Qiyun Mountain (齐云山), known in ancient times as “Baiyue (白岳),” derives its name from the phrase “a stone pierces the sky, rising into the clouds, in harmony with the azure sky.” It was renamed Qiyun Mountain during the Ming Dynasty’s Jiajing era. This site is a national key scenic area, characterized by Taoist culture and Danxia landforms. Historically, it has been referred to as the “Little Wudang of Jiangnan” and “the Best Baiyue of Jiangnan.” Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty praised it as “an unparalleled scenic spot in the world, the first famous mountain in Jiangnan.”
With an elevation of approximately 585 meters and covering an area of about 110 square kilometers, Qiyun Mountain is divided into five major scenic areas: Yuehua Street, Lou Shang Lou, Yunyan Lake, Hengjiang, and Nanshan. Each area has its unique style and features. The mountain boasts 36 remarkable peaks, 72 bizarre rock formations, and numerous secluded caves and pools, including the exquisite Incense Burner Peak, the ingeniously crafted Sky Bridge Rock, the enigmatic Zhenxian Cave, the tranquil Yunyan Lake, the shimmering Pearl Curtain Spring, and the delicate Little Pot Heaven.
The landscape of Qiyun Mountain is dynamic and colorful throughout the four seasons, showcasing flying clouds, flowing springs, sea of clouds, and the Buddha’s light. The geological composition of the mountain is primarily layered sandstone, red like cinnabar and bright as rosy clouds, representing typical Danxia landforms. The area features extraordinary mountains, peculiar rocks, beautiful waters, and mysterious caves, inspiring many renowned scholars and poets throughout history, including Li Bai, Zhu Xi, Tang Yin, Hai Rui, Qi Jiguang, Xu Xiake, Yuan Mei, and Yu Dafu.
Among its notable sites is Shimen Temple, established in the fourth year of the Tang Dynasty’s Yuanhe period (809 AD). The temple’s architecture is magnificent, and it houses thousands of sculpted Buddhist statues, Taoist paintings, and various stone inscriptions, including a famous stele inscribed by Tang Yin during the Ming Dynasty.
Travel Information about Qiyun Mountain
Tickets and Opening Hours
Admission:
- 68 RMB during peak season (March to November)
- 55 RMB during off-season (December to February).
- Cable car: 35 RMB for the uphill ride, 35 RMB for the downhill ride.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit
In April, the rapeseed flowers bloom along Hengjiang, creating a stunning contrast with the traditional Huizhou architecture. The best time to view the red leaves is in the second week of November, though the peak period is relatively short, lasting around 10 days.
Getting to the Scenic Area
Location: Qiyun Mountain Town, Xiuning County, Huangshan City.
Public Transport: You can take a high-speed train to Yi County East Station (黟县东站). From there, take a taxi for about 20 minutes to reach the entrance of Qiyun Mountain. The taxi ride typically costs around ¥33.
Scenic Rating
Cultural Value: ★★★★
Unique Features: ★★★★
Leisure: ★★★
Scenic Beauty: ★★★★
Romance: ★★★
Adventure: ★★
Highlights of Qiyun Mountain
Yuehua Street Scenic Area
Yuehua Street Scenic Area is a hub of Taoist temples in the mountain, highlighted by the newly restored Tiangong Mansion. Many Taoist ceremonies take place here, attracting a large number of worshippers, creating a lively atmosphere filled with the sounds of bells and drums.
The essence of the scenic area lies in the Zhenxian Cave Complex, which includes several caves such as the Entrance to Immortals Cave, Arhat Cave, Lao Jun Cave, Wenchang Cave, Pearl Curtain Cave, and Yuxu Palace, all carved at the base of towering cliffs. Regardless of the weather, a thin waterfall, known as the “Pearl Curtain,” cascades from the cliff top, creating a mesmerizing sight.
Each cave houses deities and offers incense, while hundreds of ancient stone tablets and cliff carvings line the path, forming a stone tablet corridor. In front of the caves lies a clear blue lotus pond, from which visitors can see the iconic Xianglu Peak. At the peak, there is a pavilion that gives a feeling of soaring high into the sky when one steps inside.
Loushanglou Scenic Area
The Loushanglou Scenic Area features two caves situated above and below, which once served as a retreat for eight Taoist priests seeking solitude and cultivation. Within this area, visitors can explore various attractions, including Guanyin Rock, Flying Centipede, Wanshou Mountain, Stone Buddha Pagoda, and Baiyun Cliff.
Not far from Loushanglou lies the “Immortal Hanging Paintings,” a striking sight characterized by a flat cliff face approximately two meters high. The wall displays vibrant colors, with streams cascading over the edges, creating a natural stone painting that captivates the imagination.
Yunyan Lake Scenic Area
Located on the eastern side of Qiyun Mountain, Yunyan Lake is a long and narrow body of water, shimmering with reflections. The river twists and turns, offering a delightful experience for those who paddle on its surface, where they can enjoy the surrounding green mountains and vibrant waters. The banks are adorned with ancient cliff inscriptions from the Tang and Song dynasties, with a notable inscription reading “A Timeless Marvel,” regarded as a unique feature of Qiyun Mountain. One of the lake’s most remarkable sights is Lantern Peak, where several “lanterns” appear to hang from the cliffs, leaving visitors in awe.
Hengjiang Scenic Area
The Hengjiang Scenic Area is characterized by its mountains and rivers, creating a vibrant environment that has nurtured a charming Jiangnan town – Qiyun Mountain Town, historically known as Yanqian Town, meaning “the town before Baiyue Rock.” The waterways within the town are gentle and smooth, with slow-flowing currents that now offer bamboo rafting and other tourist activities.
A weathered and ancient Ming Dynasty stone arch bridge connects both sides of Hengjiang. This bridge was once a crucial route for ascending Qiyun Mountain and was built in the 15th year of the Wanli era (1587) by the Huizhou governor Gu Zhixian. Originally named Qiaodong Bridge, it was renamed “Dengfeng Bridge” to honor Gu Zhixian’s contributions when he was appointed as the Deputy Inspector in Guangdong. This grand bridge, constructed entirely of bluestone, features a 10-pier, 9-arch structure, measuring 148 meters in length, 8 meters in width, and 12 meters in height. The bridge has ship-shaped piers and approximately 1-meter-high stone railings on either side. At the southern end of the bridge, there is a stone tablet inscribed with the name “Dengfeng Bridge” in large characters.
Visitor Guide for Qiyun Mountain
Hiking Routes on Qiyun Mountain
Once you reach the ticket checkpoint at Wangxian Tower (望仙楼), your hiking adventure begins. Qiyun Mountain offers three main hiking routes of varying difficulty: the Small Loop, Medium Loop, and Large Loop. Here’s what each route entails:
Small Loop (Approx. 3 hours):
Wangxian Tower (望仙楼) → Dongtian Fudi (洞天福地) → Dongtian Fang (洞天坊) → Shouzi Rock (寿字岩) → Yitianmen (一天门) → Zhenxian Cave (真仙洞府) → Ertianmen (二天门) → Santiangmen (三天门) → Yuehua Tianjie (月华天街) → Taisu Palace (太素宫) → Xiaohu Tian (小壶天) → Changsheng Tower (长生楼) → Baiyue Restaurant (白岳食府) → Yuehua Platform (悦华台) → Fengyuan Platform (逢源台) → Lingxu Dao (凌虚道) → Zhangaofeng (展诰峰) → Zuo Wangtai (坐忘台) → Mengzhen Bridge (梦真桥) → Wangxian Tower (望仙楼)
Medium Loop (Approx. 4 hours):
Wangxian Tower (望仙楼) → Dongtian Fudi (洞天福地) → Dongtian Fang (洞天坊) → Shouzi Rock (寿字岩) → Yitianmen (一天门) → Zhenxian Cave (真仙洞府) → Ertianmen (二天门) → Santiangmen (三天门) → Yuehua Tianjie (月华天街) → Taisu Palace (太素宫) → Xiaohu Tian (小壶天) → Changsheng Tower (长生楼) → Yuxu Palace (玉虚宫) → Fang La Village (方腊寨) → Highest Peak (最高峰) → Baiyue Restaurant (白岳食府) → Yuehua Platform (悦华台) → Fengyuan Platform (逢源台) → Lingxu Dao (凌虚道) → Zhangaofeng (展诰峰) → Zuo Wangtai (坐忘台) → Mengzhen Bridge (梦真桥) → Wangxian Tower (望仙楼)
Large Loop (Approx. 5 hours):
Wangxian Tower (望仙楼) → Dongtian Fudi (洞天福地) → Dongtian Fang (洞天坊) → Shouzi Rock (寿字岩) → Yitianmen (一天门) → Zhenxian Cave (真仙洞府) → Ertianmen (二天门) → Santiangmen (三天门) → Yuehua Tianjie (月华天街) → Taisu Palace (太素宫) → Xiaohu Tian (小壶天) → Changsheng Tower (长生楼) → Yuxu Palace (玉虚宫) → Ziyun Pass (紫云关) → Fang La Cave (方腊洞) → Fang La Village (方腊寨) → Highest Peak (最高峰) → Baiyue Restaurant (白岳食府) → Yuehua Platform (悦华台) → Fengyuan Platform (逢源台) → Lingxu Dao (凌虚道) → Zhangaofeng (展诰峰) → Zuo Wangtai (坐忘台) → Mengzhen Bridge (梦真桥) → Wangxian Tower (望仙楼)
Accommodation Options
Qiyun Mountain offers a wide range of accommodation options, catering to various needs, from elegant resorts to minimalist hotels and tastefully decorated guesthouses.
Qiyun Mountain Xiangfu Rui Resort Hotel (齐云山祥富瑞度假酒店): Located directly opposite the Yuhua Cableway Station in the Qiyun Mountain Scenic Area, this is the official hotel of the area. It is built facing the mountains, allowing guests to enjoy the soothing sound of flowing water from their windows. The hotel features traditional Huizhou-style decor and can accommodate both large and small events, offering dining options, tea ceremonies, and banquet halls to meet diverse activity needs.
Qiwu Yunyin Guesthouse (齐物云隐民宿): Situated at No. 4 Cizhang New Road in Qiyun Mountain Town, this guesthouse boasts convenient transportation. The area is known for its fresh air and gentle flowing water, free from any modern industrial disturbances and pollution. The guest rooms are simply and elegantly designed, offering a cozy and comfortable atmosphere with a variety of styles.
9 Essential Tips for Visiting Qiyun Mountain
Dining Recommendations: While exploring the area, don’t miss the chance to try some of Qiyun Mountain’s unique local dishes, such as Stinky Mandarin Fish (臭鳜鱼), Braised Pork with Dried Bamboo Shoots (笋干烧肉), and Ge Fen Balls (葛粉丸子). For authentic local flavors, head to the few well-known old restaurants near Dengfeng Bridge. These establishments are highly rated on platforms like Dazhong Dianping (大众点评), where you can discover more about their menus and customer reviews.
Ticket Reservation: Be sure to purchase tickets online a day before your visit, as it costs ¥57 in advance compared to the on-site price of ¥68. If your schedule allows, visiting on a Wednesday is free of charge, offering a great opportunity to explore without an entrance fee.
Supplies Along the Route: While Yuehua Tianjie offers some basic supplies, there are no shops on the mountain trail, so it’s important to bring your own water and snacks. The prices for drinks on the mountain tend to be higher, so make sure to pack enough for the hike. For those planning to walk the entire mountain on foot, it’s essential to gauge your physical condition and time, and opt for the cable car if you want to save energy.
Operating Hours of the Cable Car and Bus: The cable car operates from 08:15 to 16:45 daily, so plan your hike accordingly. The last bus from the Qiyun Mountain Tourist Center to Huangshan North Station (黄山北站) departs at 17:35, so be sure to time your visit to catch the last ride.
Star Gazing and Night Tips: Qiyun Mountain is located in a Level 2 Dark Sky Zone, making it an excellent spot for stargazing. The area is very dark after 10:00 PM as all the lights are turned off, creating ideal conditions for clear views of the night sky. If the weather permits, bring a telescope or use a star-gazing app to enhance your experience.
Check the Weather: Before heading out, make sure to check the weather forecast, particularly cloud cover, to maximize your chances of witnessing the sunrise or sunset, as well as stargazing opportunities.
Bring Essentials: Pack basic travel essentials such as sunscreen, a hat, mosquito repellent, and hiking poles to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit.