In-depth tour of Western Anhui, fewer people and wild scenery, niche self-driving/hiking

Western Anhui (around Lu'an and Anqing) is the heartland of the Dabie Mountains, boasting landscapes comparable to southern Anhui but more pristine and tranquil. The following carefully designed routes cover alpine lakes, secret red leaf spots, ancient trail hikes, and hot spring resorts, suitable for different travel needs. 1. Classic 3 Days 2 Nights Self-Driving Loop Theme: Red Leaf Highway + Alpine Lakes Suitable for: Photography enthusiasts/family trips 🚗 Route overview: Hefei → Jinzhai Martin Highway → Mazongling → Tiantangzhai → Doushahe Hot Springs → Return Day 1: Hefei → Martin Highway (Red Leaf Secret Spot) • Morning: Drive from Hefei to Jinzhai (2.5 hours), with a stop at Meishan Reservoir along the way. • Afternoon: Traverse Martin Highway (China’s version of California’s Highway 1), focusing on photographing Mazongling Rainbow Road and red leaves (best from late October to November). • Overnight: Hotel at the entrance of Tiantangzhai Scenic Area (recommended "Dabie Mountain Resort"). Day 2: Tiantangzhai (Gorge Waterfalls) • All day: Explore Tiantangzhai (on the Anhui-Hubei border), take the cable car up the mountain, hike the Baima Grand Canyon, and see waterfall clusters (Jiuying Waterfall, Xieyu Waterfall). • Evening: Drive 1 hour to Doushahe Hot Spring Town (top hot springs in East China). • Overnight: Doushahe Hot Spring Hotel (recommended "Shenshan Hot Spring Homestay"). Day 3: Doushahe → Foziling Reservoir → Hefei • Morning: Relax in the hot springs or take a boat tour at Foziling Reservoir (China’s first dam). • Afternoon: Return to Hefei (2.5 hours). 2. Hardcore 4 Days 3 Nights Hiking Route Theme: Dabie Mountain Crossing + Alpine Meadows Suitable for: Outdoor enthusiasts/backpackers 🥾 Route overview: Lu'an → Yaoluoping → Mingtang Mountain → Tianxia → Yuexi Day 1: Lu'an → Yaoluoping (Alpine Starry Sky) • Transport: Take a vehicle from Lu'an to Baojia Township (3 hours), then hike into Yaoluoping National Nature Reserve. • Highlights: Ten-mile Gallery hike, Red Maple Valley, night sky photography of the Milky Way (altitude 1000m+ with no light pollution). • Overnight: Yaoluoping farmhouse stay (basic conditions). Day 2: Yaoluoping → Mingtang Mountain (Steep Peaks and Sea of Clouds) • Morning: Hike to Mingtang Mountain (one of Dabie Mountain’s highest peaks), challenge the glass plank road. • Afternoon: Descend and drive to Tianxia Scenic Area (1 hour). • Overnight: Homestay near Tianxia. Day 3: Tianxia (Gorge Waterfalls) • All day: Explore Tianxia, see Jiulianhuan Waterfalls, thousand-year-old wisteria, and experience jungle zip-lining. • Overnight: Yuexi County town (convenient for next day’s return). Day 4: Yuexi → Lu'an/Hefei • Optional: Visit Sikong Mountain (Zen Buddhism holy site) en route or return directly. 3. Family 5 Days 4 Nights Leisure Route Theme: Forest Study + Hot Spring Resort Suitable for: Families with children/middle-aged and elderly groups 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Route overview: Hefei → Wanfo Lake → Dongshisun → Doushahe Hot Springs → Tiantangzhai → Hefei Day 1: Hefei → Wanfo Lake (Thousand Island Lake Scenery) • Activities: Boat tour, climb Swallow Island, suitable for parent-child interaction. • Overnight: Wanfo Lake lakeside hotel. Day 2: Wanfo Lake → Dongshisun (Strange Stone Forest) • Highlights: Volcanic rock formations, streams and waterfalls, kids can play in the water. • Overnight: Dongshisun Scenic Area homestay. Day 3: Doushahe Hot Springs (Relaxation Day) • All day: Soak in hot springs, experience the town’s popular infinity pool. • Overnight: Doushahe Hot Spring Hotel. Day 4: Tiantangzhai (Easy Hiking) • Suggestion: Take the cable car up, only hike Baima Grand Canyon (gentle with few steps). • Overnight: Hotel inside Tiantangzhai Scenic Area. Day 5: Return to Hefei 4. Practical Tips 1. Transportation: Western Anhui attractions are scattered; self-driving or chartering a car is recommended (car rental in Hefei about 200 RMB/day). 2. Seasons: ◦ Best: October-November (red leaves), May-June (azaleas), July-August (summer retreat). ◦ Some mountain roads may be closed in winter. 3. Equipment: ◦ Hiking routes require trekking poles and non-slip shoes; bring creek shoes for family trips. 4. Cost reference: ◦ Self-driving trip average 800-1200 RMB per person (including fuel, tickets, accommodation). Why choose Western Anhui? ✅ Fewer people and wild scenery: 80% quieter than Huangshan and Jiuhua Mountain ✅ High cost performance: Tickets generally under 50 RMB, homestays 100-300 RMB/night ✅ Diverse activities: self-driving, hiking, hot springs, family-friendly all covered Which route do you prefer? Feel free to leave a comment and share! 🌿