Putang

　　The Putang Scenic Area is situated on the banks of the Yangtze River, in the eastern suburbs of Ma'anshan, a major city in southern China. With its pristine, naturally-formed landscapes and ancient, timeless beauty, it complements the scenic and cultural allure of the nearby Cai Shi Ji and Tai Bai Lou in the western suburbs of Ma'anshan. Together, they form the city’s unique blend of cultural and natural attractions, drawing literati, artists, and visitors from all over the world throughout history to relax, explore history, and seek out wonders.

　　　　The scenic area borders Nanjing, the ancient capital of six dynasties, and lies close to Shanghai, a global metropolis. It is just 19 kilometers from Lukou International Airport and serves as one of the main routes connecting Anhui Province to Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. Covering an area of 24.2 square kilometers, the area features rolling mountains, crisscrossing valleys, lush pine and bamboo forests, gurgling springs, and abundant wildlife—offering breathtaking views that have earned it the title “Pearl of the East” in Ma’anshan. In 1998, it was designated as a provincial scenic area in Anhui, and in 2002, it was rated as a AA-level tourist attraction. Built upon its mountainous terrain and forest vegetation, the area integrates ecological and rural tourism, presenting vast development potential. In line with the municipal government’s strategic plan to boost tourism, our district offers preferential policies regarding land use and investment attraction. These efforts create a favorable environment for developing the scenic area, providing economic infrastructure, transportation, communication, energy resources, as well as considerable capacity for tourist volume and duration. This lays a stable foundation for attracting a high-spending visitor base in the district's future growth.

　　　　The Putang Natural Scenic Area is located in the Putang Mountainous region in eastern Ma’anshan, spanning approximately 20 square kilometers. Here, peaks and valleys are densely packed, with landscapes clustered together. The mountains are covered in dense forests that block out the sky, while trails wind through the hills. The area has 49 peaks of varying sizes, 53 valleys, 8 reservoirs, and 290 ponds and dams. The forests cover 18,000 mu, bamboo groves span 5,000 mu, tea plantations occupy 350 mu, and there are over 300 species of plants. The woodland features a mix of trees and shrubs, hanging vines, ancient towering trees, and bamboo forests that stretch like oceans. Among them are ancient ginkgo trees over 800 years old that still bear fruit each year; a giant evergreen holly with a canopy spanning 200 square meters, resembling a massive umbrella; and centuries-old osmanthus, camellia, crape myrtle, juniper, and beech trees, all rich in fragrance and vibrant colors. The area also boasts springs that flow year-round, including Yu Ru Spring, Dragon Spring, Tiger Spring, Clear Spring, and Crab Spring, with Dragon Spring and Yu Ru Spring being the largest. Dragon Spring is located at the head of Dragon Valley, where water flows as if spouting from a dragon’s mouth, forming a gentle stream that trickles down with a crisp, pleasant sound echoing through the deep valley. Yu Ru Spring is found in the secluded valley near Tianma Mountain. Named for its milky-white water, the spring is cool and refreshing, and has been in existence for over 500 years. Due to the dense forests, the area is an ideal habitat for birds, especially within broad-leaved mixed forests, where over 20 species can be found, including thrushes, warblers, cuckoos, larks, mountain sparrows, doves, egrets, and grey magpies. Historically, this was also a prime location for Buddhism and Taoism to establish temples and nunneries. At one time, there were as many as 27 such sites, including You Gu An, Kao Shan An, and Qing Yun Guan, all bustling with worshippers.

　　　　The Putang Natural Scenic Area is now divided into three zones: Huangzhuang, Jianhu, and Lingxuan. The Huangzhuang Zone is located in the northeast of Putang. Characterized by high mountains, deep valleys, dense bamboo and trees, and enclosed spaces, the zone offers a tranquil environment. Its main features are secluded valleys and clear springs, including attractions like Bamboo Grove Ancient Path, Nine Dragons Playing with a Pearl, Secluded Valley Ancient Temple, Dragon Spring Longevity Tree, and Star Lake Mountain Village. The Jianhu Zone lies in the southwest of Putang, featuring open spaces where mountains meet water, along with unique landscapes. Its highlights include lake views, mountain scenery, and bird songs, with attractions such as Jianhu Painted Boat, Embroidered Curtain Birdsong, Bell and Drum Wonder, and Dragon Peak View. The Lingyuan Zone serves as the gateway to the Huangzhuang Zone and mainly includes monuments such as the Martyrs’ Tower, Martyrs’ Cemetery, and exhibition halls for remembrance and tribute. In 1989, the Ma’anshan Municipal Government, together with relevant experts, conducted a survey of the area’s resources and designated it as the city’s nature reserve. A master development plan was established, and the first phase of construction commenced. Currently, the scenic area’s tourism route expansion project has been completed. The newly built You Gu An Tourist Reception Service Center and the “You Gu Zheng Wu” attraction cover an area of 1,272 square meters and can accommodate up to 2,000 visitors per day.

　　　　The scenic area features undulating mountains, crisscrossing valleys, lush forests, gurgling springs, and a serene, wild atmosphere—making it an ideal destination for leisure and vacation. The "Four Wonders" of Putang are its bamboo sea, ancient trees, clear springs, and bell-and-drum sounds. Here, the vast bamboo sea stretches as far as the eye can see, and when the mountain breeze blows, the swaying bamboo shadows and rustling leaves produce a sound like nature’s own music. Wandering through it, one forgets all worldly concerns and feels completely at peace. An ancient ginkgo tree, having survived a thousand years of history, still stands with twisted branches and thick leaves, offering a shady canopy. The Bell-and-Drum Ground emits mysterious, rhythmic sounds as if drums and bells are beating from beneath the earth—an intriguing and fantastical experience.