Don't want to be crowded during the holiday? Head straight to Tianzhu Mountain in Anhui!

Don't want to be crowded during the holiday? Head straight to Tianzhu Mountain in Anhui! With its unique peaks, pine and cypress trees, caves, and sea of clouds, it rivals Huangshan in every aspect. Fewer people, beautiful scenery, and peaceful atmosphere. Complete the West Gate Grand Loop in 6 hours, and be speechless at the beauty along the way. This practical, tested guide is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and niche travelers to copy directly~ 【Transportation & Accommodation & Ticket Tips】▪️ Transportation: High-speed train directly to Qianshan Station, with a shuttle bus from the station to the scenic area (15 RMB/person, 40 minutes to the visitor center); driving is more flexible, about 2.5 hours from Hefei, 3 hours from Nanjing, parking at the scenic area costs 20 RMB per time (reference price).▪️ Accommodation: It is recommended to stay one day in advance in Qianshan city at the foot of the mountain or nearby homestays (150-200 RMB per person), then start hiking early the next day to avoid crowds and catch the morning mist.▪️ Tickets: Adult tickets about 130 RMB, Dalongwo Cableway up 80 RMB, down 60 RMB (subject to official release); those with average stamina should prioritize taking the cableway up to save energy for exploring the core scenic spots. 🗺️【West Gate Grand Loop Details - Beginner Friendly】▪️ Hiking difficulty: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (steep steps, moderate stamina required)▪️ Hiking time: 6 hours (including photo breaks, no rush)▪️ Route: Dalongwo Cableway up → Zhenyigang → Mysterious Valley → Tianchi Peak → Tianzhu Peak → Hundred-step Cloud Ladder (small loop can descend here) → Immortal Cave → Qinglong Back → Lotus Peak → Refining Lake → Dalongwo Cableway down▪️ Highlights: No backtracking, covers all the key scenic spots, mostly flat and gentle slopes after cableway, occasional steep slopes, overall manageable pace. 🌄【5 Must-Photograph Spots - Breathtaking Beauty】▫️ Hundred-step Cloud Ladder: Over a hundred nearly vertical steps that make your legs tremble! Looking back halfway, the rolling mountains and swirling clouds create a dramatic and thrilling scene, making photos extremely impactful.▫️ Mysterious Valley: A valley formed by naturally stacked giant rocks, wandering through dark caves, sometimes ducking, sometimes suddenly opening up, like a fun mountain adventure. Light filters through the cracks, giving portraits a cinematic feel.▫️ Tianzhu Peak: A must-visit at Tianzhu Mountain! The peak is steep and towering, pointing straight to the sky. After rain, you can often encounter a sea of clouds, with mist swirling around the mountain, creating a fairy-like atmosphere. Capturing the flowing sea of clouds from the viewing platform is absolutely stunning.▫️ Qinglong Back: A narrow cliff ridge with steep cliffs on both sides, aerial views show it like a green dragon lying atop the mountains. Standing on the ridge and looking afar truly feels like "all other mountains are small."▫️ Refining Lake: A "green gem" hidden deep in the mountains, with clear emerald water reflecting the green hills and trees. Rest on the wooden boardwalk by the lake, enjoy the mountain breeze, and all fatigue melts away. Every photo here is healing and cinematic. 💡【Practical Tips & Pitfall Avoidance】 Gear: Wear non-slip sports shoes (many steps and slippery), bring a trekking pole (saves 30% energy), carry a backpack with 2 bottles of water + energy snacks (chocolate, nuts). Avoid pitfalls: ① The East Gate route is more dangerous, beginners or those with average stamina should be cautious; ② Slippery roads when rainy, recommend wearing non-slip shoe covers, some sections may be closed, check weather forecast in advance; ③ Near Tianchi Peak, there are many fearless cats, you can bring a small amount of snacks to feed them (do not feed salty food). Photography: Best light is 9-11 AM and 3-5 PM, wear light-colored clothes to contrast with the green mountains and water for better photos; for sea of clouds, hike early after rain for higher chances. Food: After descending, try Qianshan specialties like Tianzhu Mountain cured meat, stone ear mushroom chicken stew, and small river fish. The meat is fresh and perfect for replenishing energy. Tianzhu Mountain doesn’t have the crowds of Huangshan but offers equally stunning natural scenery. The hike is thrilling and immersive, perfect for a weekend trip or holiday travel! Quickly gather your friends and set off now~