A mountain’s fame doesn’t come from its height, but from its immortals—My carefree travel guide to Qiyun Mountain

When it comes to famous mountains in Anhui, the first that comes to mind is definitely Huangshan. But today, I want to tell you about another “hidden gem” mountain—Qiyun Mountain. It’s not as renowned as Huangshan, yet it has a unique tranquility and immortal aura, perfect for those wanting to escape the crowds and quietly experience Taoist culture and Danxia landforms. I visited recently and had an amazing experience—here’s a fresh guide for you! First, how to get there. Qiyun Mountain is in Xiuning County, Huangshan City, and transportation is quite convenient. If you take the high-speed train to “Huangshan North Station,” you can transfer right outside to a direct tourist bus to the Qiyun Mountain Scenic Area, about a half-hour ride. If you’re coming from Huangshan city center (Tunxi), you can take a taxi or shuttle bus, enjoying the picturesque Huizhou-style countryside along the way, which quickly relaxes your mood. When you arrive at the foot of the mountain, don’t rush to climb! First, check out the ancient “Dengfeng Bridge.” This large stone bridge has a long history; walking on it feels like touching the traces of time. After crossing, I recommend taking the cable car up the mountain. This isn’t laziness—the cable car has a glass bottom, and as you slowly ascend, it’s like a giant landscape painting unfolding beneath you: red rock walls, lush green fields, and winding Heng River, so beautiful you’ll forget to blink. The core area at the summit is called “Yuehua Street.” This isn’t an ordinary street—it’s a natural village built on a cliff, where Taoist priests and residents live together, known as “Heavenly Street.” Walking on the bluestone path, flanked by white walls and black tiles, ancient Taoist temples with incense smoke curling and bells softly ringing, you’ll immediately feel like you’ve stepped into a paradise. Here are some must-see spots: · Zhenxian Cave Residence: The cliffs are covered with cliff inscriptions, with calligraphy from masters of various dynasties, making it an open-air calligraphy museum. Looking up at the large characters carved into the red rock is truly breathtaking. · Xianglu Peak: Right beside Yuehua Street, this standalone peak has a pavilion on top that looks just like an incense burner. Climbing up takes some effort, but the view is unbeatable and it’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset. · Yuxu Palace: Located under Zixiao Cliff, this is a typical Taoist temple nestled inside a huge Danxia rock cave, very unique, and you can deeply feel the strong Taoist cultural atmosphere. As for the route, my suggestion is: take the cable car up in the morning, explore the core areas like Yuehua Street, Zhenxian Cave Residence, and Yuxu Palace. For lunch, find a farmhouse restaurant on Heavenly Street to try fresh seasonal vegetables and local dishes. In the afternoon, take the hiking loop on the back mountain, visiting places like “Xiao Hutian” and “Wulao Peak,” which are quiet and pristine. If you have good stamina, you can walk down, passing sights like “Yitian Gate” and “Mengzhen Bridge,” with streams flowing along the way, offering a special charm. If you’re tired, just take the cable car back down easily. Finally, a few tips: 1. Wear a pair of absolutely comfortable shoes! There are many mountain steps, and good shoes can save you. 2. The mountain weather changes quickly—bring a lightweight jacket to protect against sudden wind, rain, or sun. 3. Although mobile payments are convenient, carry some small cash for buying water or souvenirs on the mountain. 4. Qiyun Mountain is a Taoist holy site; please keep quiet when visiting temples and respect the religious rules. Overall, Qiyun Mountain is a place that asks you to slow down and savor it with your heart. Its beauty lies not in steepness, but in the harmonious blend of natural wonders, cultural heritage, and pastoral life. If you’re tired of crowded popular spots and want a peaceful place to relax your soul, Qiyun Mountain will definitely not disappoint. Set off and breathe in the immortal air—be a carefree wanderer for half a day!