Chizhou

Chizhou is an underrated treasure of a small city in southern Anhui, with both the Zen atmosphere of a “Buddhist fairyland” and the cool mountain-and-water scenery of “southern Anhui’s Little Jiuzhaigou.” Whether you are escaping the summer heat for a weekend, praying for blessings, or taking a slow family trip, it is a great fit. Here is a complete, hand-holding Chizhou travel guide for you:

Must-Visit Attractions

• ​​Mount Jiuhua​​: One of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains and the bodhimanda of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. Be sure to visit the Baisui Palace to pray at the Hall of the Incarnate Body, see the natural Sleeping Buddha, and view the sea of clouds from Tiantai Peak.

• ​​Shitai Guniujiang​​: Known as “southern Anhui’s Little Jiuzhaigou,” with Longmen Pool’s emerald-colored water, the refreshing Four-Tier Waterfall for summer cooling, and an extremely high forest coverage rate, making it a natural oxygen bar.

• ​​Pingtian Lake​​: A poetic lake described by Li Bai as “water like a length of white silk,” quieter than West Lake. Cycling around the lake at dusk is recommended, with stops at the water road and Lotus Platform to watch a stunning sunset.

• ​​Xinghua Village​​: Famous because of Du Mu’s line “the shepherd boy points afar to Xinghua Village,” it offers Jiangnan pastoral scenery and is ideal for taking photos in Hanfu and experiencing poetic wine-and-countryside culture.

• ​​Penglai Fairy Cave​​: A karst landform cave with a constant temperature of 18°C inside. Its stalactites are fantastical and spectacular, making it a heavenly summer retreat.

• ​​Nuoxian Town​​: A Chizhou-only ancient town themed around Nuo culture. At night, there are glasses-free 3D displays, Nuo opera parades, and the live performance Legend of the Nuo King, creating a fully immersive atmosphere.

Classic Itinerary

• ​​Day 1: Urban Culture + Lakeside Leisure​​
  • ​​Morning​​: Arrive in Chizhou, then visit Chizhou Museum (enter the Confucian Temple and read into a thousand years of Chizhou history) and Xiushan Gate Museum (a lesser-known gem with details of Huizhou-style ancient architecture).

• ​​Afternoon​​: Tour Xinghua Village Cultural Tourism Area and soak up the poetic atmosphere of “the shepherd boy points afar.”

• ​​Dusk​​: Stroll or cycle around Pingtian Lake, check in at Lotus Platform and Wanghua Tower, and watch an orange-tinted sunset.

• ​​Evening​​: Take an immersive night tour of Nuoxian Town, watching the live performance Legend of the Nuo King and the molten-iron fireworks show.

• ​​Day 2: Pray for Blessings and View the Sea of Clouds on Mount Jiuhua​​
  • ​​Morning​​: Head to Mount Jiuhua and visit Zhiyuan Temple, Huacheng Temple (the founding ancestral temple), and the Hall of the Incarnate Body.

• ​​Afternoon​​: Take the cable car up to Baisui Palace to overlook the mountains, or head to Tiantai Peak to see the sea of clouds and surrounding peaks.

• ​​Evening​​: Stay on Jiuhua Street, taste Jiuhua vegetarian cuisine, and experience a slow Zen way of life.

• ​​Day 3: Shitai’s Hidden Mountain-and-Water Retreat​​
  • ​​Morning​​: Head to Guniujiang and visit Longmen Pool (emerald jelly-like water), Yanjia Ancient Village, and the Four-Tier Waterfall.

• ​​Afternoon​​: Explore Penglai Fairy Cave, or go bamboo rafting on the Qiupu River, then end the trip and return.

Must-Try Chizhou Foods

Accommodation and Transport Tips

• ​​Transport​​: For high-speed rail, prioritize “Jiuhuashan Station” (closer to the scenic area), or choose “Chizhou Station” (more train services). Attractions are scattered, so self-driving or hiring a car is recommended; to Mount Jiuhua, you can take a direct shuttle bus (about 50 minutes, 50 yuan including round trip).
• ​​Accommodation​​:
  • ​​On Mount Jiuhua​​: Stay on Jiuhua Street, close to the core attractions and convenient for watching sunrise and experiencing Zen life, though prices are higher in peak season.

• ​​At the Foot of Mount Jiuhua / In the City​​: Better value for money, with abundant dining options, suitable for extending your itinerary.

• ​​Shitai County​​: Stay in a homestay near Guniujiang or in the county town, convenient for the next day’s sightseeing and with a quiet surrounding environment.

Practical Pitfall-Avoidance Tips

• ​​Ticket Discounts​​: Most scenic areas offer half-price or free admission for seniors over 60; remember to bring your ID card.
• ​​Mount Jiuhua​​: Do not buy incense and candles at the entrance; official shops inside the temples sell them for 10 yuan/set. The scenic area transport ticket is 50 yuan and valid for a round trip, so do not lose it.
• ​​Guniujiang​​: There are many mosquitoes in summer, so bring mosquito repellent; wear non-slip shoes, as some mountain paths are fairly steep; getting up early is recommended (opens at 7:30) to avoid peak queues.
• ​​Pingtian Lake​​: For sunset, arrive before 17:00 to secure the best spot; bike rental is about 20 yuan/hour.
• ​​Nuoxian Town​​: Closed every Monday (except public holidays). Outdoor performances are suspended in rain, snow, or strong winds, so check the schedule in advance.
• ​​What to Wear​​: Temperatures in the mountains vary greatly between morning and evening, so bring a light jacket; the cave stays at 18°C year-round, so prepare a thin layer; wear comfortable flat shoes.