Baima Grand Canyon

Baima Grand Canyon

The Dabie Mountains where Tianzhu Mountain is located form the watershed between China’s northern and southern river systems. Rivers to the north of the mountains flow northward into the Huai River, while those to the south flow southward into the Yangtze River. Therefore, from the summit of Tianzhu Mountain, you can look north toward the Central Plains and south toward the Jingchu region, with majestic mountain ranges stretching as far as the eye can see. The Tianzhu Mountain forest area serves as a water conservation forest. Its unique climatic conditions have created a landscape where the mountains are as high as the water—reaching great elevations. At an altitude of 1,729 meters, the summit of Tianzhu features a natural pond known as the "Heavenly Pond," which neither overflows nor dries up, commonly referred to as the "Jade Pool."

Baima Grand Canyon in Tianzhu Mountain is located at the foot of Baima Peak, which stands at an altitude of 1,600 meters, on the upper reaches of Longjing River. It stretches approximately 6 kilometers in total, with 1,960 meters currently developed for tourism. As a newly developed scenic canyon at the foot of Tianzhu Mountain, Baima Grand Canyon is where the waters from the mountain’s waterfalls converge. It is the source of the Huai River and combines beauty, serenity, grandeur, and danger with springs, waterfalls, streams, and pools all within the valley. It is hailed as “a unique place where peaks and waters blend in perfect harmony, and a spiritual land of unmatched beauty and virtue!”

The canyon features towering peaks, winding corridors, interconnected dragon pools, and flowing waters. The water quality here meets the national Class I surface drinking water standard and also serves as the water source for Hefei, the capital of Anhui Province. Within the canyon, there are nine major groups of dragon pools, the Dragon Eye, the Heavenly Fortress, and the One-Line Waterfall, making it one of the most representative canyon landscapes in the Dabie Mountains. Since its development, Tianzhu Mountain Scenic Area has prioritized conservation with limited development, respecting the original environment and maintaining nature. This has resulted in a unique pristine ecotourism destination that integrates mountains, waterfalls, canyons, and cultural elements. It is praised as “a unique place where peaks and waters blend in perfect harmony, and a spiritual land of unmatched beauty and virtue!”

The benevolent enjoy the mountains, and the wise enjoy the waters. Strolling through the grand canyon to explore attractions such as the Nine Dragons Linked Pools, Natural Fortress, Leaping Horse Bridge, Immortal’s Abode, Nine-Turn Dragon Eye, and Lovers’ Island, you’ll find a new wonder at every step—jagged rocks and deep pools surrounded by lush greenery. Here, you can intimately connect with the canyon’s pristine mountains and clear waters, experiencing the charm of the colorful canyons of the Dabie Mountains.

About 130 million years ago, after the intrusion of Tianzhu Mountain’s granite, the Earth's crust underwent intense tectonic activity. A fracture occurred along the Li'nan River line, and over the long geological evolution that followed, factors such as water erosion and weathering worked together to form the canyon landscape. The canyon is a marvel of nature, with ever-changing scenery. It is dotted with deep pools and waterfalls, exuding a mysterious aura—some say the waterfalls resemble dancing silver dragons, while others hear the thunder of galloping horses. The streambeds are scattered with peculiar rocks, some looking like elephants playing in water, others like scattered pearls. The surrounding vegetation is dense and lush, accompanied by the sounds of rustling leaves and birdsong. The air is fresh, the scenery picturesque, and the vistas enchanting. The canyon floor is relatively wide, with steep cliffs lining both sides, making it a classic U-shaped valley. The exposed rock layers at the bottom of the valley consist of deeply metamorphosed Dabie Complex rocks and granite, creating a rich and diverse landscape.

From a distance, Baima Peak under the glow of sunset resembles a tall, handsome white horse prince, hence the view known as “Saddle Peak Sunset” is a much-sought-after subject for photographers. Walking into the canyon entrance and descending gradually along steep stone steps, you’ll stroll along a green-shaded pathway formed by regenerated forests mixed with towering ancient trees. Along the way, you can admire the exotic flowers and plants on both sides, breathe in the fresh scent of soil and blossoms, and listen to the rhythmic sound of spring water and the cheerful bubbling of streams—it’s truly delightful.

After crossing a wobbly suspension bridge about 20 meters long that elicits excited screams, you’ll come across a crystal-clear stream with snow-white splashes and spotless, smooth white stones. A poet once praised: “Having traveled across Huangshan, Mount Tai, and Mount Lu, only the waters of Tianzhu are the finest.” Beneath the dam, the riverbed features a natural gallery composed of massive granite rocks. The elegant and lifelike black-and-white patterns forming landscape, figure, and scenery paintings will spark your imagination and immerse you in the beauty of natural art. Here, you’ll find the black-and-white granite known as “Two Dragons Crossing the River,” the legendary beauty of Black Dragon Pool, and the jade-like waters of Jade Dragon Pool, Azure Dragon Pool, Golden Dragon Pool, Silver Dragon Pool, and Green Dragon Pool—rivaling the beauty of Jiuzhaigou. There’s also the “Natural City Wall” crafted by the wonders of nature.