Location: Anhui · Qiyun Mountain Friendly reminder: This is not Huangshan, it’s the Taoist sacred mountain of southern Anhui! I used to think Huangshan was the pinnacle of beauty

📍 Location: Anhui · Qiyun Mountain
📢 Friendly reminder: This is not Huangshan, it’s the Taoist sacred mountain of southern Anhui!

I used to think Huangshan was already the peak of beauty until I encountered Qiyun Mountain and realized that autumn mountains can be so “well-dressed.” Layers of Danxia red, autumn gold, and sea of clouds white overlap like someone spilled a palette of colors across the mountains. The best part—few people and beautiful scenery, you can finish the essential route in just 3 hours. It’s truly an autumn treasure!

🚗 Transportation & Tickets (Budget version)

- Take the high-speed train to Huangshan North Station, then transfer to a 20 RMB tourist shuttle bus directly to Qiyun Mountain Town, or carpool for 30 RMB to the scenic area entrance
- Tickets booked one day in advance cost only 58 RMB! The combo ticket (admission + round-trip cable car) is 115 RMB, offering great value
- For the physically fit, you can challenge yourself by hiking up the Xiake Ancient Trail
💡 Hidden perk: Staying at a mountaintop guesthouse saves you from paying the entrance fee again and lets you easily grab the best spot for sunrise

🍂 Autumn Must-Visit Spots (Avoiding pitfalls route)
☀️ Daytime Highlights (about 4 hours)

- Yuehua Tianjie: The village hanging on the mountainside is full of charm! Strings of chili peppers and corn hang on white walls and black tiles, and grains arranged in a Bagua pattern inside bamboo trays create a strong autumn atmosphere
- Zhenxian Cave: Touch the “Heavenly Divine Beauty” cliff inscriptions, and explore the natural rock cave hiding relics of Taoist priests from various dynasties. The Danxia cliff walls look like burning flames under the sunlight
- Cliffside Plank Road: Walk on the thousand-meter suspended walkway with a sea of clouds swirling beneath your feet and distant peaks like a sleeping dragon. Every photo looks like a poster for a fantasy martial arts drama
- Yuxu Palace: Listen to the morning bell and evening drum, find the stele inscription written by Tang Bohu, and take stunning photos of the red sandstone archway under the autumn sun

🌙 Nighttime Hidden Activities
Don’t leave early! The scenic area offers free night tours. When the lights come on, watch the fish lantern parade. On weekends, there’s also the intangible cultural heritage performance of iron flower forging, where sparks flying create breathtaking moments

🍲 Food & Accommodation Without Regrets

- Recommended stay: Yun Yin Ju on Yuehua Street, with peaks right outside your window. The owner even provides hiking sticks. 380 RMB/night including breakfast offers great value
- Must-try dishes:
✔️ Laba Tofu with Braised Pork: The aroma of tofu mixed with meat juice, the most fragrant home-style mountain dish!
✔️ Spring Water Fish: Freshly caught and cooked, tender meat without any earthy taste
✔️ Mountain Spring Water Coffee: 28 RMB per cup of Yirgacheffe, half the price of the city

⚠️ Pitfall Warnings

- Prices at mountain convenience stores are high, so bring some snacks. Lunch at the guesthouse costs about 65 RMB per person
- Get up early for sunrise! Secure a spot at Wangxian Platform before 6 AM. The view of the sea of clouds and the red sun rising over the peaks will be unforgettable for a year
- Wear non-slip shoes! The plank road is slippery when wet. Bring a light jacket as temperatures vary greatly between morning and evening in the mountains

📌 Practical Tips

- To capture the full autumn drying scene, arrive at Yuehua Tianjie before 9 AM when the light is soft and there are fewer tourists
- The sea of clouds mostly appears in the early morning and after rain, so check the weather before you come
- If you like photography, bring a wide-angle lens to capture the cliff plank road and sea of clouds for a stunning effect

Autumn at Qiyun Mountain really offers few crowds and beautiful scenery. You can enjoy natural wonders and experience the local Huizhou lifestyle. Escape the city on weekends, come here to breathe fresh air, take photos, and daydream—it’s truly healing!

Post by DiscoverTheUnknown | Oct 16, 2025