Qishan-Pingtian Lake Scenic Area

Qishan-Pingtian Lake Scenic Area

The Qishan-Pingtian Lake Scenic Area is a national scenic area and a National AAAA-level tourist attraction.

The Qishan-Pingtian Lake Scenic Area is located in the urban area of Chizhou City, Anhui Province, with a planned area of 40.6 square kilometers. It consists of five parts: the Qishan Scenic Area, Bishan Scenic Area, Pingtian Lake Scenic Area, Wetland Scenic Area, and Taoyuan Scenic Area. Integrating mountains, water, and wetlands, the area boasts beautiful natural scenery and profound cultural heritage. To the south, it connects to the sacred Jiuhua Mountain, to the west lies the enchanting Qiupu wonderland, and it stands in a triad with the ancient city of Chizhou and Xinghua Village Scenic Area. It is a microcosm of landscape culture and embodies Chizhou’s iconic “mountains and waters within the city” feature.

The Qishan Scenic Area is the core section of the Qishan–Pingtian Lake Scenic Area, covering a total area of 4 square kilometers. Qishan is known for its unique landforms and natural beauty, combining the grandeur of Huangshan with the elegance of Jiuhua Mountain. The mountain features 32 caves, 13 rock formations, and three valleys. “Qishan Cave Heaven” is ranked first among the ancient Ten Scenic Spots of Chizhou.

Qishan exhibits typical karst landforms, where thousands of peculiar rocks resemble natural potted landscapes. Strolling through the area feels like stepping into a painting, leaving all visitors amazed by nature’s wonders. The “Cliff Stone Carvings” are listed as part of the third batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the Provincial Level in Anhui. Among them, the large characters “Qishan” carved on Jiyanyan Rock are recorded in the Qing Dynasty’s "Qishan Rock Cave Chronicles" as having been inscribed personally by the famous Song Dynasty official Bao Zheng when he served as prefect of Chizhou. This rare piece of calligraphy has its rubbings preserved in the Anhui Provincial Museum.

Pingtian Lake features vast misty waters, surrounded by rolling hills, lush trees, blooming flowers, and vibrant greenery, with forest vegetation coverage reaching 95%. Since ancient times, Qishan–Pingtian Lake has been the “suburban paradise” of Chizhou City. “The water stretches like a silk ribbon — this place is Pingtian,” is how the great poet Li Bai vividly described Pingtian Lake. “I ride especially to seek fragrant blooms up the verdant slopes, while my horse’s hooves urge me back under the bright moon” reflects General Yue Fei’s heartfelt words during his visit to Qishan. Today, the mountain and lake stand together in harmony, nestled in the heart of the city. The Qishan–Pingtian Lake Scenic Area offers breathtaking scenery and endless charm. It is an irreplaceable urban scenic treasure that combines aesthetic, scientific, cultural, recreational, and environmental values, making it a paradise for travel, vacation, and leisure.

Further Reading:

· Ninth Batch of National Scenic Areas