China Learn

Since the Peoples Republic of China has opened its doors to the outside world, travel and tourism, along with trade and commerce with the world have begun in right earnestness. People now are eager to travel in China to take a look at the great “Chinese Wall’ and other places of tourist interest. One of such universal interest is the “Heavenly Pillar Peak” of the Mt. Tianzhu and the Mystery Valley.

Located within the boundaries of Quianshan County in the southwest part of Anhui, Mt. Tianzhu is known as a beautiful mountain of magnificence and glory. Several scenic spots including forty- two peaks, sixteen rock caves, seventeen cliffs, fifty-three bizarre stone formations, many mountain ridges, twenty five caves and forty eight mountain strongholds enrich the area. Towering pines, peculiar rock formations, sparkling waterfalls and canyons together with secluded caves and tunnels give the place an imposing outlook for the tourist to come enjoy. Truly, Tianzhu mountain and the mystery valley is an enchanting and rewarding experience. Though very few international tourists are aware of this, but the numbers are growing rapidly.

Mt. Tianzhu has been divided into eight scenic zones - Meicheng, Yezhai, Yujing, Mazu, Dongguan, Feilai and the principal peak. Tianzhu, with an altitude of 1,488.4 meters is the highest peak.

The Mystery valley, with valleys and granite caves that are inter-connected with each other is considered high in the attraction list. Cave exploration can be a great adventure activity here. Lake Liandai at an altitude of 1100 meters is the third largest Alpine lake in China and the nine waterfalls cascading down the hills add charm to the valley. The collective features of Huangshan Mountain and the Lushan hills have added dimension to this mountain resort where people go to enjoy the serene atmosphere and the tranquility of the valley. The Mystery valley has an imposing number of flora and fauna that include rare species of plants like Yulin Mu (fish scale tree), Tianny (fairy maiden) and mammals like the Giant Salamander.

Chinese emperor, Wu Di of the early Han dynasty had paid tribute to the Tianzhu Mountain as the highest and most sacred mountain in Southern China. Also, Mt. Tianzhu has many cultural relics and is a gold mine for finding out ancient remains. The Third Patriarch Temple in the valley where the patriarch of the Buddhist Zen sect, Sengcan did his carya (observations and doings) is now protected by the sate. Many come to watch them as well.

Guided tours are now arranged to take tourists to Mt. Tianzhu and the mystery valley where one may still find the ancient charms and soothing ambience so very much absent in modern cities and towns.