Maanshan

Ma'anshan is an underrated riverside gem of a small city, with both the grand poetic sweep of the Yangtze River and low-key, everyday local food. It is perfect for a relaxing weekend of strolling and eating. Here is a detailed travel guide for you:

Must-Visit Attractions

• ​​Caishiji​​: The foremost of the Three Famous Rocks of the Yangtze River. Climb Taibai Tower for river views, walk through Sanyuan Cave to explore a riverside karst cave, and at dusk the river surface turns a stunning molten gold. Admission is free with a local ID card, and the light after 4 p.m. is best for photos.

• ​​Baochan Mountain Huayang Cave​​: The original site of Wang Anshi's “Record of a Visit to Baochan Mountain.” The 5,000-meter cave complex offers underground-river boating, with stalactites under the lights looking like a galaxy. There is no signal inside the cave, so download the offline audio guide in advance.

• ​​Putang National Holiday Park​​: A vast bamboo sea paired with white wind turbines. In the morning, the misty forest often has a Tyndall effect. Tickets are only 8 yuan, and bicycles can be rented at the entrance for riding along the Colorful Avenue.

• ​​Yangtze River Sleepless City​​: A hundred-meter neon street brings “A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains” to life. There are nightly molten-iron fireworks performances. It is free but requires a reservation, and the night views are truly spectacular.

Must-Try Local Foods

• ​​Dangtu Pork Noodles​​: Big slices of pork, both fatty and lean, cover the bowl. The noodles are chewy, and the flavor leans salty and spicy. It is one of the locals' favorite breakfasts.

• ​​Steamed Rice with Rice-Flour Pork​​: A Ma'anshan specialty featuring steamed pork with rice flour, glutinous rice, tofu skin, and pickled vegetables. Savory, fragrant, sticky, and very filling.

• ​​Flower and Bird Market Meat Pie​​: 5 yuan each, made and pan-fried to order, with a golden, crisp exterior and a rich meaty aroma.

• ​​Clay-Pot Malatang​​: An old-school local clay-pot preparation, with a rich, savory broth and crushed peanuts sprinkled on top. The flavor is outstanding.

• ​​Kawangka and Zhanji​​: Popular local Ma'anshan brands. Huizhou fermented rice drink, assorted walnut pastries, and cake rolls are must-buy souvenirs.

Essential 2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary

• ​​Day 1 (Poetic Yangtze River + Lively Night Market)​​: In the morning, visit Caishiji and check in at Taibai Tower and Sanyuan Cave; at noon, eat river fish or pork noodles near the scenic area; in the afternoon, go to Binjiang Cultural Park to wait for sunset, or head to Xuejiawa Ecological Park for a chance encounter with Yangtze finless porpoises; in the evening, go to Yangtze River Sleepless City to watch the molten-iron fireworks, then head to Jiefang Road Food Street for snacks.
• ​​Day 2 (Cave Adventure + Carb Feast)​​: In the morning, explore Baochan Mountain Huayang Cave and experience underground-river boating; at noon, try Sankoutang old goose soup in Hanshan County; in the afternoon, hike or cycle through Putang Bamboo Sea; before returning in the evening, make a final food run to Chongyang Road Food Street or the Flower and Bird Market.

Practical Travel Tips

• ​​Transportation​​: From Nanjing, the high-speed train takes about 15-18 minutes directly to Ma'anshan East Railway Station; you can also take the Ningma Intercity line (Line S2) directly from Nanjing Xishanqiao. Shared electric bikes and buses are very convenient within the city.
• ​​Accommodation​​: Staying near Golden Eagle Shopping Center or Caishiji is recommended. Both are convenient for shopping and river views, with very good value for money.
• ​​Pitfalls to Avoid​​: The “Li Bai pastries” sold at scenic-area entrances are average in taste and overpriced; Caishiji dried tofu is a better souvenir. Caves and mountain areas are cooler in the mornings and evenings, so bring a jacket.