Overview
Tianzhu Mountain (天柱山), located in Qianshan County, Anhui, is a AAAAA-rated scenic area and UNESCO Global Geopark (2011). Its 1,488.4m Tianzhu Peak resembles a "pillar propping the sky," named by Emperor Wu of Han (106 BC) as "Nanyue" (Southern Sacred Mountain). Spanning 82.46 km², it features 42 granite peaks, waterfalls, and ancient forests (97% coverage).
Key Highlights
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Natural Wonders
- "Four Marvels": Sea of clouds, sunrise, Buddha’s halo, and sacred lights at Tiantai Peak.
- Geological Uniqueness: World’s largest ultra-high-pressure metamorphic belt with "collapsed pile" rock formations.
- Biodiversity: Home to 216 rare species, including macaques and medicinal plants.
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Cultural & Historical Treasures
- Buddhist Legacy: Sanzu Temple (Tang Dynasty), the ancestral temple of Chinese Zen’s third patriarch.
- Literary Fame: Inspired poets like Li Bai ("Like a heavenly river, its green water embroidering hibiscuses").
- Ancient Relics: Stone Ox Cave petroglyphs and Huacheng Temple’s Ming-Qing inscriptions.
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Must-Visit Sites
- Mysterious Valley: "First granite wonder" with labyrinthine caves.
- Liandan Lake: China’s third-largest mountain lake.
- Qianhe River Drifting: "Best Yangtze-Huaihe rafting experience".
Visitor Experience
- Activities:
- Hiking: Cable cars (¥40 one-way) to Tiantai Peak for panoramic views.
- Cultural Tours: Explore Huacheng Temple and Baisui Palace (mummified monks).
- Best Time: March–November (spring blooms, autumn clouds).
- Tickets: ¥150 (peak season), ¥110 (off-season).
- Transport:
- From Hefei: 2-hour bus (¥70) to Qianshan, then local shuttle.
- From Huangshan: 3-hour drive via G3 Expressway.
Preservation & Recognition
- Eco-Initiatives: 97% forest coverage with "air vitamin" (negative ions 3× national standard).
- UNESCO Status: Awarded for geological and cultural significance (2011).
Tianzhu Mountain is a harmony of Daoist tranquility, Buddhist devotion, and geological marvels—a must-visit for nature lovers and culture seekers alike.
