Tiantangzhai Mountain & Water Scenic Series

Day 1: Meet the group in Lu’an at noon. After lunch, take a coach to Tiantangzhai National Forest Park, a 5A-level scenic spot known as the last virgin forest in East China, also a national geopark, national forest park and national nature reserve (about 3 hours’ drive). Upon arrival, tour White Horse Grand Canyon (1.5–2 hours): Nine Linked Dragon Ponds, Natural Castle, Horse Leaping Bridge, Immortal Dwelling, Nine Twists of Dragon Eye and Lover Island. Admire clusters of dragon pools of varying sizes, stroll across Horse Leaping Bridge, relax beside murmuring streams at Lover Island, marvel at natural stone walls and Jasper Beach. Immerse yourself in stunning wild scenery and the romantic charm of exploring the secluded canyon. For dinner, you may opt for local hanging pot feast or bonfire party at your own expense, then check into the hotel. Overnight: Tiantangzhai

Day 2: After breakfast, visit the core scenic area of Tiantangzhai (around 4 hours), featuring Jiuying Waterfall, Lover Waterfall and Xieyu Waterfall. Take the cable car or hike uphill to see Dragon Sword Peak, Forest Gallery, Viewing Peak, Stone Buddha, Golden Lion Roaring at Heaven, Whale Emerging from the Sea, White Elephant Playing in Water and other landmarks. Wander along tree-lined plank roads beside groups of waterfalls, breathe the fresh air of the primeval forest oxygen bar, and enjoy the refreshing breeze atop lofty mountains. Overlook the magnificent landscape of Jianghuai Plain stretching far below. After lunch, drive back to Lu’an (3 hours). Stop at a specialty store selling Liu’an Guapian tea for about 30 minutes, then visit Moon Island to appreciate the charm of Pi River, the local mother river. Check into the hotel after dinner. Overnight: Lu’an

Day 3: After breakfast, travel along Liuqian Expressway — the first highway running through the hinterland of the Dabie Mountains — to Huangwei Town (around 1 hour’s drive), experiencing the poetic scene of “Carriages run along roads, travelers wander amid scroll-like landscapes”. Tour Dabie Mountain Rainbow Waterfall Scenic Area, where rolling green peaks, jagged strange rocks, deep winding valleys and crisscross river valleys are covered with dense bamboo and woods. The core attraction is Rainbow Waterfall, hailed as the No.1 Waterfall in East China. Standing 80 meters high and 30 meters wide, the waterfall surges down the cliff with tremendous momentum. Water sprays into mist and dust; when sunlight filters through the water vapor, a gorgeous rainbow forms. Walking beneath the rainbow feels like wandering in a dream. After lunch, drive back to Lu’an to send off the group, concluding this wonderful Dabie Mountain trip!

Day 1: Meet the group in Lu’an at noon. After lunch, take a coach to Tiantangzhai National Forest Park, a 5A-level scenic spot known as the last virgin forest in East China, also a national geopark, national forest park and national nature reserve (about 3 hours’ drive). Upon arrival, tour White Horse Grand Canyon (1.5–2 hours): Nine Linked Dragon Ponds, Natural Castle, Horse Leaping Bridge, Immortal Dwelling, Nine Twists of Dragon Eye and Lover Island. Admire clusters of dragon pools of varying sizes, stroll across Horse Leaping Bridge, relax beside murmuring streams at Lover Island, marvel at natural stone walls and Jasper Beach. Immerse yourself in stunning wild scenery and the romantic charm of exploring the secluded canyon. For dinner, you may opt for local hanging pot feast or bonfire party at your own expense, then check into the hotel. Overnight: Tiantangzhai

Day 2: After breakfast, visit the core scenic area of Tiantangzhai (around 4 hours), featuring Jiuying Waterfall, Lover Waterfall and Xieyu Waterfall. Take the cable car or hike uphill to see Dragon Sword Peak, Forest Gallery, Viewing Peak, Stone Buddha, Golden Lion Roaring at Heaven, Whale Emerging from the Sea, White Elephant Playing in Water and other landmarks. Wander along tree-lined plank roads beside groups of waterfalls, breathe the fresh air of the primeval forest oxygen bar, and enjoy the refreshing breeze atop lofty mountains. Overlook the magnificent landscape of Jianghuai Plain stretching far below. After lunch, drive back to Lu’an (3 hours). Stop at a specialty store selling Liu’an Guapian tea for about 30 minutes, then visit Moon Island to appreciate the charm of Pi River, the local mother river. Check into the hotel after dinner. Overnight: Lu’an

Day 3: After breakfast, drive to Shouxian Ancient City (around 1.5 hours). Visit the best-preserved Song Dynasty city wall in China, Binyang Tower (the ancient city gate tower), Bao’en Temple and Chu Culture Museum. Touch the traces left by 800 years of history and the flood marks from 1985. Afterwards, tour Empress Mother Palace, Pearl Spring and King of Huainan’s Tomb. Taste local tofu feast for lunch, then drive back to Lu’an to send off the group, wrapping up this pleasant Dabie Mountain journey!

Day 1: Meet the group in Lu’an at noon. After lunch, take a coach to Tiantangzhai National Forest Park, a 5A-level scenic spot known as the last virgin forest in East China, also a national geopark, national forest park and national nature reserve (about 3 hours’ drive). Upon arrival, tour White Horse Grand Canyon (1.5–2 hours): Nine Linked Dragon Ponds, Natural Castle, Horse Leaping Bridge, Immortal Dwelling, Nine Twists of Dragon Eye and Lover Island. Admire clusters of dragon pools of varying sizes, stroll across Horse Leaping Bridge, relax beside murmuring streams at Lover Island, marvel at natural stone walls and Jasper Beach. Immerse yourself in stunning wild scenery and the romantic charm of exploring the secluded canyon. For dinner, you may opt for local hanging pot feast or bonfire party at your own expense, then check into the hotel. Overnight: Tiantangzhai

Day 2: After breakfast, visit the core scenic area of Tiantangzhai (around 4 hours), featuring Jiuying Waterfall, Lover Waterfall and Xieyu Waterfall. Take the cable car or hike uphill to see Dragon Sword Peak, Forest Gallery, Viewing Peak, Stone Buddha, Golden Lion Roaring at Heaven, Whale Emerging from the Sea, White Elephant Playing in Water and other landmarks. Wander along tree-lined plank roads beside groups of waterfalls, breathe the fresh air of the primeval forest oxygen bar, and enjoy the refreshing breeze atop lofty mountains. Overlook the magnificent landscape of Jianghuai Plain stretching far below. After lunch, drive back to Lu’an (3 hours). Stop at a specialty store selling Liu’an Guapian tea for about 30 minutes, then visit Moon Island to appreciate the charm of Pi River, the local mother river. Check into the hotel after dinner. Overnight: Lu’an

Day 3: After breakfast, drive to Shucheng County (around 1.5 hours) and tour Wanfo Lake Scenic Area (about 3 hours). Vast glistening waters integrate mountains, islets, shoals, ponds, forests, flowers, grass, fish and insects into a colorful fairyland on earth. Enjoy the blue sky, clear water, lake and mountain scenery and golden sunshine bestowed by nature. Take a boat cruise to visit Wanfo Island, Golden Coast, Swallow Island, Huicui Forest and other islets. You may try Wanfo Lake whole fish feast at your own expense for lunch, then drive back to Lu’an to send off the group, finishing this delightful Dabie Mountain trip!

Day 1: Pick up the group at Lu’an Railway Station or Jinzhai Railway Station at noon. After lunch, head for Jinzhai County, the second-largest county that produced revolutionary generals nationwide. Visit the Revolutionary Martyrs Memorial Hall to learn about wars in the old revolutionary base areas and recall the turbulent wartime years. Tour Red Army Square to pay tribute to revolutionary martyrs of Jinzhai. Learn revolutionary stories including the establishment of the Soviet government of Hubei-Henan-Anhui Base Area, the founding of the Fourth Red Army, and the Liu-Deng Army’s march into the Dabie Mountains. Sightsee Meishan Reservoir Dam (about 1.5 hours), followed by free time. Check into the hotel after dinner. Overnight: Jinzhai

Day 2: After breakfast, drive to Tiantangzhai National Forest Park, a 5A-level scenic spot known as the last virgin forest in East China, also a national geopark, national forest park and national nature reserve (about 2 hours’ drive). Upon arrival, tour White Horse Grand Canyon (1.5–2 hours): Nine Linked Dragon Ponds, Natural Castle, Horse Leaping Bridge, Immortal Dwelling, Nine Twists of Dragon Eye and Lover Island. Admire clusters of dragon pools of varying sizes, stroll across Horse Leaping Bridge, relax beside murmuring streams at Lover Island, marvel at natural stone walls and Jasper Beach. Immerse yourself in stunning wild scenery and the romantic charm of exploring the secluded canyon. Check into the hotel after dinner. Overnight: Tiantangzhai

Day 3: After breakfast, visit the core scenic area of Tiantangzhai (around 4 hours), featuring Jiuying Waterfall, Lover Waterfall and Xieyu Waterfall. Take the cable car or hike uphill to see Dragon Sword Peak, Forest Gallery, Viewing Peak, Stone Buddha, Golden Lion Roaring at Heaven, Whale Emerging from the Sea, White Elephant Playing in Water and other landmarks. Wander along tree-lined plank roads beside groups of waterfalls, breathe the fresh air of the primeval forest oxygen bar, and enjoy the refreshing breeze atop lofty mountains. Overlook the magnificent landscape of Jianghuai Plain stretching far below. Descend the mountain by cable car or on foot. After lunch, drive back to Lu’an (3 hours) and stop at a Liu’an Guapian tea specialty store for about 30 minutes, marking the end of this wonderful Dabie Mountain tour!