The Tiantai Mountains rise majestically, with temples and waterfalls painting a picturesque scene

🚗 **1. Transportation Guide** ‌**High-speed Rail**: Arrive at "Tiantai Mountain Station" and take the tourist shuttle (¥8/person) directly to the scenic area, about 20 minutes. ‌**Self-drive**: Approximately 3 hours from Hangzhou/Shanghai. Navigate to "Tiantai Mountain Grand Waterfall Visitor Center." Parking spots must be reserved in advance via the "Tiantai Mountain Tourism" official account. ‌**Tip**: Taxis near the scenic area may charge extra unexpectedly. Opt for buses or sightseeing shuttles (¥60/day, includes transfers). 🌟 **2. Must-Visit Attractions** ‌**Guoqing Temple (Free)** ‌**Highlights**: A Sui Dynasty ancient temple. Capture the misty Sui Pagoda at 6 AM and monks sweeping fallen leaves for a Zen vibe. The rice fields outside frame the pagoda perfectly. ‌**Tips**: Enter before 7 AM to avoid crowds. Limited vegetarian meals available (queue before 10 AM). ‌**Experience**: Try the Zen-inspired drinks at "Xide Coffee" and explore the Sui Plum Pavilion east of the Main Hall. ‌**Tiantai Mountain Grand Waterfall (¥100)** ‌**Highlights**: China's tallest waterfall (325-meter drop), with rainbows often visible on sunny afternoons! Newly added cliffside glass walkway (included in ticket). ‌**Tips**: May close after rain—check announcements. Wear anti-slip shoes; the climb takes about 4 hours. ‌**Qiongtai Fairy Valley (¥65)** ‌**Highlights**: Emerald-colored Eight Immortals Lake + suspended walkway. The new "Star Gazer" glass platform opens in 2025. ‌**Route**: Reverse route saves energy → Take the cable car up (¥30) and hike down through the canyon. ‌**Huading National Forest Park (¥50)** ‌**Highlights**: Summer retreat for camping and stargazing (Milky Way visible at night). May features vast azalea blooms (ended by late June). ‌**Tips**: Bring a light jacket for temperature drops. For hiking, take the wild path from Huafeng Village. 🗺️ **3. Classic Itineraries** ‌**One-Day Highlights** (Time-sensitive) ‌**Morning**: 🌅 6:30 Guoqing Temple (morning mist + vegetarian breakfast) → 9:00 Tiantai Mountain Grand Waterfall (rainbow photos + summit climb). ‌**Afternoon**: 🌄 13:00 Qiongtai Fairy Valley (cable car up, hike down) → 17:00 Shifeng Lake night tour (Hehe Culture live show). ‌**Two-Day In-Depth Trip** ‌**Day 1**: Guoqing Temple → Shiliang Waterfall (more spectacular after rain) → Overnight at Tiantai Hotel (near Guoqing Temple). ‌**Day 2**: Huading hike (sea of clouds + forest) → Tongbai Palace (Daoist Southern Sect’s origin, try Yijin Jing class) → Detour to Shifeng Lake on return. 🍜 **4. Local Food Picks** ‌**Dish** ‌**Recommended Spot** ‌**Price/Feature** ‌**Jiaobingtong** Yùqīngzhāi (old brand) ¥30/serve, rolled pancake invented by Ji Gong ‌**Firewood Chicken Stew** Farmhouses at Shiliang Waterfall ¥60/person, free-range chicken ‌**Hulatai** Tiantai Snacks (Worker’s Road) ¥10/serve, crispy flatbread with eggplant/potato filling ‌**Cloud Mist Tea** Tea stalls outside Guoqing Temple ¥30/jar, spring tea favored by monks 📌 **5. Travel Tips** ‌**Gear**: Anti-slip hiking shoes (waterfall steps are slippery), portable raincoat, cash (weak signal in mountains). ‌**Ticket Deals**: Combo tickets save money (Grand Waterfall + Qiongtai Fairy Valley ¥150); students/elders get 50% off. ‌**Crowd Avoidance**: - Arrive at the waterfall before 9 AM for photos, avoiding backlight and crowds. - Enter Guoqing Temple before 7 AM; afternoons are packed. ‌**Drone Note**: No flying within 50m of Shiliang Waterfall bridge—fines apply. 💡 **Late June Note**: Azalea season is over, but waterfalls are at their peak—perfect for summer escapes! Firefly season approaches (July-August), visible at Huading at night ✨.