Guniujiang in Shitai: The Ultimate 2025 Guide to East China's Summer Escape

Nestled in the Huangshan mountain range, Guniujiang boasts 98% forest coverage with over 310,000 negative oxygen ions/cm³ and an average summer temperature of just 23°C. Here you'll find the emerald waters of Longmen Pool, the cascading beauty of Sidie Waterfall, and newly opened attractions for 2025 including an alpine drift and filming locations from "The Huizhou Mountain Lovers", making it a rising star among Yangtze River Delta summer destinations. 📍 Must-See Attractions: Every Step a Fairyland 1. Longmen Pool Highlights: Jade-like waters with blue-green gradients under sunlight. Bamboo rafting (¥30/person) and stunning backlit silhouettes before 9am. Tips: Wade in shallow areas (bring water shoes), capture panoramic "mountain-water necklace" views from Quanshan Bridge. 2. Sidie Waterfall Feature: Rare four-tiered waterfall in East China. Misty sprays during rainy season (Jun-Aug) with ultra-high negative ions. Pro Tip: Shoot silhouette portraits from the right viewing platform - rainbows often appear after rain. 3. Yanjia Ancient Village Experience: 600-year-old camphor tree, traditional Mulian opera mask painting, locally grown selenium-rich tea (¥10/cup). 4. 2025 New Attractions Alpine Drift: 1.8km glass slide with four "magic carpet" sections (135m drop), opening late July - thrill level ★★★★★. Film Locations: Find spots from "The Huizhou Mountain Lovers" (bamboo raft standoff at Longmen Pool, healing scene at Sidie Waterfall). 🚗 Itinerary: 1-Day Highlights or 2-Day Immersion 1-Day (Leisurely) Route: Longmen Pool → Biyu Pool → Yanjia Village → Sidie Waterfall Duration: 3hrs | Difficulty: ★★☆ | Best for: Families/Seniors 2-Day (In-Depth) Day1: Core attractions + West Huangshan Drift (pet-friendly) Day2: Alpine Drift + Baishiling Terraces hike (free) Note: Tickets valid 3 days - register at shuttle stations for re-entry. 🚕 Transportation Guide Self-Drive Route: Hefei/Nanjing → De-Shang Expressway → Guniujiang (navigate to "Visitor Center") Cost: ¥200 fuel + ¥10/day parking | Perk: Scenic countryside views en route Public Transport Option1: High-speed rail to Chizhou → Shitai bus (¥25/1.5h) → scenic shuttle (¥3/30min) Option2: Tourist Bus 35 (departs Chizhou Station 10:00/14:00, return 16:00, ¥30/person) 🏡 Accommodation Picks Luxury: Julong Guniujiang Hotel (¥600/night) - mountain-view infinity pool + private hot spring Convenient: Cliffhaven B&B (¥150/person) - 50m to shuttle station, breakfast included Rustic: "Mountain Home" in Yanjia Village (¥200/night) - terrace views, bamboo shoot foraging with host Budget: Xinhuo Village Homestay (¥100/person) - shared kitchen, group farm meals (¥50/person) Pet-Friendly: Se Time B&B (¥300/night) - pet fences + free bathing service 🍲 Food Guide (¥50/person) Must-Try Dishes 1. Shitai Stewed Pot (¥80/pot): Layered preserved pork, bamboo shoots, tofu in chicken broth - local wedding staple 2. Snail Chicken (¥68): Slow-cooked river snails with free-range chicken - Sanzi Restaurant sells 100+ daily (book ahead) 3. Qiupu River Fish (¥48): Crispy fried with peppered salt - perfect beer snack Hidden Gems Breakfast: Ruyi Breakfast Potstickers (unnamed stall on Liming Rd, ¥6, 6-9am) Dessert: Kudzu Dumplings (¥10): Wild kudzu skin stuffed with bamboo shoots/pork - chewy texture Souvenir: Wang Yuping's Pickles (Heping North Rd Market, ¥10/jar - garlic/bamboo shoots, ships nationwide) 💡 Pro Tips (Savings + Avoid Pitfalls) Tickets & Gear Entry: ¥90 (includes ¥18 shuttle), students/seniors half-price. Combo ticket (entry+drift) ¥139.9 better value. Essentials: Non-slip water shoes (mossy paths), mosquito repellent (dense forest), waterproof phone case. Photography & Safety Best Shots: Longmen Pool morning light for "jade water", Sidie Waterfall backlit afternoon silhouettes. Rules: Register drones at management office. No swimming in Yuanyang Pool (5m depth). Seasonal Activities Jun-Aug: Drifting + bamboo rafting | Sep-Oct: Autumn harvest photos + tea picking Dec-Feb: Rime clouds + hot springs | Mar-Apr: Rhododendron blooms (800m altitude) 📌 Final Note Escape commercialization in this sanctuary of babbling streams and birdsong. Whether rafting through emerald waters or learning ancient opera in stone villages, Guniujiang's pristine landscapes will rejuvenate your urban-weary soul. Come experience 23°C summer magic! 📩 Bonus: DM "Guniujiang" for "The Huizhou Mountain Lovers" location map + B&B discount codes.