The Ancient City by the Yangtze River: How Many Untold Stories Does It Hide?

📍 Detailed Address Anqing City, Anhui Province, is located in the southwestern part of Anhui Province, on the northern bank of the lower Yangtze River. It borders Hubei to the west, Jiangxi to the south, the main peak of Dabie Mountain to the northwest, and the foothills of Huangshan Mountain to the southeast. The city administers 7 counties (cities) including Huaining, Tongcheng, Wangjiang, Taihu, Yuexi, Susong, Qianshan, and 3 districts: Yingjiang, Daguan, and Yixiu. 🚗 Transportation Guide • External Transportation: • By Air: Anqing Tianzhushan Airport has opened more than 10 routes to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other cities. • By High-speed Rail: Take a high-speed train directly to Anqing Station, then take a bus or taxi to the downtown area. • By Bus: Anqing Long-distance Bus Station has buses to destinations within and outside the province, convenient for tourists. • Internal Transportation: • Cycling: Download the "Wing On Travel" APP to rent bikes for traveling to various attractions in the city, which is convenient and comfortable. • Bus: Anqing's urban bus network is well-developed and can reach most attractions. • Taxi/Car Rental: When attractions are far apart, you can choose to take a taxi or rent a car, but be aware that there are many winding mountain roads in scenic areas like Tianzhushan Mountain, so novice drivers should drive carefully. 🌟 Must-Do Activities 1. Tianzhushan Mountain • Features: A national AAAAA scenic spot, famous for its unique peaks, strange rocks, and sea of clouds, known as the "Southern Small World." • How to Play: It's recommended to take the cable car to the top and visit attractions such as Mysterious Valley, Tianchi Peak, and Liandan Lake to experience nature's masterful craftsmanship. The temperature difference is significant at the top, so remember to bring a jacket. 2. Huating Lake • Features: The lake water is clear and green, surrounded by rolling mountains, picturesque scenery, known as a "landscape painting scroll." • How to Play: Take a boat tour of the lake, enjoy the waterfalls and the beautiful scenery on the island in the middle of the lake. In autumn, you can also encounter flocks of migratory birds. 3. Zhenfeng Tower • Features: Located by the Yangtze River, it's the "First Tower along the 10,000-li Yangtze River" with thousands of Buddha statues carved on the tower body, full of historical significance. • How to Play: Climb the tower to overlook the Yangtze River, appreciate the carvings on the tower, and feel the fusion of history and nature. The tower's shadow stretches across the river, earning it the reputation: "After Anqing, no more towers to mention." 4. Yan Fengying's Former Residence • Features: The former residence of Huang Mei Opera master Yan Fengying, a pilgrimage site for Huang Mei Opera fans. • How to Play: Visit the residence to learn about the history and culture of Huang Mei Opera. If you're lucky, you might catch a live performance. 5. Five Thousand Years Cultural Park • Features: Includes Root Carving Cultural Park, Terracotta Warriors, and many other attractions, suitable for family trips. • How to Play: Visit various exhibition areas during the day and watch performances at night to experience a different cultural atmosphere. 6. Giant Rock Mountain Scenic Area • Features: Famous for Giant Rock Mountain and Dragon Head Peak, with a 520 glass observation deck and cliff bungee jumping for thrilling experiences. • How to Play: Challenge yourself with the glass observation deck and cliff bungee jumping for excitement and adventure; stroll along the glass walkway to enjoy the beautiful scenery around Dragon Head Peak. Remember to book tickets in advance and bring enough water and snacks. 💰 Average Cost Per Person • Admission Fees: • Tianzhushan Mountain: About 130 yuan (including cable car fee). • Huating Lake: About 70 yuan (including boat tour fee). • Zhenfeng Tower: About 30 yuan. • Five Thousand Years Cultural Park: About 120 yuan. • Giant Rock Mountain Scenic Area: Ticket prices are reasonable and include various experiences; combo tickets offer better value. • Dining Costs: • Average dining cost in the city is about 50-100 yuan per person. Recommended local specialties include Weijia Lane Tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) and Yingjiang Temple Vegetarian Pot Stickers. • For breakfast, try the beef buns at Dananmen, which were featured on "A Bite of China" and have an authentic taste. • Accommodation Costs: • Downtown hotels cost about 150-300 yuan per night, while guesthouses cost about 100-200 yuan per night. • Total: Depending on personal spending habits, the average cost per person is about 500-800 yuan (excluding transportation costs to and from Anqing). 📌 Small Tips • Weather and Equipment: June-July is the rainy season, so bring rain gear; in summer, protect yourself from the sun and bring long-sleeved clothing to guard against temperature differences. • Safety Tips: Pay attention to safety when hiking, river rafting, and other activities; elderly people and children should participate with caution; avoid entering undeveloped areas without permission. • Cultural Experience: Tickets for Huang Mei Opera performances at the opera house are inexpensive, with shows lasting about 2 hours, offering a great opportunity to experience local culture. • Transportation Booking: Book tickets and shuttle bus tickets in advance, especially during holidays; cycling or taking buses within the city is recommended as it's convenient and environmentally friendly.