3-Day Leisure Tour in Qianshan: More Than Just Tianzhu Mountain, Intangible Cultural Heritage Cuisine Hides the Charm of Anhui Town Life

As the birthplace of the character "Wan" representing Anhui, deep travel in Qianshan is never about checking off popular spots but about immersing yourself in the mountains, waters, and local life. This 3-day itinerary offers both spectacular peaks and seas of clouds, as well as intangible cultural heritage crafts, with the fresh scent of the wild mountains filling the air. On the first day, head straight to Tianzhu Mountain. The highly recommended route is "enter from the west and exit from the east," starting from the upper station of the Dalongwo Cableway for an effortless ascent. When reaching the summit of Tianzhu Peak, you’ll encounter a rolling sea of clouds. At an altitude of 1,489.8 meters, the surrounding mountains look like islands in the mist. The glass plank road beneath your feet overlooks a 500-meter-deep canyon—walking on it makes your legs weak but you can’t stop taking photos. In the evening, wait by Liandan Lake, where the sunset dyes the water golden red, reflecting the shadows of the peaks. This is when you truly understand the romance of the "highest mountain lake in East China." The second day dives into culture. The Shangu Liuchuan Cultural Park hides over 400 cliff inscriptions. Wearing Hanfu, stroll along the stream, your fingertips brushing over Song Dynasty stone carvings, with the sound of flowing water in your ears—perfect for photos. In the afternoon, visit the Doumu Ancient Pottery Base and learn pottery throwing from a master craftsman. Although my "personal teacup" was a bit crooked, the process of turning clay into pottery by hand was incredibly rewarding. On the way, stop by the Xuejiagang Ruins, where 5,000-year-old porous stone knives and pottery balls make you marvel at the wisdom of ancient people. The third day is a food lover’s dream, fully dedicated to local flavors. Start with a photo op on the pink bus at the historic and cultural street in Xuehuli, then head straight to a time-honored brand to try Xuehuli Gong Lotus Root Braised Old Goose. The lotus root pieces are soft and absorb the broth fully, truly worthy of its status as a nationally recognized geographical indication product. Be sure to order the sweet potato starch balls with braised pork; the chewy balls wrapped in meat juice are delightfully bouncy and not greasy. Pair it with a bowl of shi’er (stone ear mushroom) free-range chicken soup, which is incredibly fresh and flavorful. In the evening, visit the Tea Expo Garden to buy Tianzhu Sword Tea and pick up a couple of gourds seeds to snack on later—they’re delicious. For accommodation, I chose Sen Shan Yun Su at the foot of the mountain, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering mountain views and waking up to birdsong in the morning. Transportation is very convenient: Qianshan Bus Line 1 connects the old town and attractions, costing only 1-2 yuan to explore the city. From Qianshan Station, a 40-minute bus ride takes you directly to Tianzhu Mountain for just 10 yuan. This trip wasn’t rushed but brought the most genuine happiness: hands covered in clay while throwing pottery, the mountain breeze encountered during hiking, and the steaming wild mountain flavors at the dining table. The beauty of Qianshan lies in slowing down time, and it’s worth experiencing in person.