National Geographic didn't lie to me, this place is truly a fairyland on earth

Here's a Trip.com travel guide for Tiantangzhai Scenic Area:

Basic Information

- Location: Situated at the border of Luotian County in Hubei and Jinzhai County in Anhui, it's one of the main peaks of the Dabie Mountains and currently a National 5A-level Scenic Area and UNESCO Global Geopark.
- Best time to visit: April to October when waterfalls are at their fullest, vegetation is lush, and scenery is most beautiful. Summer is ideal for escaping heat, while autumn offers stunning red foliage.

Transportation Guide

- Self-drive: About 2.5-3.5 hours from Hefei, 2-3 hours from Wuhan.
- Public transport: Take high-speed rail to Jinzhai Station or Wuhan Station first, then transfer to scenic area shuttle buses.

Ticket Information

- Hubei entrance: Adult ticket ¥100 (includes scenic shuttle).
- Anhui entrance: ¥115 (includes waterfall group electric cart). Tickets from two provinces are currently not interchangeable.

Accommodation Suggestions

- Mountain-top hotels: Like Tiantangzhai Resort, convenient for sunrise viewing but requires advance booking.
- Foot-of-mountain homestays: Affordable with diverse options, some offering local cuisine like "Yunzhi Farmhouse".

Must-Visit Attractions

- Waterfall Group: Jiuying Waterfall with 71m drop is spectacular in rainy season; Xieyu Waterfall resembles pouring jade, perfect for photos; Lovers' Waterfall features romantic couple lock bridge.
- White Horse Grand Canyon: 6km long with cliffside plank paths and canyon suspension bridges, including a glass walkway overlooking thousand-meter abyss.
- Main Peak Area: Summit offers "one foot in two provinces" experience with panoramic views of Hubei and Anhui, plus the provincial border monument.
- Philosopher Peak: Natural rock formation resembling a philosopher's head, one of the best cloud sea viewing spots.

Food Recommendations

- Hanging Pot Feast: Slow-cooked local chicken, cured meat, and wild vegetables with rich flavors.
- Guanyin Tofu: Made from wild Guanyin leaves, smooth texture with heat-clearing properties.
- General's Vegetable: Local wild greens, often cooked with meat, packed with nutrients.

Itinerary Planning

- One-day tour: Morning scenic shuttle to waterfall group, then White Horse Peak plank path; simple lunch in scenic area; afternoon cable car or hike to main peak for Dabie Mountain panorama.
- Two-day tour: Day 1 visit waterfall group and White Horse Grand Canyon, overnight in scenic area; Day 2 sunrise at Philosopher Peak, summit main peak, afternoon optional rafting or visit to Liu-Deng Army Headquarters site.

Important Notes

- Weather & gear: Mountain weather changes quickly - bring waterproof jacket, anti-slip hiking shoes, trekking poles, sunscreen, etc.
- Safety: Some steep sections - follow park rules and avoid undeveloped areas.
- Environmental protection: Picking wild orchids or azaleas is prohibited. Maintain cleanliness, no littering.