Anhui's National 5A Scenic Spot: The Towering Pillar, a Fairyland Shrouded in Clouds

Mount Tianzhu, located in Qianshan County, Anqing City, Anhui Province, is a national 5A tourist attraction and a world geological park. It is famous for its unique peaks, strange rocks, sea of clouds, and hot springs, and is known as the "No. 1 Mountain in Jianghuai".

Best time to visit: Spring and autumn (April–May, September–October) have a pleasant climate and the most beautiful scenery. Summer is also good for escaping the heat, and winter offers snow scenery.

❤Reasons to visit:

1. Tianzhu Peak: 1489.8m above sea level, it is the highest peak of Mount Tianzhu and is shaped like a towering pillar.
2. Mysterious Valley: 450m long, it consists of 54 caves and is known as the "No. 1 Strange Valley in East China".
3. Liandan Lake: A high-mountain lake 1,100m above sea level with crystal-clear water.
4. Feilai Peak: The huge rock looks like it flew in from the sky, which is very spectacular.
5. Sanzu Temple: One of the ancestral temples of Zen Buddhism, it was built in the Liang Dynasty of the Southern Dynasties.

Recommended route:
One-day tour: South Gate - Tianzhu Mountain Villa - Mysterious Valley - Tianzhu Peak - Liandan Lake - Downhill
Two-day tour: Visit Xiguan (Mysterious Valley, Tianzhu Peak, etc.) on the first day and Dongguan (Feilai Peak, Sanzu Temple, etc.) on the second day.

🚉Transportation:

1. High-speed train: Take the train to Anqing Station or Qianshan Station, and then transfer to a tourist bus.
2. Self-driving: From the Hefei direction, take the He'an Expressway to the Qianshan exit, which is about a 2.5-hour drive.

Accommodation recommendations:
1. Tianzhu Mountain Villa (on the mountain, convenient for watching the sunrise)
2. Qianshan city hotels (affordable and with many choices)

Featured cuisine:
1. Tianzhu Stone Fungus: Local specialty mountain delicacy
2. Qianshan Chestnut: Sweet and delicious
3. Yam Balls: Local snack made with yam flour
4. Tianzhu Wild Tea: High mountain cloud tea

📝Important tips:

1. The temperature difference on the mountain is large, so bring a coat.
2. Some sections are steep, so it is recommended to wear non-slip shoes.
3. Book accommodation in advance during the peak season.
4. Protect the environment and do not litter.

Suggested duration: 1–2 days