I originally thought Huangshan was beautiful, until I came here～

I once believed Huangshan was the ultimate earthly beauty, but only after stepping into Qiyun Mountain, the Taoist sacred mountain in southern Anhui, did I understand what "the great way is simple" truly means. In autumn, Qiyun Mountain seems as if an immortal has spilled a palette of colors—red cliffs, golden autumn grains, and silver waves of clouds weave into a flowing painting. Even better, you can see the highlights in just 3 hours. Here’s a personally tested guide for you.

🚗 Travel Tips
Take the high-speed train to Huangshan North Station, then transfer to a tourist shuttle bus (20 yuan) directly to Qiyun Mountain Town, or share a ride for 30 yuan to reach the scenic area. Book tickets one day in advance for only 58 yuan; the recommended 115 yuan combo ticket includes round-trip cable car rides. Those with good stamina can challenge the Xiake Ancient Trail by hiking up. Tip: Staying at a mountaintop guesthouse not only waives the second entrance fee but also gives you the prime spot for sunrise viewing.

🍂 Autumn Stroll Guide
▫️ Yuehua Sky Street — A Peach Blossom Village Hanging on the Cliff
White walls and black tiles hang chili peppers and golden corn; bamboo plaques display grains arranged in a Taiji pattern, turning Huizhou’s autumn drying tradition into an art form.

▫️ True Immortal Cave — Touch the Millennium Taoist Charm
The cliff inscription "Heaven Opens Divine Beauty" still exudes immortal aura; inside the red rock cave lie the relics of Taoist monks’ pure cultivation, and the red cliff glows like blazing flames in the sunset.

▫️ Cliffside Plank Road — Walk the Sky Path Among Clouds
A thousand-meter sky-high walkway overlooks rolling cloud waves; distant mountains lie like dormant azure dragons, and every corner is a perfect scene for a fantasy martial arts film.

▫️ Yuxu Palace — Listen to the Echoes of Time
Seek out Tang Bohu’s authentic inscriptions between morning bells and evening drums; the red sandstone archway dances with light and shadow under the autumn sun in a perfect symphony.

🌌 Secret Realm Night Never Ends
The real show begins after sunset! Among the free night tours, the glowing fish lantern parade is dreamlike and magical. Don’t miss the weekend intangible cultural heritage iron flower performance—when molten iron splashes, the night sky blooms with a thousand-year star river.

🍲 Food & Lodging Elegance
→ Stay at "Yunyinju" on Yuehua Street, with windows opening to embrace the stunning peaks, 380 yuan/night including breakfast and a complimentary hiking stick.
→ Must-try: Laba tofu with braised pork, where the bean fragrance and meat juices mingle in a clay pot; freshly caught spring water fish is tender and fresh without any fishy taste, paired with a 28 yuan cup of mountain spring hand-brewed Yirgacheffe coffee, offering great value beyond city cafes.

⚠️ Thoughtful Reminders
• Mountain shops are expensive; it’s recommended to bring your own snacks. Dining at guesthouses costs about 65 yuan per person for authentic Huizhou flavors.
• For sunrise viewing, arrive at Wangxian Terrace before 6 AM; the spectacular scene of the sea of clouds supporting the red sun is worth waking up early.
• Non-slip shoes and a light jacket are essential; the plank road is slippery when wet, and the mountain’s day-night temperature difference feels like crossing two seasons.

Autumn at Qiyun Mountain is like a forgotten fairyland, offering both spectacular landscapes and the warmth of human life. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, this is the perfect place to blend your worries into the sea of clouds and entrust your thoughts to the autumn breeze. Feel free to share your stories with this sacred mountain in the comments—