Mount Tianzhu

A UNESCO Global Geopark famed for its dramatic peaks and strange rocks, Mount Tianzhu — once known as the "Southern Sacred Mountain" — offers the Mysterious Valley and Liandan Lake in southwestern Anhui, a quieter alternative to Huangshan.

Mount Tianzhu lies in the west of Qianshan, Anqing, Anhui Province. Its main peak, Tianzhu Peak (1,489.8 m), soars like a pillar holding up the sky. Emperor Wu of Han climbed it to perform rites and named it the "Southern Sacred Mountain" (after the Sui dynasty transferred that title to Mount Heng, it became known as the "Ancient Southern Sacred Mountain"), and Anhui's abbreviation "Wan" derives from here (the ancient State of Wan and Mount Wangong). It is a textbook example of granite peak-forest landscape, was named a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2011 and is a national AAAAA-rated scenic area. It is also where Sengcan, the Third Patriarch of Chan (Zen) Buddhism, taught, and the setting of the classic tale "The Peacock Flies Southeast" — rich in cultural heritage, yet far less crowded than Huangshan. The scenic area divides into the main peak zone (Tianzhu Peak, Tianchi Peak, Feilai Peak, the Mysterious Valley, Liandan Lake and Zongguan Fort) and the foothills (Sanzu Temple in Yezhai Town and the cliff inscriptions of Shangu Liuquan). The climate is mild and humid; Apr–May (azaleas and fresh greenery) and Sep–Nov (autumn colors) are the best seasons, summer on the mountain is cool enough for a heat escape, and winter often brings rime and snow. Getting there: take a high-speed train from Hefei South or Anqing to Qianshan Station (about 1 hour from Hefei), then a bus or taxi (about 30 minutes) to the East Gate or South Gate visitor center; Anqing Tianzhushan Airport is about 1 hour's drive from the scenic area. The classic route: from the East Gate visitor center take the shuttle to Dalongwo, ride the cable car up, and follow the loop Liandan Lake – Tianchi Peak – Duxian Bridge – Mysterious Valley – foot of Tianzhu Peak – Zongguan Fort, about 5–6 hours in total; you can then walk down the trail toward Sanzu Temple. Allow 2 days and 1 night: one day for the main peaks, one for Sanzu Temple and downtown Qianshan (Taiping Pagoda, Qianshan Museum). Admission is about ¥130 in regular/peak season and about ¥110 in the winter season, valid for two days; the Dalongwo cable car costs about ¥80 up and ¥60 down (check official sources). Tips: the very summit is closed to visitors, so you can only take in the views from below Tianzhu Peak; the Mysterious Valley involves squeezing through caves formed by collapsed granite boulders — narrow and dark, so carry a small bag, and expect long queues on holidays; accommodation on the mountain is limited, so book ahead in peak season. Local specialties include Qianshan Shu bamboo mats, Tianzhu Jianhao tea and Doumu pottery.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries