1. Baochan Mountain Scenic Area (Core Literary Landmark)
History: Formed 450 million years ago from ancient ocean crust movements; formerly named Huashan Mountain. Monk Huibao built a hut here in the Tang Zhenguan Period, giving the mountain its current name.
Highlight – Huayang Cave
A 1,600-meter karst cave with the layout of caves within caves, underground rivers winding through. Visitors row boats along the subterranean stream amid varied stalactites and stalagmites. This is the exact site that inspired Wang Anshi’s timeless essay Notes on a Trip to Baochan Mountain.
Other spots: Qiyun Peak (cloud-shrouded summit), Lingzhi Mountain, Bowl Ridge, ancient stone paths
Opening hours: 08:30–17:00 (last entry 16:00)
Ticket: Huayang Cave ¥50; mountain park free entry
2. Lingjiatan National Archaeological Site Park
A 5,300–5,800-year-old Neolithic settlement, one of China’s top 10 archaeological discoveries.
Museum treasures: National-class jade artifacts including jade dragon, eight-pointed star jade eagle, jade tortoise & jade plate, giant jade pig and carved jade human statues.
A thousand-year water town once ranked top among the Four Great Rice Markets of the Qing Dynasty, built on ancient canal shipping routes.
Attractions: Li Hongzhang Pawnshop, Ming-Qing wooden old alleys, ancient stone docks, old teahouses
Feature: Low commercialization with authentic local morning food culture
Free entry, open all day
4. Taihu Mountain National Forest Park
Hailed as "Little Jiuhua North of the Yangtze River" and a natural oxygen bar.
Highlights: Millennium Taihu Temple (Northern Song Dynasty), deer farm, dense forest trails for hiking
Ticket: ¥10 for temple area
5. Zhaoguan Hot Spring
Shares the same underground hot spring water system as Bantang Hot Spring in Chaohu. Rich in mineral elements for skin care and muscle relief. Perfect for relaxing after mountain hiking or cave exploration.
6. Six Lane Stone Village
A primitive mountain village fully constructed from natural stones: stone houses, stone roads, stone walls. Quiet pastoral scenery ideal for slow travel and photography.