Taizhou's Hidden Gem: A Romantic Encounter with the Stunning Sunset Glow of Tiantai's Chicheng Mountain

When it comes to Tiantai Mountain, the crimson mountain range visible from the county town is Chicheng Mountain! Not only is it home to one of Tiantai's Eight Scenic Spots—"Sunset Glow over Chicheng"—but it's also where the legendary monk Ji Gong studied in his youth! The unique Danxia landform bathes the entire mountain in an intoxicating purplish-red hue at sunset, leaving visitors breathless! Best of all, it's super close to the city, easy to explore, and offers incredible value (tickets are very affordable!). Perfect for a half-day trip combining culture, hiking, and sunset views! · 🚗 【Transportation】Super Convenient! Just Go! Location Advantage: Chicheng Mountain is located in the northern suburbs of Tiantai County, just a 10-minute drive from Guoqing Temple and close to the high-speed rail station/highway exit! 🚄 High-Speed Rail: After arriving at Tiantai Mountain Station: 🚕 Taxi/Ride-Hailing: Highly recommended! About 15-20 minutes directly to the scenic area entrance (set destination as "Chicheng Mountain Scenic Area" or "Ji Gong Temple"). Fare: ~¥20-30. 🚌 Bus: Take local buses (e.g., No. 5 or 7—check real-time maps) to "Chicheng Mountain" or "Chicheng Middle School" stop, then walk a short distance to the entrance. Slower but budget-friendly. 🚗 Self-Drive: Navigate to "Chicheng Mountain Scenic Area Parking Lot" (paid). The lot is right at the mountain base—very convenient. From downtown Tiantai or Guoqing Temple, it takes under 10 minutes. 🛵 Local Transport: If staying in town, shared e-bikes can easily get you to the mountain! · 🗺️ 【Route Plan】Easy Hike, Must-See Spots Classic Route (2-3 hours, relaxed): Start: Entrance ticket purchase → Ji Gong East/West Temple (learn about young Ji Gong; unique cliffside architecture) → Choose hiking trail (gentle slopes or stairs available). Hike: Pass Yujing Cave (6th Taoist Grotto-Heaven, active incense) & Ziyun Cave (natural cool cavern) → Must-visit Liangfei Pagoda (landmark! Ancient Southern Dynasty pagoda with panoramic views from the top). Summit/Sunset: Continue to the peak platform → Best spot for "Sunset Glow over Chicheng"! 🌇 Allow ample time for the mountain to turn crimson (summer: start hike after 4:30 PM). Descent: Return via same path or loop trail (~1 hour). Low intensity. Express Route (1-1.5 hours): For sunset/Liangfei Pagoda photos: Entrance → Direct to Liangfei Pagoda (shortcut) → View from pagoda or peak → Descend. · ⚠️ 【Tips】Key Points! Must-Read! 🚫 Don’t miss golden hour! "Sunset Glow" is the highlight! Check sunset time and start hiking at least 1 hour prior (summer: 4:30-5:00 PM). Overcast days disappoint! 🚫 Avoid impractical footwear! Though not steep, stone paths/stairs demand comfy sneakers/flats, especially downhill. 🚫 Liangfei Pagoda caution! Narrow, steep stairs—take care when crowded. Not advised for those with mobility issues/acrophobia. 🚫 Limited summit snacks: Bring water/snacks. Vendors at entrance. 🚫 Parking: Arrive early during peak/sunset hours. · 😋 【Food】Feast in the County Town! 🏔️ On Mountain: Only basic snacks (tea eggs, corn) at entrance/midway. No meals—eat downtown! 🏙️ Downtown Picks: Just minutes from Chicheng! Must-try Tiantai snacks: Jiaobingtong (stuffed pancakes), Hulatai (savory crepes), wheat cakes (abundant on Laodong/Feihe Roads). Local dishes: Bamboo shoots, stream fish, free-range chicken. Ji Gong-themed: Some restaurants offer "Monk Ji Vegetarian Banquet" (e.g., Luohan Zhai). · 🏨 【Stay】Downtown = Best Base! No lodging on Chicheng! Half-day visit—stay downtown or near Guoqing Temple. 🏙️ Downtown Tiantai (Top Choice): Pros: Tons of options! Budget chains (Hanting, Home Inn), mid-range (Landison Vega), luxury available. Easy dining/shopping/transit (to rail/attractions). Closest to Chicheng. Area recs: Near Laodong/Feihe Roads, Shifeng New Town. 🏯 Guoqing Temple Area: Pros: Serene, Zen ambiance. Boutique hotels (Lucid Tiantai, Tiantai Hotel) & B&Bs (Flower Villa). Cons: Requires short drive to downtown. Pricier. · 📌 【Notes】Happy Trip Checklist 🌤️ Weather is key: Sunny days ONLY! Overcast ruins the glow/Danxia colors. Check forecasts. 🎫 Cheap tickets: ~¥15-30 (confirm latest price). On-site purchase—no advance booking needed. 💧 Hydrate! Especially in summer. Limited water on mountain. 🧴 Sunscreen/bug spray: Summer essentials. Mosquitoes in wooded areas. 📿 Respect sites: Quiet/appropriate attire at Yujing Cave/Ji Gong Temple. 📶 Good signal: Reliable coverage near urban area. 🚮 Pack out trash. · ✨ Closing: Chicheng Mountain is Tiantai’s gentlest yet most vibrant brushstroke. No arduous trek or exhaustion needed—just stand atop Liangfei Pagoda to see city lights and layered peaks unfold below, or witness the mountain gilded in surreal purple-gold at dusk. Where Ji Gong’s legend began, this effortless-yet-stunning stop in your Tiantai journey promises a sunset rendezvous you’ll never forget—a romance exclusive to Tiantai! 💜