Located in Qianshan City, Anqing, Anhui Province, Tianzhu Mountain is a National 5A-level Scenic Spot and UNESCO Global Geopark. Covering 413.14 square kilometers, its main peak Tianzhu Feng rises 1,489.8m with majestic granite pillars. Featuring 50+ ancient structures and 400+ cliff inscriptions, the area boasts 98% forest coverage, renowned as "First Peak of Yangtze-Huai Region" and "Ancient Southern Sacred Mountain".
History & Culture
Esteemed as the original "Southern Sacred Mountain" since Han Dynasty, it hosted imperial worship ceremonies until Sui Dynasty. Over 300 poems by Li Bai and Su Shi remain, alongside Tang Dynasty rock carvings. As the meditation site of Zen Master Sengcan (Third Patriarch), Sanzu Temple remains active. The mountain also served as WWII resistance base, with revolutionary relics preserved.
Main Attractions
Tianzhu Peak
The iconic 1,489.8m granite monolith features vertical joints forming "Pillar Piercing Sky" spectacle. Clear days offer Yangtze River views, while sea of clouds creates fairyland. "Central Sky Pillar" inscription carved on cliff.
Mystery Valley
450-meter gorge connecting 54 unique granite caves. Perennially cool with "No.1 Granite Cave" fame, requiring scrambling through sites like Carefree Palace and Labyrinth Cave.
Sanzu Temple
Zen Buddhism heritage site since Liang Dynasty, where Patriarch Sengcan taught. The 7-story Octagonal Jueji Pagoda (Tang Dynasty) and 1,000-year-old ginkgo tree are highlights.
Alchemy Lake
Alpine lake at 1,100m elevation (35,000㎡). Legend says Eastern Han alchemist Zuo Ci practiced here. Crystal waters reflect peak views, with lakeside hotels ideal for sunrise photography.
Cuisine
Tianzhu Mountain Rock Fungus
Rare high-altitude lichen resembling black fungus but thicker. Stewed with free-range chicken, the clear broth was imperial tribute during Ming-Qing periods.
Qianshan Pottery-braised Pork
Local black pork belly slow-cooked 3 hours in Doumu pottery (intangible heritage). Porous clay maintains heat, rendering melt-in-mouth texture without greasiness.
Snow Lake Tribute Lotus Root
Ming Dynasty imperial gift, snow-white with crisp sweetness. Eaten raw or made into sticky rice-stuffed or powdered delicacies, perfect summer refreshment.
Tickets
Peak season (Mar-Nov): ¥130; Off-season: ¥110. Cable cars: Dalongwo ¥80(up)/¥60(down); Tianzhu round-trip ¥120. Half-price for seniors(60-65)/students, free over 65. Valid for 2 days.
Suggested Routes
1-day: Dalongwo Cableway→Zhenyigang→Mystery Valley→Tianzhu Peak→Alchemy Lake→Tianzhu Cableway. 2-day: D1 Sanzu Temple→Tea Village Center→South Gate; D2 full hiking circuit. Photographers add Dongguan Village and Lotus Peak for 3-day exploration.
Transportation
- Air: Anqing Tianzhushan Airport (60km)
- HSR: Qianshan Station→shuttle bus (30min)
- Highway: G35 Jinan-Guangzhou Expressway exit
- Shuttle: ¥30 scenic area pass (round-trip)
Must-See Spots
- Tianzhu Peak: Iconic granite pillar
- Mystery Valley: East China's most unique cave system
- Alchemy Lake: Mirror-like alpine waters
- Sanzu Temple: Zen Buddhism sacred site
Travel Tips
- May-Jun for azaleas, Oct-Nov for cloud seas
- Wear anti-slip hiking shoes for granite steps
- Reach Alchemy Lake by 6am for sunrise shots
- Carry sufficient water (limited vendors uphill)
- Download offline maps (spotty signal areas)
Precautions
- No climbing exposed cliffs during thunderstorms
- Assess fitness for Mystery Valley narrow passages
- Protect geological features (no carving)
- Avoid feeding wild macaques (food-snatching)
- Prepare for 10℃ temperature drops at summit