Main Peak Scenic Area of Tianzhu Mountain

Main Peak Scenic Area of Tianzhu Mountain

The Main Peak Scenic Area is the highlight of Tianzhu Mountain, covering a total area of 8.20 square kilometers, and is renowned for its spectacular pines, peculiar rocks, ancient trees, and lush forests. This scenic area features a uniquely diverse landscape of intermingled granite peak forests and peak clusters. Majestic peaks rise boldly, grotesque rocks stand ruggedly, deep valleys run mysteriously, and hidden caves exude an enigmatic charm. With every step, the scenery changes, offering refined beauty and spiritual wonder at every turn, all thanks to the unspoiled natural environment. In addition, the Main Peak Scenic Area also allows visitors to observe magical time-dependent phenomena. Varying by season and weather, one can witness rare natural spectacles such as the Buddha’s Halo, Purple Mist, sunrise, sunset, sea of clouds, evening glow, rime frost, and snow-clearing views that are normally hard to come by.

Cable Car Overview

There are currently two cable cars in the Tianzhu Mountain Scenic Area: the Tianzhu Mountain Cable Car and the Dalongwo Cable Car, both offering convenient round-trip services.

Tianzhu Mountain Cable Car

Commonly referred to as the "First Cable," it was jointly built by the Tianzhu Mountain Scenic Area Management Committee and Hong Kong Huashan Trading Company, and officially opened to the public in October 1995. The cable car is 726 meters long with a vertical drop of 304 meters, capable of transporting 350 passengers per hour, taking about 9 minutes to reach the upper station. Along the way, visitors can enjoy views of attractions such as Splashing Waterfall, Eagle Folding Its Wings, Golden Toad Watching the Moon, and Ancient Ape Gazing at the River from various angles.

Dansha Peak, with an elevation of 940 meters, was referred to in ancient records as a place “where cinnabar was said to exist but could not be taken; a red glow was sometimes seen at midnight, visible from far and wide.” The ancient tales of cinnabar are tinged with Taoist symbolism. The slightly reddish gravel covering the peak is actually its natural color.

Qinglong Lake

Located east of Qinglong Stream and upstream of Splashing Waterfall, it was originally called Snake-shaped Flatland. It is an artificial lake formed by damming the convergence of Qinglong Stream and Feilai Stream, covering an area of approximately 2,000 square meters. The lake resembles a green tadpole in shape, with two stone arch bridges—Qinglong Bridge and Dansha Bridge—spanning it. To the west of the lake stands Guanyun Tower, while to the east is the Dansha Pavilion. The area around the lake features lush pines, blooming flowers, and reflections of pavilions and peaks in the water, creating a uniquely beautiful and serene landscape.

Tianzhu Mountain Villa

Tianzhu Mountain Villa was formed by merging the original Tianzhu Mountain Villa and Woyun Villa. It is a modern, multi-functional hotel within the main scenic area of Tianzhu Mountain that meets star-rated service standards. It offers 180 standard guest rooms, including 3-star standard rooms in Guanyun Tower, 2-star standard rooms in Qingsnow Residence, and regular standard rooms in the Courtyard. There are 10 dining rooms of varying sizes, capable of accommodating 400 guests for lodging and 800 for dining simultaneously. The villa enjoys a prime location at the junction of the East and West Pass Scenic Areas, connecting the Tianzhu Mountain Cable Car and Qinglong Stream Cable Car. It lies adjacent to the picturesque Qinglong Lake, where clear waters, blue lakes, beautiful mountains, and gentle breezes create an ideal spot for leisure, sightseeing, business, and entertainment.

Dalongwo Cable Car

The Dalongwo Cable Car in Tianzhu Mountain, equipped with imported Austrian facilities, had a total construction investment of 110 million yuan. After more than a year of intensive construction, it officially commenced operations on April 26, 2013. The Dalongwo Cable Car has a maximum capacity of 2,000 passengers per hour. The five-minute ride offers a breathtaking aesthetic experience, allowing visitors to overlook the vast expanse of lush, emerald-green vegetation across Tianzhu Mountain.

June Snow

Beyond Tianzhu Mountain Villa, amidst the lush greenery, patches of white sandy mounds appear, gleaming brilliantly. Walking on them produces a crunching sound like treading on snow, even evoking a chill on a midsummer noon. After rain followed by sunshine, the rain-washed white quartz stones reflect a spectrum of colors, creating a dazzlingly splendid view. From a distance, the scene is extraordinarily enchanting. On a moonlit night, under a clear sky with a gentle breeze, the moonlight interplays with the “snow,” casting a radiant glow over the entire mountain, enhancing its mystical charm. This is the first attraction in the Main Peak Scenic Area—the June Snow.

Floating Cloud Waterfall

The higher the mountain, the longer the water flows at Tianzhu Mountain. Have you noticed that since leaving the villa, a stream has been quietly accompanying us? Please look to the right front as I point—this is one of Tianzhu Mountain’s famous waterfalls: the Floating Cloud Waterfall. Standing 12 meters high, it shares the same water source as the “Flying Waterfall” of Tianzhu Mountain. Originating from Feilai Peak and flowing through Niuma City and Qinglong Stream, the crystal-clear stream gushes out from dense pine woods and cascades down from the top of the rocky cliff. Viewed from afar, it looks like a drifting white cloud falling from the blue sky or like a fairy from the heavens waving her long sleeves, gently singing and dancing to welcome your arrival.

Cliff Wall Anhui Map

On the western side of Feilai Peak, the rock wall has been eroded by spring water over time, forming a patch resembling fish scales and reminiscent of “dragon scales.” Keen-eyed visitors might notice that its outer contour strikingly resembles the outline of today’s Anhui Province map—this is the natural “Anhui Map.”

Zhenyi Platform

In ancient times, people regarded great mountains and peaks as mysterious. Since clouds emerged from the mountains, streams flowed through the valleys, and birds and beasts dwelled in the forests, they believed deities presided over these places (Tianzhu Mountain worships the deity Siyuan Zhenjun). This reverence for mountains became a tradition. Before making pilgrimages, people would pause here to calm their minds, adjust their attire, and approach the mountain with piety—hence the name “Zhenyi Platform” (Attire-Shaking Platform).

Turning left from Zhenyi Platform leads into Wulong Gorge, which extends 1,400 meters from Nanguankou at the lower end to Tianzhu Pine at the upper end, narrowing to just 7 meters at its tightest. This section showcases peculiar pines, grotesque rocks, and swirling mist—a classic gorge landscape. Turning right from Zhenyi Platform takes you onto the Mysterious Valley route. These two paths offer different sceneries but converge at Tianchi Peak. This description focuses on the Zhongguanzhai route.

Lianzhu Twin Bridges

These stone arch bridges, including their arches and enclosed railings, were constructed using Tang-style methods. At the front is a large welcoming rock. Because both the arched bridge and the cable-supported bridge are anchored to a single upright boulder, they are collectively called the “Lianzhu Twin Bridges” (Linked Pearl Twin Bridges).

Shaoqing Thatched Cottage

The site of Shaoqing Thatched Cottage: During the Tang Dynasty's Zhenyuan era, Lu Wei, the governor of Shuzhou, also known as Shaoqing (courtesy name Junzai), witnessed a sudden cracking in the southeast of Mount Wan (Wan Mountain) that revealed a surface as bright and smooth as jade. He reported this to the emperor, who renamed the mountain from “Wansui Mountain” to “Yuzhao Township.” Lu admired the exotic flowers, unique plants, and beautiful springs and valleys here, so he built a three-room thatched cottage where he often came to drink wine and compose poetry during his leisure time.

Zhongguanzhai

In the late Song Dynasty, when the Yuan army advanced southward, Liu Yuan gathered over 100,000 soldiers and civilians to defend Tianzhu Mountain against the Yuan forces, holding out for 18 years. Within Tianzhu Mountain, Liu set up four passes—East, South, West, and North—as well as a central Zhongguanzhai (General Headquarters). Mysterious Valley served as his troop encampment, while Zhongguanzhai was his command center. In 1998, the Tianzhu Mountain Management Committee restored Zhongguanzhai on the original site. The site includes troop transport holes below, crenellated walls above, and the Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder at the top with a steep 70-degree slope. Please be extremely cautious, use both hands and feet, and climb carefully. After passing King Pine, to the left are Wulong Well and Prayer-for-Rain Terrace; to the right are Siyuan Cave and Secret Chamber. Historical texts record: “Below lies Crystal Cliff, extending all the way to the Azure Sea.”

Surrounded by peaks such as Baoyue, Feilai, Xianzhu, Santai, Tianchi, and Wuzhi, this area is where the main peak cluster is most densely concentrated.

Niuma City

This is a lush, forested mountain basin with tender grass and water—once the “Niuma City” where Liu Yuan, the leader of the rebel forces resisting the Yuan dynasty, grazed horses and cattle and used it as a supply transit point. In its heyday, rows of stables and pens stood here, herds of plump pigs, horses, cattle, and sheep roamed about, cooking smoke curled lazily into the air, with the sounds of cattle lowing, horses neighing, and chickens and dogs barking to each other—an idyllic mountain village scene bustling yet serene.

In the past, there was only one path leading into the main gate of Tianzhu Mountain: from Mazu An, through Qinglongjian and Liangyaoping, then via cliffside plank paths up to Xiguanzhai, and finally arriving at the main gate. The “Mysterious Valley” leads to “Niuma City,” and this secret passage was discovered by Liu Yuan’s rebel army after they took over the main gate—a route unknown to outsiders or Yuan troops. As military supplies were crucial in warfare, Liu Yuan designated this hidden mountain basin as a granary, showcasing his remarkable strategic insight.

Dragon Roar Tiger Shout Cliff

Stretching approximately three Chinese miles in length and about 200 meters in relative height, the awe-inspiring cliff known as “Dragon Roar Tiger Shout Cliff”—a collective name for Dragon Roar Cliff and Roar Cliff—towers majestically, piercing the clouds. Year-round, clouds and mist envelop its edges, while the sound of pine waves and fierce winds howling through crevices resembles tiger roars and dragon cries, creating an overwhelming grandeur. Historical records state: “Where dragons roar and tigers shout, immortals gather.” The cliff features oddly shaped rocks, jagged fissures, and ancient, sturdy pines, forming exquisite natural murals. Behold abstract masterpieces startlingly lifelike: “The Elephant Watching the Sunrise,” “Two Immortals Returning,” “The Old Turtle Probing the Sea,” “The Golden Turtle Seeking Pearls,” and more—each one endlessly fascinating and breathtakingly beautiful.

Feilai Peak

At the westernmost end of “Dragon Roar Tiger Shout Cliff,” a solitary peak rises into the clouds, with a massive cap-like rock on its summit—entirely made of stone, its surface marked with shallow water stains. This is the third highest peak of Tianzhu Mountain—Feilai Peak. With an elevation of 1,424 meters, the entire peak consists of a single huge boulder. On top sits a rounded rock over ten feet in diameter, thirty-plus feet in circumference, and more than three yards long, resting imposingly atop the summit like a flying saucer from the heavens. This rock is called the “Feilai Stone” and resembles a resplendent crown atop the peak. The peak takes its name from the stone—Feilai Peak. Commonly known as the “Lid Hat,” when viewed from the south it resembles a hat or bamboo hat; from the north, a chessboard or millstone; from the east, a ball or fist; and from the west, a sleeping ox or crouching tiger. There is also a legend about the Feilai Stone: It is said that when Emperor Qianlong visited Wan Shan (Tianzhu Mountain), he heard a local official describe the Feilai Stone and spontaneously recited a poem: “That which flies here may not have flown here; surely it’s mere guesswork by the vulgar. If it flew here, why doesn’t it fly away? If it cannot fly away, how could it have flown here?” It is said the weather suddenly turned grim, with dark clouds churning, sands and winds raging, and the Feilai Stone seeming to tremble violently, shaking earth and mountain alike. Frightened, Emperor Qianlong dropped to his knees in worship, fearing he had angered the mountain god—whereupon he quickly retracted his words: “That which flies here must indeed have flown here; it is no baseless guess of the multitude. Since it flew here and might fly away again, why did it need to fly here in the first place?” The moment he finished speaking, the clouds parted, the winds calmed, and the Feilai Stone returned to its original place—just as we see it today…

To the south of Feilai Peak lies Baoyue Peak. Viewed from the south, the summit features two antenna-like curious rocks on either side with a flat, square tabletop-like slab in the middle; the two odd rocks lean back slightly like two elderly men in leisurely repose—a scene dubbed “Two Immortals Playing Chess.” Looking from east to west, it resembles a crescent moon hanging in the blue sky—hence “Baoyue” (Treasured Moon). And when viewed from the southeast toward the northwest, it transforms into “The Golden Rooster Singing at Dusk.” Truly, every step brings a new view, brimming with wonder and charm. To the east lie peaks such as Tianwa Peak, Dansha Peak, Feihu Peak, Fozhi Peak, Yingzhen Peak, Shiniu Peak, Linjiao Peak, Fupen Peak, and Tianshi Peak—all undulating gracefully and standing tall and elegant...

Mysterious Valley

The Mysterious Valley trail consists of attractions such as Tongtian Valley, Xiaoyao Palace, Labyrinth, Dragon Palace, and Heavenly Palace, spanning a total length of 1,000 meters. Over 2.6 billion years ago, Tianzhu Mountain was an ocean floor. Around 240 million years ago, the Indosinian movement caused the northern and southern continents to converge again, with the Yangtze Plate subducting forcefully beneath the North China Plate, bringing Tianzhu Mountain above sea level. Due to crustal movements, magma rose from underground to form sedimentary rocks, which, through internal and external weathering and erosion, eventually became granite. Subject to geological forces such as jointing, cleavage, fracturing, collapse, flowing water, and weathering, the area developed into a unique landscape of interlaced peak clusters and forests. Mysterious Valley is a product of these crustal movements. Its naturally formed curious rocks and numerous caves stacked with massive stones make for an array of mysteriously deep and uniquely shaped hollows. The valley also hosts rare plants like fish-scale wood, fragrant torreya, and fairy maidenhair along with uniquely shaped Huangshan pines, together forming a distinctive scenic wonder within the valley.

Elephant Trunk Stone

Please look at this curious rock—it bulges roundly, with a stone pillar standing upright like an elephant’s trunk, a marvel of nature’s craftsmanship, commonly known as “Elephant Trunk Stone.” It is one of the representative oddly shaped rocks of Tianzhu Mountain.

Tongtian Valley

Ahead lies Tongtian Valley. This is a newly developed attraction along the Mysterious Valley trail, stretching 330 meters in length. Its interior is a complex maze of interconnected chambers—caves within caves. The valley is steep, deep, winding, and spirals upward, essentially serving as a “warm-up” before entering the main Mysterious Valley experience. The subsequent sections of Xiaoyao Palace, Labyrinth, and Dragon Palace will bring the trail to its climax, then leading into Heavenly Palace, past the Tiansong Pine, and all the way to the Trial Heart Bridge to take in the grand panorama of Tianzhu Mountain.

In the Tang Dynasty, Tianzhu Mountain was honored as the “Central Peak” among the nation’s Five Sacred Mountains. Because its main peak resembles “a single pillar holding up the sky,” it has been likened to a column supporting heaven itself. To reach the main peak, one must pass through Tongtian Valley—hence the meaning behind its name “Tongtian” (Heaven-Reaching). In ancient times, paths to Tianzhu Mountain were blocked, overgrown with thorns, and teeming with lurking beasts—approaching this heaven-supporting pillar was no easy feat. Today, however, mountaineering routes and tourist facilities on the mountain have become increasingly well-developed; you can ascend to the main peak via Tongtian Valley or explore underground cave routes. Truly, “there are paths to heaven and gates to the earth.”

(Viewing Platform): This is the best spot to admire peaks such as Feilai, Santai, and Xianzhu on Dragon Roar Tiger Shout Cliff, as well as scenes like “Golden Rooster Singing at Dusk,” “Monk Carrying Nun on His Back,” “Taibai Watching the Sea,” and “Pigsy Napping.” You can also gaze far off at “Emerald Jade” Lian Dan Lake, where islands float in the water like Penglai fairy isles, mountains veiled in mist like figures draped in gauze—exquisitely delicate and intoxicatingly beautiful.

Mysterious Valley

Revered as a “Wonder of the World,” Mysterious Valley was originally called “Si Yuan Cave.” Legend says it was the divine dwelling of Siming Zhenjun, regarded as the foremost of all deities. Stretching over 450 meters, Mysterious Valley consists of hundreds of granite caves of various sizes, formed by rocks tumbling down from surrounding peaks into this high-altitude valley at over 1,200 meters. These caves are interconnected by a winding mountain path, ascending and descending, brightening and darkening unexpectedly. Walking through it gives one an intense sense of mystery. Mysterious Valley is also hailed as “China’s No. 1 Granite Cave Mystery Mansion.”

Mount Wan Statue, Tianzhu Reclining Buddha

No one knows in which era the divine craftsmanship of nature sculpted this dignified yet benevolent “Lord of Wan” statue—a standing figure. To the east in the distance lies another reclining figure of Guanyin gazing at the sky. The 30-li stretch of Yujing Mountain forms the elegant silhouette of a reclining human figure. Look closely—the head and chest are distinct, the breasts prominently raised. That’s the left hand gently cradling a precious vase. Every year on the Double Ninth Festival, when the sun rises precisely between the breasts, it creates the “Tianzhu Reclining Buddha,” also known as the “Guanyin Embracing the Sun.”

Xiaoyao Palace

When it comes to temples, everyone knows they are Daoist structures. Legend says Tianzhu Mountain is under the jurisdiction of Siming Zhenjun and is considered the “Fourteenth Grotto-Heaven and Fifty-Seventh Blessed Land” of Daoism. At some point in history, a massive boulder that fell from the mountaintop landed perfectly wedged between two cliffs, forming a natural cave entrance. Upon entering, you’ll find yourself surrounded by enclosing stone walls, evoking a feeling of being trapped with “no way forward or back.” Looking up, you’ll see a pine tree on the right cliff stretching freely toward the sky—an image playfully called “Iron Wall Hanging Painting.”

Qiu Long Pine

Xiaoyao Palace is also home to a pine known as the Qiu Long Pine. Qiu Long, in ancient mythology, is a small dragon with horns. The main trunk of this pine has bark patterns overlapping like dragon scales, and its upper, curved branches resemble the dragon’s head and horns. No matter the angle from which you admire this “Qiu Long,” it appears to be coiling upward. Some visitors even name it “Cluster of Dragons Coiling Around a Pillar.” Friends, when we admire high-mountain pines, we don’t just appreciate their majestic, leafy, and gracefully arching forms—we also admire how they take root in rocky crevices, grow tenaciously, and display extraordinary adaptability. The characteristics of these pines include well-developed root systems, thick trunks, curved and layered branches, and short, thick pine needles. Each pine stands uniquely, exuding vibrant vitality. Botanists say, “It is the harsh environment and selective pressures that have endowed high-mountain pines with these traits, making them several times more resistant to strong winds, snow pressure, drought, and cold than their lowland counterparts.” Truly, survival of the fittest reveals exceptional beauty, as all things compete freely under the frosty skies.

Tianzhu Pine

After exploring “Mysterious Valley,” you’ll come across the “Tianzhu Pine.” Though no taller than five meters and no thicker than 80 centimeters, this thousand-year-old pine still holds fast to its indomitable spirit—with sturdy branches and a verdant crown, full of vitality. Its roots dig deep into crevices, facing away from Tianzhu and toward Feilai, reaching up to the blue sky above and hanging over the abyss below. Upright and proud, it embodies both masculine strength and feminine grace. Like the Welcoming Pine of Huangshan, it warmly greets all brave souls who dare to scale its heights.

Tianchi Peak, DuXian Bridge

This peak is called “Tianchi Peak.” Slightly higher than Feilai Peak, it stands at 1,426 meters, making it the second highest of Tianzhu Mountain. It is split into three sections, connected by two stone slabs—this is the famous “DuXian Bridge” (Immortal Crossing Bridge). There’s a saying: “Whoever reaches this bridge becomes an immortal.” It’s believed that crossing DuXian Bridge grants immortality. On the summit of Tianchi Peak, within a less-than-10-square-meter platform, there are two stone pits—one large, one small—known as “Tianchi” (Heavenly Pool). Though no more than a foot deep, the water is crystal clear. It neither overflows during prolonged rain nor dries up in extended drought. The outer edge of Tianchi is a sheer cliff, heart-stoppingly steep—called the “Trial Heart Cliff.” This cliff is the best spot to view the “Tianzhu Mountain Buddha’s Halo.” When thick fog fills the valley and the sun hangs brilliantly in a blue sky, a seven-colored halo—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet—may appear on the white mist. Spotting the “Buddha’s Halo” is said to be a blessing.

Tianzhu Peak

Tianzhu Peak, standing at an altitude of 1,489.8 meters, soars dramatically into the sky. A solitary stone pillar reaching heaven, its rugged cliffs and extraordinary forms are both majestic and exquisite — resembling a pillar, a cone, a torch, a sword, a pavilion, or even a vividly magical brush. It has long been praised as: “After seeing the Five Great Mountains, no other mountains compare; after seeing Huangshan, no other Five Mountains do; and after seeing Tianzhu Peak, no other peaks will do!” When the great Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai passed by the Yangtze River near Susong and caught sight of Tianzhu Peak’s breathtaking splendor, he burst into song: “A wondrous peak gives rise to wondrous clouds, fair trees exhale sweet breath. The lucid Mount Wan towers above, sheer and steep, delighting all who see. ...” Bai Juyi marveled: “Tianzhu Peak alone props up the sun and moon; the cave gate, a thousand feet high, locks clouds and thunder.” The Song Dynasty scholar Zhu Xi sighed: “Lofty as a lone pillar under heaven, it stands majestically in the east. They speak only of how vast are Heaven and Earth — but who knows the merit of its steadfast stance?” The Ming Dynasty’s Li Geng praised: “The towering Tianzhu Peak rises majestically into the sky... Among all the wonders of the world, which mountain can rival this one in beauty!”

Tianzhu Peak rises abruptly and stands alone, its summit perilously steep — only local herbalists dare to climb it.

Tianzhu Peak also goes by many other names:

Chaoyang Peak (Sunrise Peak): Tianzhu Peak towers above the surrounding summits. As the sun rises above the horizon, the first ray of sunlight touches its tip, and the last ray lingers there as well. It enjoys sunshine throughout the day, though often shrouded in clouds. Due to the frequent fog in the Jianghuai region, the main peak remains hidden in mist for about half the year.

Siming Peak (Lord of Life Peak): As a sacred Taoist mountain, Tianzhu Mountain is known as the Fourteenth Grotto-Heaven and Fifty-Seventh Blessed Land, under the jurisdiction of the Lord of Life. Hence, its main peak is called Siming Peak.

Hèjià Peak (Crane Carriage Peak): Old records state that every mid-spring (February), thousands of white cranes fly in from the southwest to pay homage to Tianzhu Peak, circling and soaring above its summit. This is actually due to the seasonal migration of birds as spring returns.

Wǎnbó Jiān (Wanbo Summit): The Tianzhu Mountain region was historically part of the ancient Wan Kingdom, named after Wan Gong (the Duke of Wan). Thus, Tianzhu Peak is the summit of Wanbo Mountain.

Sǔnzǐ Jiān (Bamboo Shoot Summit): Named for its shape, the Qing Dynasty traveler Chu Guangqian wrote in “A Travelogue of Wanshan”: Tianzhu Peak is “sharp at the top and full at the base, rugged on all sides, like a spring bamboo shoot breaking through the earth and unfurling its sheath.” Visitors can see eight large characters carved on the cliff of the peak — “Gūlì Qíngxiāo” (Solitary, Proping the Heavens) and “Zhōngtiān Yīzhù” (A Single Pillar Reaching Mid-Sky) — each five square feet in size. “Solitary, Proping the Heavens” was inscribed by Li Yunlin, a general under Zeng Guofan and military commander stationed in Qianshan during the Qing Dynasty, and carved by the herbalists He Liangmou and He Liangzuo. “A Single Pillar Reaching Mid-Sky” was written by Zhang Gan, Deputy Commander of the Fifth War Zone, during his visit to Tianzhu. It was engraved by He Liangmou’s great-grandson He Laichao and He Laibin.

Cí’ān (Mercy Hermitage)

Passing Tianchi Peak and before the Character-Respect Pavilion, there once stood a small hermitage in the Ming Dynasty called Cí’ān, also known as Duxianqiao Hermitage. The true name of its abbot is unrecorded; the locals simply called him the Abbot of Cí’ān. At an elevation of approximately 1,420 meters, it was the highest hermitage in the county at the time. The Abbot lived here alone for 40 years. Travelers, wandering monks, herbalists, and those harvesting stone ear fungus would stop here to rest and enjoy a bowl of hot tea. Over time, they began bringing food to support the hermit. In 1621, Tianzhu Mountain experienced heavy snowfall for consecutive days, filling every rock crevice and valley. With snow lasting months, people feared the Abbot had perished from hunger and cold. By the time the snow melted in early summer of the following year, when monks from Foguang Temple visited, the Abbot was not only alive and well but appeared no different than before. When asked how he survived the snowy months, he only smiled without answering. Later, the Abbot passed away peacefully. Other monks could not endure the harsh life atop the mountain and refused to stay, so the hermitage was eventually abandoned. Today, visitors can still discern the scale and orientation of the original structure from the ruins. To its left are Ming Dynasty stone carvings of over 30 characters, now barely legible due to shallow carving. People still fondly remember the kind-hearted Elder Cí’ān of those times.

Xīzì Tíng (Character-Respect Pavilion)

Built during the Ming Jiajing era as an annex to Cí’ān, this pavilion was used to burn discarded manuscripts and written paper out of reverence for the written word and scholars — hence the name “Character-Respect Pavilion.”

Dìzuò Shí (Emperor’s Seat Stone)

As the name implies, this is the “throne” of an emperor — originally imagined to be made of gold or precious wood. But here it is stone. The title “Emperor’s Seat Stone” reflects nothing more than the emperor’s supreme status as the “Son of Heaven,” ruler above all. The stone offers a commanding view: to the east lies the Jade Mirror Screen; to the south are encircling peaks such as Dengfeng, Lotus, Hui Shi, Shilou, and Shipin; and to the west are Feilai and Xianzhu. Nearby, pines and rocks are interspersed with exotic flowers and fragrant plants, filling the valley with perfume. Truly, it is a heavenly paradise on earth. Ancient literati called this scene “The Emperor’s Seat in Penglai.” Modern landscape experts also regard it as one of Tianzhu Mountain’s finest vistas. Traditionally, on the second day of the second lunar month (Dragon Heads-raising Day), when Tianzhu Mountain begins its annual ban on logging, the first symbolic gong is struck here — “When the copper gong sounds, all under heaven knows.”

Gēbǐ Tái (Pen-Resting Platform)

Descending the steps leads to the Pen-Resting Platform. With serene surroundings and a sweeping vista, this spot commands overlapping green mountain ranges, drifting mist, and a profoundly ethereal atmosphere — excelling in purity. Even if painted in the seven colors of art, captured in lifelike imagery, or described with the most vivid prose, its beauty remains beyond full expression. The Tang Dynasty poet Cao Song of Shuzhou praised: “Truly, even painters must set down their brushes; no famous painting could compare.”

Jiànxiān Dòng (Sword Immortal Cave)

About 30 meters to the left along the path, within lush bushes, lies a small cave. Its entrance is tiny — just wide enough for one person to squeeze through sideways — but inside it opens up, with a flat bottom. It splits into three passages, with beams of light filtering through cracks in the stone, adding to its mysterious aura. Taoist tradition holds that this was where the immortal Xu practiced martial arts and forged swords. Herbalists have found swords inside — rusted along the back but with blades so sharp they snapped in three when pulled out and are now preserved in the museum. There are signs of artificial carving inside the cave, and the sandy floor is scattered with numerous ceramic fragments. Cultural experts have identified them as mostly Song and Ming Dynasty pieces, though the origins of others remain uncertain.

Tiānlè Tái (Heavenly Music Platform)

On the right side of Tianchi Peak, a giant rock juts out toward Tianzhu Peak, commonly known as the Heavenly Music Platform. The name originates from the Ming Dynasty brothers Liu Ruoshi and Liu Ruozai, natives of Huaining in Anqing. Both achieved success in the imperial examinations and served as high-ranking officials in the capital. The elder brother, Liu Ruoshi, was especially talented, particularly skilled at playing the seven-stringed guqin. One year, when they returned home in glory, they climbed over mountains and ridges to reach Tianchi Peak. Encouraged by the crowd, someone said, “Before such splendid scenery, we must play music to enhance the moment.” Liu Ruoshi obliged, tuning his instrument and playing while singing. As his clear melodies filled the air, before he finished the piece, heavenly music seemed to echo from the sky. Looking up, everyone saw hundreds or even thousands of birds of various kinds flying down from Tianzhu Peak, circling and dancing to the music — a breathtaking scene of humans and birds singing together under heaven. His younger brother, Liu Ruozai, carved on the rock: “Froststone Master Plays the Qin Toward the Place of Heavenly Music.” Liu Ruoshi’s courtesy name was Froststone, hence the naming of this spot as the Heavenly Music Platform.

Bàiyuè Tái (Mountain-Worshipping Platform)

In 106 BC, Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che, personally visited Wanshan (Tianzhu Mountain), established a platform for worship, and conferred the title “Southern Sacred Mountain” upon Tianzhu Mountain. Since then, emperors throughout history have sent envoys to worship here. This circular platform is the original site of the Mountain-Worshipping Platform. Its base symbolizes the round heaven and square earth, with each ring of stones in multiples of nine — signifying everlasting time. Also called the Echoing Platform, a call here is said to receive an echo. Friends, feel free to try. Descending from the left side of the platform, you can visit One-Line Sky and Penglai Peak.

Yīnggē Shí (Parrot Stone)

Walking down a small path to the left for 50 meters, you’ll find a roughly 3-meter-tall rock on the right that resembles a parrot looking eastward — its posture, head, and hooked beak are strikingly lifelike. This is one of Tianzhu Mountain’s peculiar rocks — Parrot Stone. Legend says this parrot was male, with its female counterpart still waiting 20 li away at the foot of the mountain by the ancient Muyang River. Arriving at the base of Tianzhu Peak, the rock appears split open by a giant axe, with no ground beneath — commonly called Little Heavenly Gate, or One-Line Sky. The peak is no more than 10 meters high, resembling a newly bloomed flower, hence its name “Flower Peak.”

Pénglái Fēng (Penglai Peak)

To the left along the path, descending a stone stairway leads to a peak that is verdant and gracefully rounded. With steep cliffs on its southwestern and northern sides, ancient pines hanging upside down, and drifting clouds — it resembles an island paradise. The Ming Dynasty’s Li Geng wrote: “I had not yet climbed halfway, yet my body already felt in Penglai.” Hence the name Penglai Peak. From its summit, you can gaze into the distance toward Yingshan in Hubei, and Huoshan and Jinzhai in Anhui, experiencing the magnificent scene described in Mao Zedong’s poetry: “Blue mountains like the sea, the setting sun like blood.”

Liánhuā Fēng New Route

The main peak scenic area of Tianzhu Mountain is the most developed among the mountain’s eight major scenic zones. With the recent openings of the Mysterious Valley and Zongguanzhai new routes, it has attracted a large number of tourists. To address the limitation that most visitors only follow the Mysterious Valley–Zongguanzhai loop, and to further expand the touring space and capacity of the scenic area, the management has invested 15 million yuan to create a brand-new 2.5-kilometer route from Baiyue Platform to Lianhua Peak. This route adds nearly 30 new attractions and officially opened to the public on October 1, 2009.

The new route was scientifically planned, starting from Baiyue Platform near Tianzhu Peak, passing through Immortal Cave, Azure Dragon Back, and Dengxian Peak, then descending from the Lion-Playing-with-a-Ball rock — previously visible only from a distance in the East Pass area — all the way to Liandang Lake. The walking trails are built along mountain ridges, between stacked boulders in rocky valleys, and across steep cliffs. They offer views of existing attractions as well as distant panoramas of the vast pine and bamboo forests on the mountain’s backside, fully showcasing the area’s botanical diversity. The characteristics of Tianzhu Mountain’s natural landscape — majestic peaks, peculiar rocks, mysterious caves, beautiful waters, and perilous cliffs — are further highlighted. Notably, the construction of cliffside plank walkways marks the first of its kind in the history of Tianzhu Mountain trail development.

Sānyuán Shí (Three Yuan Stone)

To the east of Tiangu Peak, three massive, round boulders are stacked and propped against one another in an intricate formation. Local legend says they are the three leftover stones used by the goddess Nüwa to mend the heavens, hence the name Sanyuan Stones ("Three Yuan Stones"). The largest of them, called "Tianyuan Stone" ("Heavenly Yuan Stone"), stands independently, piercing the clouds and towering over the surrounding peaks.

Cave of Duke Que

Formerly known as Shimen Cave, also called Immortal’s Cave, it is also referred to as "Seven People Cave" because Wu Yifeng and six other literati friends once pooled funds to renovate it. Formed by the overlapping of the Sanyuan Stones, the cave has two levels—upper and lower—resembling a two-story pavilion. Inside, you’ll find stone tables, stools, beds, and even a kitchen stove, making it a place where one can both sleep and cook. Li Jianzhi, an imperial censor serving Emperor Renzong of the Northern Song Dynasty, stayed in this cave during his visit to Tiangu and inscribed the six characters “大宋李柬之宿” (“Duke Li Jianzhi of the Great Song Dynasty Stayed Here”) on the stone cliff at the cave’s entrance. Standing before the cave and gazing out at the surrounding peaks, you’ll see thousands of ridges and valleys wreathed in mist and clouds. The Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi once praised the scene in verse: “Tiangu Peak alone holds up the sun and moon; the cave’s mouth, a thousand ren high, locks in thunder and cloud.”

Dancing Maiden Pine · Twin-Tree Pine

Beside the Immortal’s Cave stands a solitary pine, its branches swaying gracefully like a slender woman dancing, hence its name “Dancing Maiden Pine.” Behind the Buzhu Pavilion, two pines stand side by side with intertwined branches, as if joined in matrimony, thus earning the name “Twin-Tree Pine.” The “Dancing Maiden Pine” and the “Twin-Tree Pine” each have their own charm, creating a delightful contrast.

Azure Dragon’s Back

Just past the Twin-Tree Pine, you’ll suddenly see a huge, narrow, steep cliff ridge to the left of the path, resembling an azure dragon lying prone. Commonly called the Azure Dragon’s Back, it is also known as the Crucian Carp’s Back. From a distance, it looks like a giant lying on its back with its belly exposed to the sky, so it is also called “Belly-Up Rock.”

Standing on the “Azure Dragon’s Back,” look directly south: in the distance, Tiashi Peak and Fupen Peak stand opposite each other, while Lotus Peak rises like a green lotus flower in the middle. Beneath your feet, Lian Dan Lake lies quiet as a mirror, nestled in the valley between Lotus and Huishi Peaks. To the west, Feilai Peak is faintly visible. Behind you, Tiangu Peak rises like a colossal pillar supporting the sky, towering majestically above the surrounding mountains. Gazing into the distance, the ranges of hills resemble a richly toned watercolor painting, layer upon layer, stretching to the horizon. The Qianshui and Wanhe Rivers, one to the left and one to the right, flow like silver ribbons undulating at the foot of the mountains, heading eastward into the boundless distance, dissolving into the blue sky...

Dragon-Walking Gorge

Now we have entered the Dragon-Walking Gorge. This gorge is deep and serene, filled with oddly shaped rocks. The rugged, rolling mountain ridges twist and surge like a moving dragon, hence the name. The Dragon-Walking Gorge is one of the best spots along the new route to view Tiangu’s bizarre rock formations.

Contending-Beauty Terrace

Tianzhushan is a veritable green treasure trove, home to over 1,650 species of wild plants and boasting an exceptional ecological environment. From this terrace, you can take in the sweeping views of the back mountain scenic area and the Longtan River scenic area. Leaning on the railing and looking out, you’ll see continuous mountain ranges covered with lush vegetation and soft, distinctive contours. From the mountain base upward, vertical zonal plant communities unfold in layers. Exotic trees compete in beauty, verdant woods teem with life, and mountain flowers bloom brilliantly, presenting a scene as vivid as an ink-painted masterpiece. The Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi once wrote in praise: “Jade-like tangerines and white oranges vie in fragrance; golden and emerald lotuses bloom in splendid rivalry.” Hence, this terrace is named “Contending-Beauty Terrace.”

Toad Stone

Formed from Early Yanshanian granite through geological processes such as near-horizontal joints and spheroidal weathering, its appearance closely resembles that of a toad (commonly called a “wart-covered toad”).

Tianping Rock · Sky-Kissing Bird · Sky-Sucking Stone

Past the Toad Stone, bizarre rocks rise one after another in countless forms. To the right of the walking path, there is a flat, square cliff face, neat and regular in shape, strikingly resembling a natural screen, hence its name “Tianping Rock” (“Heavenly Screen Rock”). It also looks like a giant heavenly stele recounting the prominent and storied human history of Tianzhushan to passersby.

To the right of the “Tianping Rock,” there is a small, sharply pointed rock that resembles a divine bird with its beak stretched toward the sky. Lifelike and vivid, it is thus named “Sky-Kissing Bird.”

Sunny-and-Shady Divide

Exiting the Dragon-Walking Gorge, the mountain terrain curves around, with clouds and rosy clouds appearing and disappearing. On clear days, the mountain ridges on either side of the valley may be bathed in brilliant sunlight or shrouded in shadowy gloom. Change your viewing angle, and the scene transforms anew. Ascend one more ridge, and you enter another world—clouds and mists shift between sunshine and shade, presenting a fantastic and ever-changing spectacle. The Northern Song Dynasty poet Huang Tingjian wrote in his poem “Inscription on Qianshan”: “Clouds and rosy clouds sever the sky; half the ridge divides sunny from shaded.”

Azure Dragon Pavilion

Constructed in November 1995, this pavilion was funded by the Anhui Branch of China Merchants Bank, designed by Mr. Chen Jihong from the Anhui Urban & Rural Planning and Design Institute, and built by the Tianzhushan Administrative Committee. The structure is entirely made of stone, covering an area of 49.5 square meters, with 12 stone pillars. The central section features a sloped pavilion roof, while the two ends have open eaves and beams, making it a unique piece of pavilion architecture. Leaning on the railing, you can take in all the peaks encircling Lian Dan Lake, where mountain scenery and lake views enhance each other beautifully.

Hidden Dragon Cave

A canyon landscape formed by geological processes such as faults and joints. Towering cliffs rise high on both sides, dark, damp, and covered in moss. A crack runs through the middle like a dragon entering a palace. The walking path spirals downward over a total of 102 stone steps, twisting and turning, passing through caves and hollows.

Alternately bright and dim, it offers a hidden realm like no other. A sliver of daylight shines from the top of the valley, while pine shadows sway and misty clouds drift in the haze. Visitors here feel as if they’ve stepped into a detached paradise. The Tang Dynasty poet Cao Song wrote: “The moon follows the river as the cliffs turn; monks and dragons slumber together in the cave.”

Immortals’ Villa

A lone peak rises up, covered with a pine forest. Beside the trees stand massive, steadfast rocks arranged like an exquisitely crafted gable-roof cottage, sometimes emerging from the mist like a jade palace or heavenly temple, other times shining brilliantly under the blue sky like a celestial mansion. This is yet another marvel of Tianzhushan—“Immortals’ Villa.”

Buoyant Cloud Bridge · Seal-Hanging Stone

The Buoyant Cloud Bridge is 18.2 meters long, delicate and elegant, with a simple and pristine beauty. Standing on the bridge, looking around, you might see clouds lying flat like a white jade carpet, or wisps of white clouds drifting with the wind, rippling like lake waves. Walking on the bridge gives you the sensation of “floating down from the heavens, with the Milky Way like a silk ribbon and white waves flying.”

Ahead on the perilous cliff, a square, solid rock stands beside the cliff, closely resembling an official seal hanging from a wall, hence its name “Seal-Hanging Stone.”

Ten Thousand Tablet Rocks Facing Heaven

The West Pass group of peaks, with Heavenly Pillar Peak as the main body, are composed of Early Cretaceous granite formed 128 million years ago, shaped by geological processes such as jointing, faulting, water flow, and weathering. Additionally, numerous columnar or block-like rock formations created by differential weathering and collapses are scattered among them. From a distance, they resemble the ceremonial tablets (hu ban) held by court officials in ancient times when paying homage to the emperor, hence the name "Ten Thousand Tablets Paying Homage to Heaven."

Cangying Platform

Standing on Cangying Platform and looking out in all directions, you can take in the vast, lush mountain ranges of the Dabie Mountains stretching for hundreds of li. At dawn, as the morning stars gradually fade and the first light of day bathes the mountains in layers of light and shadow, the scene is breathtaking. Before you know it, the fiery red sun emerges, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the emerald valleys—an overwhelming spectacle. As the sun begins to set but has not yet disappeared, the undulating mountains stretch for miles under the fading light, with mist dispersing and a dazzling array of hues filling the view. The moment the sun kisses the distant peaks, the blue sky is adorned with brocaded clouds and radiant beams of light, transforming the layered mountains and valleys into a world of glowing brilliance.

West Pass Fortress

In the late Southern Song Dynasty, as the weakened Southern Song court retreated to Fujian and Zhejiang and was unable to reclaim the Central Plains, most of the northern regions fell. After the Yuan-Mongol forces advanced into the Huai-Hai region, both Song soldiers and civilians retreated to the areas of the Dabie Mountains and Tianzhu Mountain. The Southern Song court, in its refuge in Hangzhou, sought to preserve its strength and plan for a comeback. Thus, it called on the northern military and civilians to build fortified mountain strongholds for self-protection. Liu Yuan, a man described as "generous, righteous, brave, and strategic," was elected as the leader of the volunteer army by the troops and civilians of Qianshan. In 1265 AD (the first year of the Xianchun era of the Song Dynasty), he constructed a mountain fortress on Tianzhu Mountain, gathering people to resist the Yuan and restore the Song. He held out for 18 years of battle. Later, due to betrayal from within, Liu Yuan was defeated and committed suicide. The Yuan forces took his head, while his real body was buried in the Hundred Flowers Cliff under a false head.

The Tianzhu Mountain area features perilous terrain with overlapping fortresses, suitable for both offensive advances and defensive retreats. Since the Zhou and Qin dynasties, it has been a constant battleground, with wars and upheavals recorded throughout history. Aside from Liu Yuan’s resistance against the Yuan, there were several other significant military events.

Coiling Dragon Pine

On the outer side of the fortress wall stands a pine tree with short, thick, and dense needles, a flat crown, and roots coiled around the rocks, standing proudly. Observe how its exposed roots twist upward like dragon claws, creating a strikingly lifelike image. This further convinces us that the West Pass Fortress, far removed from the clamor of war, is indeed a place of majestic, dragon-like grandeur.

Ascension Peak

Bordered by Alchemy Lake to the west and connected to Unicorn Horn Peak to the east, this peak stands at an elevation of 1,152 meters. One of the "Ten Scenic Spots of Qianyang," known as "Blue Smoke over the Alchemy Furnace," lies to its west. Legend has it that during the late Eastern Han Dynasty, Zuo Ci tried unsuccessfully to refine an elixir of immortality in both the Lower and Middle Alchemy Sites. Later, he secluded himself in Liangyao Flat and finally succeeded in refining it. He then ascended to immortality at Ascension Peak, giving the peak its name. After rain clears, the valleys and peaks are shrouded in misty clouds, rising like wisps of blue smoke. Climbing to the summit, you’ll find an observation platform to the east, the Return Lion Peak facing it to the west, and Alchemy Lake beneath. The interplay of mountain scenery, water, and misty clouds makes it feel like stepping into a fairyland. The late Ming dynasty’s Shi Kefa once climbed this peak and marveled at its wonder. Hu Zuozong, the Ming dynasty’s Anqing prefect, wrote a poem: “Unless you’ve climbed to the highest peak, how can you know the height of Mount Wan? Standing above the clouds, I feel like a single feather floating over rivers and lakes.”

Lotus Peak

This conical peak, composed of medium-grained monzonitic granite, stands 1,306 meters above sea level. The massive rocks at the summit split vertically like petals, resembling lotus blossoms competing in beauty. Beside it is a smaller rock, with steep, towering stone resembling a lotus bud emerging from water—both flower and bud, exuding playful charm. At the top of Lotus Peak is a natural cave called the Lotus Cave, which can accommodate dozens of people. The southern wall has a hole like a window, offering views of the surrounding peaks. In 2009, a cliffside walkway was built along the rock face of Lotus Peak. Extremely perilous, it looks from afar like a “jade ribbon encircling the lotus,” forming one of Tianzhu Mountain’s most spectacular sights.

Standing on the walkway and leaning on the railing to gaze into the distance, you’ll see thousands of layers of verdant valleys and yawning abysses, with steep cliffs formed by nature itself. Peering over the edge can make one dizzy, yet thrill-seekers may raise their arms and shout in exhilaration, feeling uplifted, while the timid may glance around nervously, unable to move an inch. Clouds rise from beneath your feet, the wind brushes the skin of mortals, and the peaks appear bright upon arrival but turn into lonely islands upon departure.

Seven-Star Pool

The connecting section of the walkway between Ascension Peak and Lotus Peak features a flat and expansive terrain with an extraordinary landscape. Thousand-year-old pines grow flat on the ground, fish-scale trees cast dappled shade, and green vines cling to cliffs and ridges—it’s practically a natural botanical garden.

To the right of the path lies a stone platform about ten square meters in size, with seven small, round pools arranged like the Big Dipper, hence named the Seven-Star Pool. Legend says it was where seven fairies used to wash.

Lotus Terrace

Located between Lotus Peak and Drum Peak, this is a natural terrace. Drum Peak is a ridgeline peak standing 1,290 meters above sea level, with a massive, round-topped rock on its summit like a drum, towering in midair, known as the “Immortal Drum Stone,” commonly called the Stone Drum. Facing it across the way is the “Drumstick Stone,” together forming the natural scene of “Immortals Beating Drums.” The Drumstick Stone and the Immortal Drum Stone are results of columnar and spherical weathering of granite, respectively. Viewed from Dongguan, the Stone Drum looks like a ball with two steep rocks on either side resembling a pair of fierce lions—a vivid sight commonly called “Two Lions Playing with a Ball.” On the northern side of the terrace is a massive rock resembling a gate, with mist rising from it. A peculiar rock emerges from the cliff, resembling the ancient mythical beast Taotie (饕餮), seemingly devouring something.

Pine and Stone Bond

“There is no place on Tianzhu Mountain without pines, no rock without pines, and no pine without wonder.” Look at this ancient pine behind Drum Peak—its needles lush, its trunk graceful, with a unique rock emerging from the ground beside it. Together, the pine and rock form an ethereal and harmonious “pine-and-stone painting,” filled with a strong sense of Zen and wild charm.

Southern Mountain Bagua Array

Descending from Lotus Peak, the mountain path gradually flattens. Look to our left front—the oddly stacked rocks, though chaotic, follow some order. Walking through them, nine out of ten people get lost, unable to find the way out. Dai Mingshi, a founding figure of the Tongcheng literary school in the Qing dynasty, referred to Tianzhu Mountain as “Southern Mountain” in his work “Nanshan Collection,” hence this area is named the “Southern Mountain Bagua Array.”

Immortal Fist Rock · Yueyun Mountain Pavilion

About 1 li down from West Pass Fortress, you’ll reach the foot of Lotus Peak. From a distance, Lotus Peak resembles a lotus bud about to bloom, with one petal unfurling to the southwest. Up close, a solitary rock hangs, marked by four rain-worn grooves, resembling a clenched fist—commonly called Immortal Fist Rock. Below it lie the ruins of two terraces, originally the site of Yueyun Pavilion, built by Mr. Wu Yifeng, a renowned scholar from Shandong who later became a professor at Anqing Normal College. Mr. Wu Yifeng came to Tianzhu in 1937, went to Sichuan in 1938 due to the Japanese invasion, and returned to Qianshan in 1942 following a marital breakup. He stayed at Foguang Temple, where he remarked, “Having feasted my eyes on the beauty of the mountain’s misty clouds, I’ve come to love Tianzhu even more.” However, he also felt that the 40-plus li journey up Tianzhu Mountain involved deep mountains and steep ravines, with no resting places or food supplies along the way, making the trip exhausting for visitors. In the autumn of 1942, Mr. Wu’s friend Zhang Fazhai from Guilin visited Tianzhu and was amazed by its stunning scenery. When Mr. Wu proposed building a house and road under Immortal Fist Rock, Mr. Zhang immediately supported the idea, and others joined in. Mr. Wu was then appointed to oversee the construction, and within two months, the house was completed—a main building with three wings, totaling four rooms, named Yueyun Mountain Pavilion. Surplus funds were used to build stone steps from Liangyao Flat to Baiyue Platform, totaling 2,400 steps, providing visitors with a place to stay and enabling multi-day trips on Tianzhu Mountain. Despite surviving the War of Resistance and the Liberation War, Yueyun Mountain Pavilion eventually fell into disrepair and collapsed. Today, we can still see remnants of bricks and tiles on the foundation, and a pavilion called Yueyun Pavilion has been built on the large rock in front, known as Marshal Seal Rock.

Here, Mr. Wu shared a true story: after Yueyun Mountain Pavilion was built, a young monk surnamed Xu from Huaining was hired to serve as receptionist and caretaker. One year, during a heavy snowfall that blocked the mountain, the monk carried grain back up the mountain. Upon seeing two tigers guarding the door, he screamed for help and rolled down the cliff. The tigers, seeing someone approach, slowly walked away. The monk shut the door tightly and dared not go out, yet the tigers kept watching the house from the opposite medicine-roasting platform hill for several days without disturbing him. Later, locals said the tigers understood human nature and were guarding the place for Mr. Wu.

Five-Finger Peak

At the summit of this peak, five rocks stand side by side in varying heights, like five straight fingers of a giant reaching into the sky. The steep rocks are perpetually surrounded by clouds and mist, and at dawn and dusk, the sunrise and sunset cast golden edges on the “fingers,” emphasizing their towering presence. This is one of Tianzhu Mountain’s extraordinary peaks—“Five-Finger Peak.”

Alchemy Lake

Covering an area of 34 mu with a water storage capacity of 80,000 cubic meters, Alchemy Lake has a dam 13 meters high and sits at an elevation of 1,162 meters. Among China’s famous mountains, it rivals the “Heavenly Lake” of Tianshan and the “Heavenly Lake” of Changbai Mountain. Its waters are crystal clear, emerald green like jade, surrounded by layered peaks and an elegant environment. On clear, windless days, the lake is as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds. The surrounding peaks and their green cliffs and pines cast reflections on the water, adding vibrancy to the serene surface. When a gentle breeze blows, the lake ripples, sparkling brilliantly—a completely different scene. Boating on it feels like entering a heavenly pool.

The original bottom of Alchemy Lake was “Liangyao Flat,” the site of Zuo Ci’s “Upper Alchemy.” Zuo Ci, a renowned Taoist of the late Eastern Han Dynasty, once gathered herbs and refined elixirs here. The current name of the lake derives from this history. Nearby are the “Alchemy Room” where Zuo Ci once lived and the “Alchemy Terrace.” After rain clears, wisps of smoke often rise from the forest, flickering and shifting unpredictably, resembling smoke from an immortal’s alchemy furnace. Ancient people called this natural phenomenon “Dan Zao Cang Yan” (Smoke from the Alchemy Furnace) and listed it as one of the “Ten Scenic Spots of Qianyang.” The Ming dynasty poet Lu Gui wrote: “A wisp of blue smoke, curling from the vines. The immortal wind scatters, carrying the essence of gold elixirs.” Another Ming poet, Luo Zhuang, also praised: “The immortal has refined the elixir, yet his chariot has vanished—when will he return? The fire of the alchemy furnace has cooled, but the smoke lingers, leaving immortal traces on these famous mountains.”

Standing by the lake and looking around, the peaks of Xiguan are clearly visible—some soaring as if flying down, others like the Precious Moon holding a pearl about to drop, and the Heavenly Pillar standing in the distance. To the left rises the Hui Lion Peak, to the right stretches the Azure Dragon’s Back, while peaks such as Dengxian and Daguo lie to the east, and peaks like Linjiao, Fupen, and Yingzhen stand to the south. From near and far, one can take in all the splendors of the Heavenly Pillar Mountain.

Following the stone-paved path along the Liandan Lake and circling halfway around, then turning left eastward past the dam, we can head to the newly developed Longtan River scenic area of Tianzhu Mountain, or venture along the Yingzhen Peak route to admire the beauty of the Dongguan peaks and the majesty of the Xiguan peaks.

Hui Lion Peak

Southwest of Liandan Lake stands a mountain peak half earth and half stone, neither too stout nor too slender, with an elevation of 1,142 meters. Across the lake, it faces Dengxian Peak. The large rock atop the peak resembles a recumbent lion looking back, hence its name Hui Lion Peak, also called the Returning Lion Stone. Hui Lion Peak enjoys a unique location—it sits precisely at the center of the last natural barrier of Tianzhu Mountain—the circular mountain range. Careful observation reveals a continuous ridge stretching from west to north and then turning east in a loop, while from the southeast view, it appears as a series of isolated, standalone peaks. This echoes what Su Dongpo said of Mount Lu: “Viewed horizontally, a range; viewed vertically, a peak.” It aptly captures the multifaceted beauty of mountain landscapes. Thanks to its special position, one can hear whispers from Yuexia Peak to the west, Tianchi Peak to the north, and even Dengxian Peak to the east. Likewise, faint sounds from Hui Lion Peak carry clearly to visitors on surrounding peaks. Some have suggested building a pavilion atop Hui Lion Peak, naming it Daguan (Grand View). To its left is the Shenyao Buoshu (Divine Cat Catching Mouse) rock—notice how the mouse is even bigger than the cat.

Huamei Ridge

Traveling east from Liandan Lake to the Immortal’s Bed and then heading south along the new Yingzhen route for 2 kilometers leads to the Tianzhu Mountain cable car station. Along the way, you’ll pass peaks such as Shiniu Peak, Yingzhen Peak, Foxi Peak, Feihu Peak, and Dansha Peak; peculiar rocks like Feihu Rock, Zusun Le (Ancestor and Grandchild Joy), Lanxiong Shaoyang (Lazy Bear Sunbathing), Zhangyan Kan Shijie (Wide-Eyed at the World), and Wuzi Bei (Wordless Stele); and caves such as Xumei and Jinguo. The path is lined with ancient pines and massive rocks. Among them, Yingzhen Peak is the most divine and elegant, while Feihu Rock is the most unusual. To the east lies Huamei Ridge, where streams crisscross, wild trees thrive, and the area borders the lake—home to many bird species. Especially on clear mornings, the chirping of larks, huamei birds, and pheasants fills the valley with delightful melodies, hence the name Huamei Ridge. From Huamei Ridge to Guanritai (Sun Viewing Platform), descend via Xiamagang to reach the Longtan River scenic area.

Linjiao Peak

Ascending Huamei Ridge, you’ll first encounter a massive rock resembling a giant turtle stretching its neck, commonly known as Linjiao Peak. To the south, a small path leads down to Daoshi Cliff, opposite which stands a round, upturned rocky peak called Fupen Peak, also known as Tuannbaozhai. It was built by Zhou, a general under Liu Yuan in the late Song Dynasty. To the left and down is Shihan Peak. This area features deep, serene valleys and complex stone forest terrain, making it a sight to behold but difficult to access.

Yingzhen Peak

Yingzhen Peak, with an elevation of 1,109 meters, is entirely rocky with rugged cliffs, surrounded by walls on all sides. The entire mountain peak is spiral-shaped, with its summit rocks arranged in a jumbled fashion, forming natural caves. Taoists regard this as a place to welcome the Divine Lord Siming, hence the name. Legend has it that in the final years of the late Song Dynasty when Liu Yuan and his followers resisted the Yuan Dynasty, 18 newlywed women, after their husbands died in battle, held the peak and resisted the Yuan forces until death, never surrendering. Another tale tells of a widow who carried a peck of rice to the peak and never descended again. The peak is often shrouded in cooking smoke, thus earning the nickname Widow’s Fort.

Whenever rain clears and clouds disperse, the rocky skeleton of Yingzhen Peak emerges in a bluish hue, resembling a maiden combing her hair with high coiled buns—exquisitely graceful. Between the crevices, uniquely shaped pines hang upside down from the cliffs, with perilous paths leading to the summit. Once atop, one can gaze southeast to see the Subterranean River like a silk ribbon and the Wan River like a belt, with vast skies and open land. On clear days, the Zhenfeng Pagoda of Yingjiang Temple in Anqing can be faintly made out. Historically, this peak has been called the “Giant among Half-Mountain Peaks.”

Dongguan

Having explored the Xiguan scenic area, we now enter the Dongguan scenic area. Here, the peaks are steep and towering, standing abreast yet unconnected, with elevations generally above 1,100 meters. The valleys are deep and serene, the cliffs sheer, and the relative height differences reach several hundred meters.

Ankiji Tan

On this Ankiji Tan (Monk’s Foundation Terrace), there are two large peculiar rocks. Look at them—they are square and upright, with spacious tops and a central ridge like a spine, their southern edges tilting forward, resembling a house. The Ming Dynasty poet Xu Gui once wrote a poem about them: “Qi arises from true essence, round as the vortex of the Taiji. The curtain opens to reveal the mountain’s many faces, the stacked stones form a lofty abode.” Another peculiar rock is the Yingge Stone (Parrot Stone). It is said that this is a female parrot, while the one on Zhenzhen Cliff in front of Tianzhu Peak is the male. They call and respond to each other in a delightful interplay.

Muyang River

What is now Ankiji Tan was originally the site of the Monk’s Hut, which derived its name from the Muyang River.

This clear stream is the Muyang River. Legend has it that in ancient times, a young Song Dynasty Taoist priest, orphaned in childhood, herded sheep for a wealthy man on Tianzhu Mountain. One day, the sheep went missing, and the other shepherds didn’t know what to do. The priest, only 13 at the time, ventured alone into the deep mountains to search for the sheep. After three days, he encountered an old monk sitting cross-legged with eyes closed in a stone cave, surrounded by uninhabited wilderness. The monk had yellow fur over an inch long on his face. Realizing this was no ordinary person, the priest knelt before him and explained the lost sheep situation. The old monk opened his eyes and said, “Your sheep are still there, but you won’t get them until Mid-Autumn. Go back now.” The priest returned and told the other shepherds. When they returned at Mid-Autumn, sure enough, the sheep were still there—and there were even 400 to 500 more than before. Today, one can still see the words “Ancient Muyang River” carved on a large rock.

Queqiao (Magpie Bridge)

A marvel of Tianzhu Mountain—Queqiao. It protrudes from the eastern cliff face, rising five or six meters high, then arching and slanting down toward the adjacent peak, suspended like a bridge. Below it lies a yawning chasm thousands of feet deep, inspiring awe. The Dongguan area is a gathering place for mist and clouds. At dawn and dusk, when the clouds surge, walking beneath Queqiao gives one the sensation of “secretly crossing the Milky Way.”

Datianmen (Great Heavenly Gate)

Datianmen, commonly called “Scissors Fork,” has Fupen Peak to its west, with an elevation of 1,150 meters. On the southwestern side of its summit is a round, flat boulder about 10 meters in diameter, resembling an inverted circular stone basin atop the peak, named Fupen Stone, or commonly Tuánbǎoshí (Round Gem). To the east of Datianmen is Tianshi Peak, with an elevation of 1,186 meters. On its western cliff face, there is a man-made stone stairway leading to the summit. The summit features a massive rock resembling a lion, majestic and upright, called Tianshi Stone. On the southwest cliff, a narrow, flat rock extends over a meter, like a yellow sparrow sticking out its tongue, hence named Que She Shi (Sparrow Tongue Stone). Between the two peaks, a vertical cleft forms a grand gateway like a heavenly door—hence the origin of the name Datianmen. To its left, Fupen shelters overhead, while to its right, Tianshi stands guard, making it truly impregnable.

Tianshi Peak

Ascending to the summit of Tianshi Peak and looking west, Fupen Peak and Yingzhen Peak stand opposite each other. Gazing northwest, Feilai Peak and Tianzhu Peak seem to converse across the distance. Looking north, Shihan Peak and Cuihua Peak echo each other, while Guichui Stone and Yanzhi Stone are all in view. Surveying the east, Shaoshi Peak resembles a gentle little lion nestled beside its elder. Scanning the southeast, a thousand peaks compete in beauty, ten thousand valleys vie in radiance, the land vast and the skies high—truly uplifting to the spirit.

Qianzhangya (Thousand-Zhang Cliff)

Exiting Datianmen to the north, a mountain peak stretches across the view—Qianzhangya. To its left is Shihan Peak. With an elevation of 1,046 meters, Shihan Peak is the lowest among the Dongguan peaks. Its summit is lush and green, shaded by dense forests. Ancient records state: “In the sheer cliffs of Wanshan, there is a stone chest embedded in the wall, gleaming brilliantly.” Hence the name Shihan Peak. The southern cliff face of Qianzhangya is precipitously steep, with a chasm thousands of feet deep, its surface dark and glossy, devoid of birds. The cliff is covered in shier (a type of edible fungus). Thus, herbalists often hang ropes here to harvest it. If you’re lucky enough to witness their cliff-climbing skills, it will be an eye-opening experience.

Yangguang San Die (Sunlight Triple Falls)

Below the peaks and above the cliffs, lush trees compete in beauty, while flowers bloom abundantly in the valleys. This valley is called “Jicui Valley” (Accumulated Emerald Valley). In early spring, the azaleas of the Dongguan peaks bloom in succession, like red clouds or patches of morning glow, dyeing the peaks and valleys crimson. A small stream runs through the valley, called “Dongguan Jian” (Dongguan Stream). The stream flows east into the Wan River via the Wan Stream. The “Dongguan Yan Yun” (Dongguan Mist and Clouds) of the eastern Tianzhu Mountain originates from this valley. Here, peaks rise in ranks, valleys twist deeply, forests are dense, and streams and waterfalls abound—a place where mist and clouds frequently emerge. At dawn and dusk, the mist pours forth from Qianzhangya.

Xiānrén Dǎgǔ · Yán yóu Shí (Immortal Beating Drum · Snail Stone)

Standing alone, thick at the top and slender at the bottom, it is called “Drumstick Stone.” To its northwest, atop Shigu Peak, lies a large, round rock resembling a ball drum, called “Xian Gu Shi” (Immortal Drum), commonly known as Shi Gu. Together with Drumstick Stone, they form a scenic combination called “Xiānrén Dǎgǔ” (Immortal Beating Drum). Both Drumstick Stone and Immortal Drum are masterpieces of nature’s craftsmanship. Most miraculous is the Yan yóu Shí (Snail Stone) beneath the southeast cliff of Shigu Peak. It is a marvel among Tianzhu Mountain’s peculiar rocks. Two small stone pillars extend from the cliff’s edge, like a pair of antennae searching for a path. Legend says that if either antenna grows taller, the Thunder God will strike it down to match the other. Yan yóu Shí gives the vivid impression of crawling uphill, truly lifelike and astounding.

Sunrise Viewing Platform

The "Sunrise Viewing Platform" is an excellent spot to admire the scenery of the Eastern Pass mountain range. To the east stand the lush and elegant peaks, among which Cuìhuá Peak reigns as the most prominent of the Eastern Pass peaks, towering at an elevation of 1,120 meters. It rises majestically from the earth, rugged and steep, dominating the surrounding landscape. At its summit, ancient pines twist and curl, while the cliffs are cloaked in dark green hues, dotted with thorny vines and thick undergrowth. In spring, rare trees vie in beauty, and wildflowers bloom in riotous colors, creating a breathtaking scene like an ink-painted masterpiece. This is also the best place to watch the sunrise over Tianzhu Mountain.