Caishiji Scenic Area is located on the eastern bank of the Yangtze River, about 5 kilometers southwest of Ma'anshan City, Anhui Province. As a national 5A-level tourist attraction covering 3.2 square kilometers, it centers around Caishiji, known as the "First of the Three Cliffs on the Yangtze", combining natural landscapes with cultural history, making it a famous scenic spot integrating mountain and water scenery, historical relics, and poetic culture.
History and Culture
Caishiji, anciently called Niuzhuji, is one of the "Three Cliffs on the Yangtze" along with Chenglingji in Yueyang and Yanziji in Nanjing, and has been a strategic military site since ancient times. During the Three Kingdoms period, Eastern Wu general Zhou Yu trained his navy here; Southern Song general Yu Yunwen defeated the Jin troops here, achieving the famous "Great Victory at Caishi".
Caishiji is also an important landmark in Chinese poetic culture. The great Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai visited Caishiji many times, composing renowned poems such as "Mooring at Niuzhu at Night", and eventually died here after drunkenly trying to catch the moon's reflection in the river. Later generations built Taibai Tower and Li Bai Memorial Hall on the cliff to commemorate him.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Caishiji became a sacred place for literati to reminisce about the past, leaving numerous poems, inscriptions, and cliff carvings, forming a unique "Caishi poetry culture" and earning the title "Poetry City on the Yangtze".
Main Attractions
Taibai Tower
First built in the Tang Dynasty to commemorate the poet Li Bai (styled Taibai), the current Taibai Tower is a reconstruction from the Qing Dynasty. The 18-meter-high tower with three layers of upturned eaves offers panoramic views of the Yangtze River. Exhibits inside showcase Li Bai's life and poetry, making it the landmark of Caishiji.
Sanyuan Cave
Sanyuan Cave is a natural karst cave on Caishiji, named after the legend that three Tang Dynasty scholars studied here and all passed the imperial examinations. Known as the "First Cave in Jiangnan", its winding depths feature dozens of historical inscriptions by literati, possessing high artistic value.
Li Bai Memorial Hall
Built in 1985, Li Bai Memorial Hall houses over a thousand artifacts including Li Bai's handwritten poems, historical editions of his poetry collections, and related cultural relics, comprehensively displaying his poetic achievements and life story, making it an important site for Li Bai cultural research.
Caishiji Cliff Carvings
Caishiji preserves more than 30 cliff carvings from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, mostly poems praising Caishiji by historical literati. With diverse calligraphy styles, they hold high historical and artistic value, earning the title "Open-air Calligraphy Museum".
First Cliff on the Yangtze
Jutting into the river with steep cliffs, the strategically important Caishiji has been called the "First Cliff on the Yangtze" since ancient times. The viewing platform on the cliff offers close-up views of the mighty Yangtze River and bustling boat traffic.
Featured Activities
Caishiji Poetry Gathering
Held annually on the Double Ninth Festival, the Caishiji Poetry Gathering invites poets and scholars nationwide to compose poems, commemorate Li Bai, and promote Chinese poetic culture, becoming a renowned poetry event in China.
Li Bai Birthday Commemoration
On the 16th day of the first lunar month (Li Bai's birthday), the scenic area holds worship ceremonies, poetry readings, and cultural lectures to honor this great poet.
Yangtze Tidal Bore Festival
Around the 18th day of the eighth lunar month, the Yangtze Tidal Bore Festival allows visitors to witness the spectacular tidal phenomenon when the Qiantang River bore enters the Yangtze.
Local Cuisine and Specialties
Caishiji Tea Dried Tofu
A traditional local soybean product made from premium soybeans through multiple processes, Caishiji Tea Dried Tofu has delicate texture and rich bean flavor, making it an excellent tea accompaniment.
Yangtze Swordfish
A specialty from nearby Yangtze waters, Yangtze Swordfish has tender, delicious meat, especially plump around Qingming Festival. Best steamed or braised, it's a seasonal spring delicacy.
Taibai Drunken Duck
A local dish made with quality mallard duck marinated in rice wine, Taibai Drunken Duck has tender meat and rich wine aroma, said to be Li Bai's favorite drinking companion.
Ticket Information
Admission to Caishiji Scenic Area is 80 yuan per person, with half-price discounts for students and seniors. Open daily 8:00-17:30, recommended visiting time is 3-4 hours. Separate tickets are required for Taibai Tower and Li Bai Memorial Hall.
Recommended Tour Route
Recommended route: Main entrance → Taibai Tower → Li Bai Memorial Hall → Sanyuan Cave → Caishiji Cliff Carvings → First Cliff on the Yangtze Viewing Platform → Exit. This route provides a comprehensive understanding of Caishiji's history, culture, and natural scenery, suggesting cultural sites in the morning and Yangtze views in the afternoon.
Transportation Guide
- Self-driving: About 15 minutes west from downtown Ma'anshan along Yanjiang Avenue
- Public bus: Take bus routes 4, 26, or Tourist Line 1 directly to the scenic area
- High-speed rail: Take high-speed rail to Ma'anshan East Station, then transfer by bus or taxi (about 20 minutes)
Must-See Attractions
- Taibai Tower - Landmark commemorating poet Li Bai
- Sanyuan Cave - Famous Jiangnan cave with numerous historical inscriptions
- First Cliff on the Yangtze - Best spot for Yangtze River views
Travel Tips
- Best seasons are spring and autumn; avoid rainy season and extreme heat
- Consider hiring a guide for deeper historical insights
- Wear comfortable shoes as some sites require hiking
- Bring a camera for great shots of Yangtze scenery and ancient architecture
- Allow time to sample local river delicacies
Precautions
- Protect cultural relics - do not touch carvings or exhibits
- Smoking and open flames are prohibited in the scenic area
- Be careful near the river and do not climb over railings
- Respect historical culture and avoid loud noises
- Some outdoor sites may close in rainy weather