Tiandu Peak

　　   Tiandu Peak is situated in the southeast of Huangshan, facing Lotus Peak to the west and connecting to Bowls Peak to the east. Together with Bright Summit Peak and Lotus Peak, it is recognized as one of the three main peaks of Huangshan, and is one of the 36 major peaks, standing at an elevation of 1,810 meters. In ancient times, it was called “the gathering place of immortals,” meaning the capital of the heavens, hence the name “Tiandu Peak” (Heavenly Capital Peak). The summit is flat like a palm, featuring the carved inscription “Climbing to the Ultimate Height.” There is also a natural stone chamber inside that can accommodate hundreds of people. Outside the chamber lies a rock resembling a drunken man lying on his side, named “The Immortal Guarding the Cave Entrance.”

　　   The peak is characterized by its rugged, towering form, standing prominently above the ground with steep, majestic, and grand momentum. Among all the peaks of Huangshan, it is considered the most magnificent and spectacular. According to historical records, during the Tang Dynasty, Monk Daoyun braved countless dangers and climbed along the eastern cliffs to reach the summit for the first time. He is the first recorded person to have ascended Tiandu Peak. At that time, climbing the peak was described as “having no path beyond the rocky walls.” During the Ming Dynasty, geographer Luo Hongxian sighed when he visited Huangshan during the Jiajing era: “In what year shall I ride a crane or phoenix under the daylight, treading upon the clouds of Tiandu Peak?” The level of difficulty is almost unimaginable, and even compared to explorers throughout history, it is no less challenging. He left behind a poem titled “Climbing Tiandu Peak”: “Soaring thousands of feet through the void, the peril rivals ascending a crimson ladder; entering into Tiandu, looking back, the bird paths seem low. Other mountains dot the landscape in green, distant waters appear pale and desolate; wishing to descend from the front peak at dusk, I find partridges roosting among the rocks.” Later, stones were cut to create a path, and stone pillars and iron chain railings were installed, allowing visitors to safely reach the summit today. From the peak, one can gaze into the distance where clouds meet mountains, and overlook the surrounding peaks, each competing in beauty. An ancient poem praises: “No matter who returns from the Five Great Mountains, upon seeing Tiandu, they too will exclaim in wonder.”

　　   Geographical Features

　　　     Although not as high as Huangshan’s main peak, Lotus Peak, its steepness is unmatched by Lotus Peak. The Hundred-Zhang Cloud Ladder is almost completely vertical. Tiandu Peak offers an ideal vantage point to overlook the magnificent panoramic view of Huangshan, which is why people say, “A trip to Huangshan without climbing Tiandu Peak is an empty journey.” In ancient times, there was no path to climb Tiandu Peak, and very few people managed to reach the summit. Tang Dynasty monk Shiyun, fascinated by the legendary feats of the Eastern monk who threw his alms bowl, came to Huangshan and became the first recorded person to climb Tiandu Peak. He left behind the poem “Climbing Tiandu Peak” at the “Crucian Carp Back” section of the peak: “Soaring thousands of zhang through the void, the peril rivals ascending a ship’s ladder; entering into Tiandu, looking back, the bird paths seem low. Other mountains dot the landscape in green, distant waters appear pale and desolate; wishing to descend from the front peak at dusk, I find partridges roosting among the rocks.”

　　   Climbing Tiandu Peak
　　   Along the way up Tiandu Peak, there is a section known as the “Crucian Carp Back,” which is over 10 meters long and only about 1 meter wide. On both sides are sheer cliffs thousands of zhang deep, unfathomably mysterious. Its shape resembles the back of a fish emerging and submerging in waves, hence the name. The slope is as steep as 85 degrees from top to bottom. When the wind blows and clouds surge, it feels as if the mountain is shaking and the rocks are moving. Visitors here can’t help but feel trepidation, often expressing the sentiment that “the path to Tiandu seems impassable.” In the 26th year of the Republic of China (1937), a stairway to the peak was built, stretching 3 li, with 1,564 steps, 194 stone railings, and 600 meters of iron chains to ensure the safety of visitors climbing to the summit. In 1984, a new route was opened from the mountainside of the peak to the summit. Standing at the peak and looking into the distance, clouds meet mountains and rivers appear as a single line. Overlooking the surrounding peaks, each competes in beauty, offering an incomparably magnificent view. An ancient poem praises: “No matter who returns from the Five Great Mountains, upon seeing Tiandu, they too will exclaim in wonder.” A folk saying goes: “A trip to Tiandu Peak is wasted if you don’t go.” This means that Tiandu Peak is a must-visit spot when traveling to Huangshan.
　　   The summit of Tiandu Peak is flat like a palm, featuring the carved inscription “Climbing to the Ultimate Height.” There is a natural stone chamber inside that can hold dozens of people. Outside the chamber is a rock shaped like a drunken immortal lying on his side, named “The Immortal Guarding the Cave Entrance.” There is also a rock resembling a peach, called “Tiandu Immortal Peach.” The summit has inscriptions such as “Climbing to the Ultimate Height.” Gazing into the distance, clouds meet mountains; looking down, the surrounding peaks compete in beauty. An ancient poem reads: “No matter who returns from the Five Great Mountains, upon seeing Tiandu, they too will exclaim in wonder.” In May 1965, [a leader] wrote: “The wonder of Tiandu lies in its precipitousness; even viewed from afar, it feels like fate; none can rival its grandeur, none precede its solemn vastness.” A current folk saying goes: “A trip to Tiandu Peak is wasted if you don’t go,” meaning that visiting Huangshan without climbing Tiandu is like going for nothing. In 1983, a new path was opened from above Banshan Temple, from the mountainside of Tiandu Peak to its summit, adding new scenic spots. The peak includes attractions such as The Immortal Guarding the Cave Entrance, Crucian Carp Back, Heavenly Bridge, Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder, Squirrel Jumping to Tiandu, Heavenly Jade Screen, Child Worshiping Guanyin, Golden Rooster Crowing at Heaven’s Gate, and Two Monks Worshipping Buddha.

　　   Opening Hours

　　   Tiandu Peak Closure

　　　　     To allow the ecological environment of the Huangshan scenic area to rest and recover effectively and naturally, in pursuit of sustainable development, during the winter and spring seasons (December 1 to the end of March of the following year), the West Sea Grand Canyon, Lotus Peak, and Tiandu Peak enter maintenance periods. Among them, Lotus Peak and Tiandu Peak are opened alternately on a five-year rotation cycle. In the winter of 2009, Tiandu Peak was closed for rest, so in recent years only Lotus Peak has been open. Tiandu Peak will reopen in 2015.