Chizhou is a city in Anhui Province, China, known for its natural and cultural attractions. Some key attractions are outside the main urban area, so plan routes by district or county before departure. Notable sites include Jiuhua Mountain, a scenic area with Buddhist culture, and Guniujiang Nature Reserve, which features Eastern China's third-highest peak. Other attractions include the Jiu Hua Shan Dayuan Buddhist Culture Park, Peng Lai Xian Dong karst cave, and Shitai Grand Canyon Rafting.
Overview
Chizhou features Jiuhua Mountain, a Buddhist sacred peak, and Guniujiang Nature Reserve with Eastern China's third-highest peak. City center in Qingyang.
Ideal Pace
2-3 days
Seasonal Window
Pleasant in spring and autumn
Overview
Chizhou, in Anhui Province, is known for Jiuhua Mountain and Guniujiang Nature Reserve. The city center is Qingyang.
Practical Information
Major attractions: Jiuhua Mountain (Buddhist site), Guniujiang hiking, Penglai Cave (2-hour visit), and seasonal rafting. Check conditions.
Practical Info
- When visiting Chizhou, note that Jiuhua Mountain is a major attraction with a high visitor rating.
- The area is known for its Buddhist culture.
- Guniujiang Nature Reserve offers hiking opportunities.
- Peng Lai Xian Dong is a karst cave suitable for a 2-hour visit.
- Shitai Grand Canyon Rafting is available in season.
- Check local conditions before traveling.
Top Experiences
Explore Jiuhua Mountain, a sacred Buddhist site with temples and hikes. Visit Guniujiang Nature Reserve for subtropical forests and high peaks.
Chizhou is home to Jiuhua Mountain, one of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains, offering scenic hikes and ancient temples. The Guniujiang Nature Reserve features well-preserved subtropical forests and the third-highest peak in eastern China.
- Jiu Hua Shan Dayuan Buddhist Culture Park with its grand Ksitigarbha statue
- Karst Peng Lai Xian Dong cave
- Shitai Grand Canyon Rafting for outdoor adventure
Best Time to Visit
Four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are pleasant for outdoor activities; summer is warm and rainy; winter cold but less crowded.
Chizhou has a mild climate with four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are generally pleasant for outdoor activities. Summer can be warm and rainy, while winter is cold but less crowded.
Attraction Highlights
Jiuhua Mountain temples, Guniujiang forests, Dayuan Buddhist park with statue, Penglai Fairy Cave, and Shitai Grand Canyon rafting.
Jiuhua Mountain
Jiuhua Mountain is a renowned Buddhist mountain in Chizhou, featuring temples, natural scenery, and cultural heritage. It is a 5A-rated scenic area and one of China's four great Buddhist mountains. Visitors typically spend 1-2 days exploring its trails and religious sites.
Guniujiang Nature Reserve
Guniujiang Nature Reserve in Shitai County is a protected area with lush subtropical forests and diverse plant species. It is home to the third-highest peak in eastern China and offers hiking opportunities. The reserve is known for its remote, well-preserved natural environment.
Jiu Hua Shan Dayuan Buddhist Culture Park
The park features a towering bronze statue of Ksitigarbha, set against the scenic backdrop of Jiuhua Mountain. Visitors can explore the inner and outer Mingtang Square, Xiaoxitian Scenic Spot, and admire the white marble lotus flowers and gold-mosaic Buddhist pond. The statue is angled to catch the sunrise, creating a radiant glow. Allow 2-3 hours for a visit.
Peng Lai Xian Dong
Penglai Fairy Cave is a large karst cave system over 3,000 meters long, featuring four layers: sky cave, middle cave, ground cave, and underground river. It boasts more than ten scenic spots, including the reception hall and the East China Sea Dragon Palace, with impressive stalactites and an underground river. A visit takes about 2 hours.
Shitai Grand Canyon Rafting
This natural canyon offers a 2.5-hour rafting experience with a 6-person kayak, navigating a long river channel with a significant drop. The water is clear and cool, and no paddling is needed as the current carries you downstream. Facilities include changing rooms, showers, and a rest area. Ideal for summer adventures.
Xianyu Mountain Scenic Area
Xianyu Mountain is known for its numerous waterfalls, some multi-layered, and a rich ecosystem with rare plant species. The area also contains revolutionary relic sites. It offers a complete natural experience with diverse wildlife and scenic spots. Allow 4-5 hours to explore.
Jiuziyan Scenic Area
Jiuziyan Scenic Area, located in the south of Qingyang County, is part of the back mountain of the Jiuhua Mountain Range. It features several temples for prayer and worship, along with natural landscapes of strange peaks, rock formations, and a creek waterfall. The area blends natural scenery with Buddhist culture.
Xinghua Village Scenic Area
Xinghua Village Scenic Area, west of Chizhou City, is historically known for its liquor houses and is called 'the city of liquor.' It borders Qishan Lake, Boding Mountain, Ximen Hanging Bridge, and the Qiupu River. The village gained fame from a poem by Du Mu and is now a provincial scenic area, with 'Xinghua Village Liquor' being a popular brand.