A Pillar Holding Up the Sky in the South—National 5A Tianzhu Mountain

Tianzhu Mountain, also known as Qianshan, Wanshan, Wangongshan, Wansui Mountain, and Wanshan, is a National 5A tourist attraction located in Qianshan City, Anqing, Anhui Province, China. It is also one of the origins of Anhui Province's abbreviation "Wan." History and Culture During the Western Han Dynasty, Tianzhu Mountain was honored as "Nanyue" (Southern Peak), later replaced by Hengshan in Hunan, but it still retains the title of "Ancient Nanyue." It is also the 14th Dongtian and 57th Fudi in Taoism, with many ancient relics preserved. Additionally, the mountain holds numerous cliff inscriptions by famous literati such as Li Bai, Bai Juyi, Su Shi, and Wang Anshi. Geography and Landforms Tianzhu Mountain features unique landforms, renowned for its granite collapse landforms, encompassing almost all types of granite landscapes. The area includes 42 named peaks, 84 unnamed peaks, 18 ridges, 53 caves, 16 cliffs, 17 precipices, 7 passes, 8 pools, 3 rivers, 2 streams, 48 villages, and many famous scenic spots and historical sites. Main Attractions ● Tianzhu Peak: At an altitude of 1,489.8 meters, it is the highest peak of Tianzhu Mountain. The solitary peak rises like a pillar supporting the sky, earning the reputation of "A Pillar Holding Up the Sky." It is the core attraction of Tianzhu Mountain but cannot be climbed and can only be admired from a distance. ● Mysterious Valley: A natural maze formed by piled giant rocks, known as the "First Secret Granite Cave." It is deep and winding, with changing scenery at every turn. Walking through it offers shifting light and shadow, full of fun but physically demanding. ● Tianchi Peak and Tianzhu Peak Viewing Platform: The best spot to view Tianzhu Peak, offering a wide view on clear days. It is also an excellent place to watch the sunrise, sea of clouds, and sunset glow. ● Liandan Lake: A high mountain flat lake at 1,100 meters altitude, shrouded in mist like a fairyland. The view from above is breathtaking, and visitors can also walk along the lakeside. ● Feilai Peak: One of Tianzhu Mountain's famous peaks, known for its unique shape. ● Qinglong Back: A large, narrow ridge on the mountain. Walking on it is thrilling, ending at the "Wanjingtai" viewing platform surrounded by cliffs on three sides. When enveloped in mist, it feels like riding the clouds. Scenic Area Divisions The entire mountain is divided into nine main scenic areas: Meicheng District, Gukou District, Jiujing District, Mazu District, Liangyao District, Xiguan District, Tianzhu District, Feilai District, and Yujing District. The main scenic areas are mainly divided into two large zones: Xiguan and Dongguan, with Xiguan being the core and most refined area. Transportation Guide ● External Transportation:     ○ High-speed Rail: You can arrive at Anqing Station or Qianshan Station (Qianshan Station is closer). After exiting Qianshan Station, turn right to find a direct tourist bus to the Tianzhu Mountain Visitor Center (about 30-40 minutes), or you can choose to take a taxi.     ○ Self-driving: Navigate directly to "Tianzhu Mountain Visitor Service Center," where there is a large parking lot. ● Internal Transportation: You must take the scenic area shuttle bus from the Visitor Center to the cable car station or the hiking trail entrance (South Gate). Cable cars include the Dalongwo Cableway (main cableway, upper station at Zhenyigang), Tianzhu Mountain Cableway/Qinglongtan Cableway (connecting the Liandan Lake area and the Tianzhu Mountain Village at the foot). Travel Tips ● Best Seasons to Visit: Spring, summer, and autumn are the best seasons to visit Tianzhu Mountain. ● Travel Routes: The scenic area usually offers three routes: Xiguan Small Loop, Xiguan New Route, and Large Loop. The Xiguan Small Loop is easy and suitable for visitors with less than a day. The Xiguan New Route is a classic route covering the entire Xiguan area and requires a full day. The Large Loop offers a full view of both Dongguan and Xiguan but demands high physical fitness; it is recommended to allocate two days. ● Tickets and Cable Cars: Tickets must be purchased at the Visitor Center. There is a mountain road between the Visitor Center and the South Gate, and shuttle buses run back and forth (30 RMB). Cable car fees are 80 RMB for uphill and 60 RMB for downhill. ● Food and Accommodation: There are many small shops and stalls in the scenic area, but prices on the mountain are relatively high, so it is recommended to bring snacks and water. There are also accommodations within the scenic area, such as Tianzhu Mountain Villa, convenient for visitors planning to stay two days. Preparation Before Visiting Tianzhu Mountain Scenic Area ● Documents: Bring your ID card, as some scenic areas may offer discounts requiring proof. ● Clothing: Tianzhu Mountain is at a high altitude with relatively low temperatures. Even in summer, it is advisable to bring a light jacket. If visiting in winter, prepare thick cotton clothes, hats, gloves, and other warm clothing. ● Footwear: Choose comfortable, non-slip sports shoes or hiking boots suitable for long walks and climbing. ● Other Items: Prepare sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrella or raincoat, etc. You can also bring a lightweight backpack to carry food, water, and other essentials. Travel Route Planning One-day Tour (Xiguan Small Loop) ● Route: Visitor Center → Take shuttle bus → Dalongwo Cableway upper station → Zhenyigang → Mysterious Valley → Tianchi Peak → Baiyuetai → Xianren Cave → Qinglong Back → Lotus Peak → Liandan Lake → Take Tianzhu Mountain Cableway down → Tianzhu Mountain Villa → Take shuttle bus back to Visitor Center. ● Highlights: This route allows you to enjoy the core attractions of Tianzhu Mountain, such as the depth of Mysterious Valley and the grandeur of Tianchi Peak, with relatively low physical exertion, suitable for visitors with limited time or average fitness. One-day Tour (Xiguan New Route) ● Route: Visitor Center → Take shuttle bus → Dalongwo Cableway upper station → Zhenyigang → Mysterious Valley → Tianchi Peak → Gebitai → Yingzhen Peak → Feihu Peak → Dansha Peak → Liandan Lake → Huamei Ridge → Echo Terrace → Qinglong Back → Lotus Peak → Liandan Lake → Take Tianzhu Mountain Cableway down → Tianzhu Mountain Villa → Take shuttle bus back to Visitor Center. ● Highlights: This is the classic route of Tianzhu Mountain, covering almost all the highlights of the Xiguan scenic area, but it is a long itinerary requiring good physical fitness. Two-day Tour (Large Loop) ● Day 1: Visitor Center → Take shuttle bus → Dalongwo Cableway upper station → Zhenyigang → Mysterious Valley → Tianchi Peak → Baiyuetai → Xianren Cave → Qinglong Back → Lotus Peak → Liandan Lake → Stay overnight at a hotel near Liandan Lake. ● Day 2: Liandan Lake → Huamei Ridge → Yingzhen Peak → Feihu Peak → Dansha Peak → Dongguan Village → Datianmen → Qigu Ladder → Echo Terrace → Take Tianzhu Mountain Cableway down → Tianzhu Mountain Villa → Take shuttle bus back to Visitor Center. ● Highlights: This route allows a comprehensive appreciation of the beauty of both Dongguan and Xiguan, fully experiencing the charm of Tianzhu Mountain. The itinerary is tight and requires good physical strength and endurance. Food Recommendations ● Tianzhu Mountain Melon Seeds: A local specialty snack, crispy and nutritious. ● Shi'er Stewed Chicken: Shi'er is a specialty of Tianzhu Mountain, stewed with chicken for a delicious and nourishing taste. ● Mountain Yam Balls with Braised Pork: Made from mountain yam flour balls and braised pork belly, the balls are soft and glutinous, and the meat is fragrant. Precautions ● Safety First: Pay attention to your footing during the climb, follow the scenic area's safety regulations, and do not leave the designated routes. ● Weather Changes: The weather on Tianzhu Mountain is changeable, with possible rain or fog at any time. Check the weather forecast before traveling and carry rain gear. ● Scenic Area Capacity: During holidays and peak seasons, the scenic area can be crowded. Book tickets and accommodations in advance and plan your itinerary reasonably to avoid delays.