Essential Guide to Shitai Guniujiang: The Emerald Fairyland of Southern Anhui

🌟 Why Visit 1. Photogenic Paradise: Capture forest-themed masterpieces effortlessly at Longmen Pond's "glass water" with bamboo rafts, or witness the majestic Four-Tiered Waterfall during rainy season. 2. Family-Friendly: Free shallow-water play with fish-catching, convenient shuttle buses, and Huizhou culture lessons in ancient villages. 3. Great Value: ¥90 all-day entry, ¥150 combo ticket (includes Penglai Fairy Cave), and ¥30 direct bus from high-speed rail. 🏞️ I. Must-See Attractions 1. Guniujiang Scenic Area Highlights • Longmen Pond Highlights: "Peacock blue" gradient water, crystal-clear for free bamboo raft photos. Summer water stays at 18°C—perfect for cooling off. Best shot: Raft + emerald water + cliffs. Aerial views reveal "glass water" color transitions. • Four-Tiered Waterfall Hidden Gem: 30m cascades with rainbow mist. Wade in shallow pools (wear anti-slip shoes). Kid-friendly: Eco-signs explain negative ions (over 18,000/cm³). • Yanjia Ancient Village Cultural Hub: Ming-Qing Huizhou architecture, Red Army slogans. Try stone-milled soy milk or acorn tofu (¥5/bowl). • Guniujiang Summit Exclusive View: Hike 3hrs to 1,727.6m peak for cloud seas and macaque sightings. Telescope available (¥10 coin). 2. Nearby Gems (≤40min drive) • Xianyu Mountain Selenium Wonderland: Hike Tang-dynasty "Rainbow Jade Valley" trails, visit China’s "First Selenium Village," pick tea or savor selenium-infused fish. • Penglai Fairy Cave Karst Marvel: 3km cave with "Gauze Canopy" formations (18°C year-round; combo ticket ¥150). • Guaitan Rafting Thrills: 8.6km canyon rapids (158m drop) for water fights (2.5hrs). • Qiupu River Bamboo Raft Poetic Cruise: Float past Li Bai’s "water like silk" cliffs, learn to photograph mist phenomena. 🍲 II. Must-Try Foods 1. Local Delicacies • Shitai Stew (¥48): Slow-cooked pork, bamboo shoots, tofu. Try at Yanjia’s "Ancient Village Eatery." • Qiupu River Fish: Crispy wild fish, wood-fire cooked (order at "Qiupu Fishing Village"). • Acorn Tofu: Wild-honey chilled dessert (¥5 at village stalls). • Qijing Ham: Salt-cured mountain ham, stir-fried spicy (farmhouse staple). 2. Summer Specials • Ice-Selenium Shrimp: Flash-frozen tea-crisped shells (signature at Ancient Trail Farmhouse). • Cave Water Tofu Pudding: Crystal jelly with wild mint honey. • Well-Chilled Acorn Mousse: Ming-dynasty well water + honey (BaiShi Village feasts). 📅 III. Itinerary 2-Day Family Trip (Nature + Science) Day 1: Forest Classroom & Village Life 09:00-12:00: Longmen Pond water testing + fish-catching (bring nets). 14:00-16:00: Waterfall physics + rainbow experiments (thermometer needed). 19:30: Yanjia sticky rice pounding (stay at Julong Hotel). Day 2: Selenium & Caves 08:00-10:00: Xianyu Mountain tea-picking (wear sleeves—chilly winds). 11:00-13:00: Cook tea-infused shrimp in Dashan Village. 14:30-16:30: Nap on Penglai Cave’s stone beds (¥5 blanket rental). ⚠️ IV. Pro Tips 1. Transport • Rail: From "Chizhou Station" (¥30 shuttle, 2 daily) or "Anqing West" (¥20, 1.5hrs). • Drive: G50 Expressway → Qiupu River route, or DE Expressway → Selenium Countryside road. 2. Tickets • Guniujiang: ¥90 + ¥18 shuttle. Combo (with Penglai): ¥150. 50% shuttle discount with rail tickets. 3. Must-Know ❌ Avoid noon hikes—opt for water/cave activities. ✅ Pack: Water shoes, foldable poles, light down (cold nights). Dawn mist over Longmen’s peacock-blue waters, ancient chimneys weaving through camphor trees—Guniujiang’s landscape is nature’s prose poem for city souls🌲. Depart with selenium rice fragrance and chilled tofu sweetness, Southern Anhui’s whispered gift.