia landforms, but it's also the prototype for 'Shenxiu Mountain,' beloved by fans of 'The Sword Comes' (Jian Lai). The 'Tian Kai Shen Xiu' (Heavenly Splendor Unveiled) stone carving on the mountain will absolutely capture your heart! For your first autumn hike, choosing this place is definitely the right call~

📌 First, understand how to get there: Super convenient from Hangzhou

- High-speed rail travelers: Take the high-speed train directly to 'Huangshan North Station.' From there, you can take a taxi, bus, or public transport to the scenic area. No detours needed, perfect for lazy travelers!
- Self-driving travelers: Just navigate to 'Qiyun Mountain Scenic Area Parking Lot.' There are plenty of parking spaces, and after parking, it's just a short walk to the scenic area entrance, super hassle-free.
- Key point: The high-speed train from Hangzhou to Huangshan North Station takes just over an hour, so you can depart and arrive on the same day, perfect for a weekend trip!

🗓️ How to enjoy a two-day trip? Follow this guide to avoid pitfalls!

【Day 1: Explore and eat at the foot of the mountain + Top-tier night tour】

1. Where to stay: 'Qiyun Mountain Baiyue Hotel' is the top choice! It's located in Qiyun Town at the foot of the mountain, right next to Xiaoyao Street. It's super convenient for buying water, snacks, and trying Huizhou-style local delicacies. After exploring at night, you can head straight back to the hotel without any hassle.
2. What to do in the afternoon: Don't just wander around from 3-4 PM! The scenic area hosts performances like the Immortal Hero Gathering, Sword Opening the Heavenly Gate, and Scholar's Championship. It feels like stepping into a wuxia drama, so remember to find a good spot in advance for amazing photos.
3. Evening highlight: Promise me, do NOT miss the night tour! The Hengjiang River Golden Dragon Dance, intangible cultural heritage Charcoal Flower Dance, Fish Lantern Parade, and the incredibly spectacular Iron Flower Show and Baiyue Fireworks Show are absolutely divine for a Huangshan night tour. Make sure you have enough phone memory!

【Day 2: 'Cultivate Immortality' on the mountain + Relaxing bamboo raft ride】

1. How to go up the mountain: It's recommended to take the cable car in the morning to save energy! From the cable car, you can overlook the entire Danxia mountain scenery, with clouds drifting among the peaks, creating a super ethereal view. Don't just focus on your phone.
2. Downhill surprise: After hiking down the mountain, you absolutely must experience the Hengjiang River bamboo raft! Sitting on the raft, feeling the breeze, and watching the mountains and waters slowly pass by on both sides allows your tired legs to relax. It's super comfortable~

🚶🏻 Hiking routes: If your stamina isn't great, choose the small loop

- Big loop (4-5 hours): Wangxian Tower → Dongtian Fudi → Shouzi Rock → Yitianmen (First Heavenly Gate) → Zhenxian Dongfu (True Immortal Cave Mansion) → Ertianmen (Second Heavenly Gate) → Santianmen (Third Heavenly Gate) → Yuehua Tianjie (Moonlight Heavenly Street) → Taisu Palace → Xiaohutian (Small Gourd Heaven) → Changsheng Tower → Yuxu Palace → Ziyun Pass → Fangla Village → Danxia Corridor → Highest Peak → Zhanggao Peak → Mengzhen Bridge → Wangxian Tower
- Practical tip: For those who don't exercise much, take the small loop: "Wangxian Tower → Yitianmen (First Heavenly Gate) → Zhenxian Dongfu (True Immortal Cave Mansion) → Yuehua Tianjie (Moonlight Heavenly Street) → Taisu Palace → Wangxian Tower." You can visit the core attractions in about 2 hours, without getting too tired, and still take beautiful photos.

📸 Must-visit spots: Don't miss these places

- Yuehua Tianjie (Moonlight Heavenly Street): An ancient Huizhou-style village built on a cliff. When there's fog in the morning, clouds drift around the houses, making it look exactly like a fairyland. It's recommended to go in the morning for photos.
- Yuxu Palace: A Taoist temple embedded directly into the rock face, ancient and awe-inspiring. Standing below and taking a panoramic shot feels incredible.
- Fangla Village: A nearly vertical isolated peak. Climbing up is a bit challenging, but standing at the top and overlooking the scenery brings a huge sense of accomplishment!
- Danxia Corridor: Red Danxia cliffs + natural stone bridges. Any photo taken here will be stunning. Come in the afternoon when the light is good for more vibrant colors.
- Highest Peak: Come here in the evening to watch the sunset. You can gaze at the entire Yuehua Tianjie from afar, with the sunset glow on the rooftops. It's so beautiful you won't want to leave.