Poetic landscapes, Zen-like Chizhou: a treasure guide for a leisurely trip

Let me tell you, Chizhou is a seriously underrated gem. It doesn’t have the fame of Huangshan or Jiuhuashan, but its tranquility and ethereal charm are truly unique. I’ve put together a route that lets you experience both the natural beauty and cultural heritage, guaranteeing a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Day 1: Dive straight into the theme and feel the fairy aura of the "City of Mountain and Water Poetry" Start from downtown Chizhou. The first stop has to be Qiupu River, the place that inspired the great poet Li Bai to write several poems. Don’t think it’s just an ordinary river—this is the “River of Poetry”! Walk along the riverbank where the water is so clear you can see the bottom, flanked by lush bamboo groves and forests. You can easily imagine Li Bai standing here over a thousand years ago, gazing at the same scenery and penning lines like “Thousands of nandina trees, tens of thousands of privet trees.” Now there’s a well-built sightseeing path along the river where you can rent a bike or just sit on the stones by the river, feel the breeze—it’s like having a cross-time conversation with an ancient poet. In the afternoon, head to Xinghua Village in the city. Yes, the very Xinghua Village that the poet Du Mu pointed to in his poem “The shepherd boy points to Xinghua Village from afar”! Although the exact location is debated, Chizhou’s Xinghua Village Cultural Park fully captures the atmosphere. It features typical Hui-style architecture with white walls and black tiles, small bridges, and flowing water. If you visit in spring, the apricot blossoms are in full bloom, perfect for photos. Even outside the blossom season, wandering around and learning about the story of Huang Gong’s wine cellar is quite charming. Stay overnight in the city and try Chizhou’s local rustic dishes, like Qiupu flower mandarin fish (a special way of cooking mandarin fish)—the flavor is incredibly fresh! Day 2: Climb high and gaze far, immerse yourself in the Buddhist pure land of Jiuhuashan Jiuhuashan is the highlight of Chizhou and deserves a full day. Get up early and take a bus straight up the mountain. Jiuhuashan is one of China’s four famous Buddhist mountains and the sacred site of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva, so as soon as you enter, you’ll feel a special peaceful and solemn atmosphere. There are many temples on the mountain, with famous ones including Huacheng Temple, the Mummified Bodhisattva Hall, and the Baishou Palace. Take your time exploring without rushing. I especially recommend visiting the Mummified Bodhisattva Hall, which enshrines the flesh body of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva—very sacred and a place where you can personally feel the power of faith. Remember to follow the rules and keep quiet inside the temples. Besides the temples, Jiuhuashan’s natural scenery is stunning. You can take a cable car up to Baishou Palace and overlook the entire Jiuhua Street, surrounded by mountains—truly spectacular. If you’re fit, challenge yourself to climb to Tiantai Peak, one of Jiuhuashan’s highest peaks. It’s tiring but the “view of all other mountains looking small” is definitely worth it. The mountain air is incredibly fresh, making you feel like your lungs are being cleansed. Day 3: Lakes and mountains, enjoy the tranquility of Pingtian Lake After the mountain climb, you might be a bit tired, so let’s plan a more relaxing day. Visit Pingtian Lake National Wetland Park in the city. This is another place Li Bai “checked in” at, describing it as “water like a piece of silk, this place is truly Pingtian,” so you know how beautiful it is. Pingtian Lake is vast but very quiet. You can rent a small boat and drift gently on the lake or stroll along the lakeside boardwalk. There are lotus flowers, reeds, and many water birds—the ecological environment is excellent. It’s much less crowded than Jiuhuashan, perfect for zoning out and quietly enjoying nature. Take some photos here and post on social media—the vibe is top-notch. Here are some tips for you: · Transportation: Chizhou has a high-speed rail station, very convenient. You can take taxis or buses between city attractions. · Accommodation: It’s best to stay in the city on the first and third nights for more options and easy dining. If you want to catch the sunrise at Jiuhuashan, stay on Jiuhua Street on the mountain for the second night, but remember to book in advance. · Food: Besides Qiupu flower mandarin fish, try stone ear mushroom stewed chicken and various local dishes made with bamboo shoots and dried tofu—full of local flavor and worth trying. · Mindset: When visiting Chizhou, don’t rush your itinerary. The beauty here requires you to slow down and savor it with your heart. The poetic and Zen spirit hidden in the mountains and waters is the most valuable travel reward. Follow this plan, and you’ll definitely experience the essence of Chizhou’s beauty. Have a great trip!