Tianzhu Grand Canyon

Tianzhu Grand Canyon

Tianzhu Grand Canyon is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Tianzhu Grand Canyon is adjacent to the main peak scenic area of Tianzhu Mountain, situated between the Sanzu Temple and Foguang Temple scenic areas. It is an important water resource attraction of Tianzhu Mountain, where its beautiful waterfalls, pools, streams, and lakes complement the majestic peaks, peculiar rocks, and exotic pines of the main peak area.

Tianzhu Grand Canyon is situated in Tianzhu Mountain, also known as Wan Mountain, which is located in Qianshan County in the southwestern part of Anhui Province. It got its name from the main peak that "stands like a single pillar holding up the sky."

In 106 BC, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty honored it as the "Southern Sacred Mountain" during his southern inspection tour, but it was later abolished by an edict from Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty, hence it is revered as the "Ancient Southern Sacred Mountain." It was also the fief of the Wan State during the Spring and Autumn Period, with the mountain named Wan Mountain and the river named Wan River. The abbreviation "Wan" for Anhui Province originates from this. The Tianzhu Mountain scenic area features "majestic peaks, peculiar rocks, mysterious caves, and beautiful waters," combining the grandeur of northern mountains with the beauty of southern ones, along with rich cultural landscapes. It is a National Key Scenic Area, National Forest Park, National 4A-level Tourist Attraction, and National Geopark.

There is also a story about the development of Tianzhu Grand Canyon: It is said that many years ago, a local veteran used the severance pay he received after retiring from the military to approach the village committee with a proposal to contract this valley. Relying on his hard work, he developed Tianzhu Grand Canyon, which is why the scenic area is owned by the local village committee. The facilities here are quite basic—visitors should bring plenty of water before entering. There is water for sale inside, but you’ll only find one shop at the very end, and the prices are extremely high.

The canyon has a drop of over 200 meters, with steep cliffs and rapid waters. Groups of waterfalls of varying sizes cascade down, with large ones plunging from great heights in a majestic display, while smaller ones twist and turn with graceful charm. The Tongtian Waterfall has a drop of 100 meters and is considered a unique wonder of East China.

The numerous pools come in various shapes and are charmingly beautiful. Pictographic rocks such as "Lion Looking Back," "Buddha Listening to the Waves," and "Apeman Playing in Water" are vividly lifelike and exquisitely crafted.

The Peach Blossom Lake upstream is backed by the Tianzhu Mountain peaks, surrounded by green hills, with a long and narrow lake surface that seems to appear and disappear mysteriously. When the water is calm, the peaks are reflected on the lake’s surface, and when the breeze blows, the water sparkles. Boating on the lake feels like entering a fairyland.

The scenic area boasts lush and diverse vegetation, with verdant pines and bamboos covering the landscape. In spring, mountain flowers dot the scenery, and in autumn, red leaves add a glowing contrast, creating a delightful and refreshing atmosphere. The walking trails follow the river, where the water is crystal clear, and streams babble along the way, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the fun of getting close to the water. “Heaven cleaved the cliffs, connecting nine streams; since ancient times, dragons have lingered here. Waterfalls hang three thousand feet in the air, and thickets connect with the clouds for miles.”

Foguang Temple, originally named Mazu An, gained fame for the hermitage. It is located at the southern entrance of the Tianzhu Mountain Scenic Area in Anhui Province. It is said that during the Tang Dynasty, the Zen Master Mazu Daoyi of Hengyue traveled across the land and once meditated at the southern gate of Tianzhu Mountain, now known as “Jiaping Pavilion.”

Local villagers built a hermitage next to the pavilion in honor of Master Mazu, offering incense and worship. The hermitage was named “Mazu.” In the 25th year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1597), Wu Yingbin, a successful candidate in the imperial examination from Tongcheng, and Ruan Zihua, a successful candidate and Ministry of Revenue official from Huaining, admired the master’s reputation and invited him to reside at Mazu An. They donated substantial funds to build the temple. In the 27th year of the Wanli era (1599), Emperor Shenzong sent an envoy, Dang Li, who bestowed an imperial decree and sutras, and ordered the renaming of Mazu An to Foguang Temple.