A Detailed 2-Day Tour Guide to Tiantangzhai: Stay in a Secluded Mountain Retreat

A Detailed 2-Day Tour Guide to Tiantangzhai: Stay in a Secluded Mountain Retreat — Yueqixi Village Homestay **Itinerary Overview** **Theme**: Natural Scenery + Red Culture + Mountain Living Experience **Accommodation Recommendation**: Tiantangzhai Yueqixi Village Homestay (near the North Gate of the scenic area, nestled in a bamboo forest by the stream) **Suitable for**: Families with children / Couples / Photography enthusiasts / Hiking enthusiasts --- **DAY 1: Exploring Tiantangzhai · Mountains, Rivers, and Stars** **Morning: Departure & Arrival** - **Transportation Suggestions** - Self-driving: About 3 hours from Hefei, navigate to "Tiantangzhai Scenic Area North Gate"; - Public Transportation: High-speed train to "Jinzhai Station" → Transfer to the scenic area bus to Tiantangzhai (about 1.5 hours). - **Tips**: Contact Yueqixi Homestay in advance to confirm pick-up service (some homestays provide station pick-up). **Noon: Check in to Yueqixi Homestay** - **Homestay Features**: - Wooden villa design, with mountain views from the window and a babbling stream; - Offers authentic farmhouse dishes (recommended: local chicken casserole, local chicken soup); - You can watch the stars at night and feel the tranquility of the mountains. **Afternoon: Light Hike in Baima Grand Canyon** - **Route**: Walk 10 minutes from the North Gate to the canyon entrance - **Highlights**: - Stroll along the boardwalk and explore the clear streams and pools such as Biyu Pool and Emerald Pool; - Experience the suspension bridge and photograph the panoramic view of the canyon; - The whole journey takes about 2 hours, easy and stress-free. **Evening: Return to the Homestay for Relaxation** - Enjoy the homestay's homemade dinner, and it is recommended to try "Jinzhai Casserole" (local specialty); - Participate in homestay activities: handmade bamboo weaving, mountain tea party (reservation required in advance). **DAY 2: Climbing to the Top of Tiantangzhai · Sea of Clouds and History** **Early Morning: Watch the Sunrise (Optional)** - The homestay provides a wake-up service. Walk to the nearby viewing platform to watch the sea of clouds. **Morning: Hike to the Main Peak of Tiantangzhai / Cable Car Tour** - **Route**: - Hiking Route: Huxingdi → Xieyu Waterfall → Longjian Peak → Main Peak (1,729 meters above sea level), about 3 hours; - Easy Route: Take the Baima Peak cable car (CNY 70 for a one-way trip) directly to the main peak area. - **Must-see**: - Anhui-Hubei Border Monument (straddling two provinces in one step); - Sea of clouds on the main peak (high probability after rain); - Glass viewing platform (overlooking the Dabie Mountain peaks). **Noon: Simple Meal in the Scenic Area** - It is recommended to try the bamboo rice and wild vegetable scrambled eggs in the mountainside restaurant to replenish your energy. **Afternoon: Red Culture & Return Trip** - **Former Site of the Liu Deng Army Headquarters** (free): Learn about the revolutionary history of the Dabie Mountains and feel the red atmosphere; - **Before returning**: Purchase local specialties (wild kudzu root powder, Lu'an Melon Seed Tea); - Depart around 16:00 and return to end the trip. **🏡 Accommodation Recommendation: Yueqixi Village Homestay** - **Location Advantage**: A 5-minute walk to the North Gate of the scenic area, away from the concentrated tourist area; - **Room Type Selection**: Lake View King Room (it is recommended to book 1 day in advance); - **Service Highlights**: Butler-customized route, free loan of hiking poles; - **Reference Price**: CNY 150–200/night (fluctuations in peak season). **📌 Practical Tips** 1. **Ticket Information**: Tiantangzhai ticket is CNY 100 (online discount), valid for 48 hours; 2. **Equipment Suggestions**: Non-slip hiking shoes, thin coat (large temperature difference on the top of the mountain), power bank; 3. **Traffic Reminder**: The sightseeing bus in the scenic area is CNY 28/person (recommended to buy); 4. **Best Season**: Spring and summer for summer heat (abundant water during the waterfall season) / Autumn to enjoy the red leaves (October-November). **💰 Cost Reference (2 people)** - Tickets + Cable Car: About CNY 400 - Accommodation: CNY 150–200 - Catering: CNY 300–500 - Total: CNY 500–600 Staying at Yueqixi Homestay makes your Tiantangzhai trip more than just mountains and rivers. Wake up to the chirping of birds in the morning and fall asleep to the sound of the stream at night. In 2 days, you can unlock the natural and cultural beauty of the Dabie Mountains. Collect this guide and set off now!