Tiantangzhai (Paradise Village) Scenic Area straddles Jinzhai County (Anhui) and Luotian County (Hubei), recognized as a National 5A-level Tourist Attraction and Nature Reserve. Its main peak reaches 1,729.13m, the second highest in Dabie Mountains, covering 120km² with 96.5% forest coverage. Renowned for granite peaks, cloud seas, waterfalls, and revolutionary heritage, it's hailed as "Last Primeval Forest in East China" and "Strategic Pass between Ancient Wu-Chu States".
History & Culture
Originally called "Cloudy Mountain", it gained fame when Wen Tianxiang built anti-Mongol fortresses here in late Song Dynasty. The Yuan-era peasant leader Xu Shouhui established Tianwan Regime here, leaving ancient walls and caves. In 1947, Liu-Deng Army established frontline headquarters during revolutionary wars. Geologically, it preserves 130-million-year-old granite formations from North China-Yangtze plate collision.
Main Attractions
White Horse Grand Canyon
6km-long gorge with 800m elevation drop features 5 waterfall groups, including 71m Nine-Shadow Falls. Glacial striations visible on cliffs, with rainbows arching over plunge pools in wet season.
Philosopher Peak
1,690m granite cluster resembling a giant's profile. Viewing platform offers cross-province vistas, with Dabie five-needle pines growing in crevices. Mist transforms it into floating mirage.
Main Peak
Second highest Dabie summit with ancient crater remains and provincial boundary marker. The 3.5km trail passes Silver Bow Falls and Lovers Peak, showcasing Davidia involucrata and Cercidiphyllum japonicum.
Liu-Deng Army Headquarters
1947 revolutionary site in former Zhou Clan Ancestral Hall. Displays 200+ artifacts including battle maps and radios, with restored bedrooms and conference rooms. Ancient cypress planted by General Liu Bocheng.
Cuisine
Hanging Pot Feast
Dabie Mountain specialty: layered cured pork, bamboo shoots, and tofu slow-cooked over charcoal for 4 hours. "Three Layers" style concentrates flavors in broth.
Guanyin Tofu
Jelly made from Premna microphylla leaves, emerald-green and rich in pectin. Legend says Guanyin taught famine relief recipe, served with chili-garlic sauce.
Jinzhai Black Pork
Free-range mountain pork with marbled texture. Braised to melt-in-mouth tenderness, awarded National Geographical Indication certification.
Tickets
Year-round ¥100, shuttle bus ¥28 (round-trip). Cable cars: Tianping Peak ¥70/one-way, White Horse Gorge ¥60. Seniors(60-65)/students half-price, free over 65/under 1.2m. Valid 48 hours.
Suggested Routes
1-day: Main Gate→Waterfalls→White Horse Trail→Philosopher Peak→Summit. 2-day: D1 canyon & revolutionary sites; D2 sunrise hike + primeval forest. Autumn adds Tianping Peak maple viewing.
Transportation
- Air: Hefei Xinqiao Airport→Jinzhai shuttle (2hrs)
- HSR: Jinzhai Station→scenic shuttle (1.5hrs)
- Highway: Shanghai-Chengdu Expressway exit→S209 Provincial Rd
- Shuttle: 15-minute intervals
Must-See Spots
- White Horse Canyon: Waterfall clusters & glacial marks
- Philosopher Peak: Granite wonder
- Wu-Chu View Deck: Straddling two provinces
- Magpie Bridge: 1,314m-altitude glass walkway
Travel Tips
- May for rhododendrons, October for fall foliage
- Waterproof shoes for waterfall spray
- Prepare jackets (a temperature difference of 15 degrees)
- Download offline maps (spotty signal)
- Visit dawn/dusk for cloud seas
Precautions
- High trails close during thunderstorms
- No wading in water sources
- Do not pick protected plants
- Avoid feeding wild macaques
- Heed cliffside safety warnings