"Just a quick phone snap, and my friends all asked if I'd gone abroad!"

🌿 Ultimate Travel Guide to Guniujiang | Anhui's "Little Jiuzhaigou"! Pristine forests, emerald pools, and secluded waterfalls—a hidden paradise with fewer crowds!

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📍 Where is Guniujiang?
Located in Shitai County, Chizhou City, Anhui Province, about 2 hours from Huangshan, Guniujiang is a national nature reserve often called "Anhui's Little Jiuzhaigou."

✅ Why Visit?
✔ Fewer tourists, low commercialization, and an untouched natural experience
✔ Crystal-clear waters with jade-green pools rivaling Jiuzhaigou
✔ High forest coverage, average summer temp of 23°C—perfect for escaping the heat
✔ Great for hiking, water play, and photography—easy and photogenic

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🚗 Getting There
1. How to Reach Guniujiang?
- ✈️ Flight: Fly to Hefei Xinqiao Airport or Huangshan Tunxi Airport, then rent a car/take a bus (self-driving recommended)
- 🚄 High-speed rail: Take a train to Chizhou Station, transfer to a bus to Shitai County (~1.5 hours), then taxi to the scenic area
- 🚗 Self-drive: Navigate to "Shitai Guniujiang Scenic Area"—~3.5 hours from Hefei, ~2 hours from Huangshan

2. Transport Inside the Scenic Area
- Shuttle buses available (recommended to save energy)
- Clear hiking trails, suitable for light exploration

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🏨 Accommodation Recommendations
Most stays near Guniujiang are guesthouses or farm stays. Top picks:
- Luxury in-park: Guniujiang Julong Hotel (great views, mountains right outside your window)
- Budget-friendly: Shitai Xiyuan Guesthouse, Shanshuijian Farmstay (200-400💰/night, breakfast included)
- Camping: Some areas allow camping (inquire in advance)

📌 Tip: Book early during peak season (May-Oct)!

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🏞️ Must-Do Routes & Attractions
1. Guniujiang Core Scenic Area (Highly Recommended!)
- Longmen Pool: Emerald waters, crystal-clear, perfect for photos
- Sidie Waterfall: Tiered cascades, majestic and powerful
- Yanjia Ancient Village: Hui-style architecture, great for cultural shots

2. Hiking Routes (For Adventurers)
- Easy route: Longmen Pool → Sidie Waterfall → Yanjia Village (2-3 hours)
- Challenging route: Main Peak Loop (5-6 hours, for fit hikers)

3. Best Water Play Spots
- Longmen Pool: Wade in the super-clear water, great for photos
- Fairy Pool: Quiet and serene, ideal for relaxing

4. Photo Hotspots
- Longmen Pool Wooden Bridge: Overhead shots of the emerald water = insta-worthy
- Sidie Waterfall Viewing Deck: Best spot for full waterfall views
- Yanjia Village Alleys: Hui-style architecture + mountain backdrops

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🍲 Food Recs
1. Must-Try Local Dishes
- Shitai Yipin Pot: Hearty local stew, rich and flavorful
- Qiupu River Fish🐟: Wild small fish, crispy and fresh
- Bamboo Shoots with Pork🥩: Spring bamboo + local pork = perfection!

2. Recommended Restaurants
- Farm stays near the scenic area: Fresh ingredients, near Yanjia Village
- Shitai County Food Street: More options, budget-friendly

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⚠️ Pro Tips
1. Wear anti-slip shoes! Some paths are slippery—opt for sneakers.
2. Bring bug spray! Mosquitoes are plentiful in the forest.
3. Visit on sunny days! Rain makes trails tricky and water murky.
4. Pack snacks! Limited dining options inside the park.

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📅 Best Time to Visit
- Apr-Jun: Lush greenery, strong waterfalls
- Jul-Aug: Summer retreat, avg. 23°C
- Sep-Oct: Autumn colors, ideal for hiking

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💡 Suggested 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive → Longmen Pool water play → Sidie Waterfall → Yanjia Village → Stay overnight
Day 2: Hike Main Peak Loop (or relax at Fairy Pool) → Depart

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Guniujiang is a hidden gem for summer escapes, hiking, photography, and unwinding—visit before it gets crowded! 🌳💦

📌 Bookmark this guide for a smooth, hassle-free trip!