No Filter Wannan Little Jiuzhai | Guniujiang

Here's my travel guide to Guniujiang ("Little Jiuzhai of Southern Anhui"), covering transportation, attractions, food, and tips: I. Transportation Guide 1. Self-driving About 3 hours from Hefei, and 30 minutes from Shitai County to the scenic area. Sightseeing buses are available within the scenic area, while some spots require hiking (such as from Longmen Pool to Yanjia Ancient Village). 2. Public Transportation Direct buses from Chizhou High-speed Railway Station to Shitai County, then transfer to the scenic area shuttle. II. Must-See Attractions 1. Longmen Pool Features: Crystal-clear jade-like water, stunning autumn reflections, boardwalks for strolling, and bamboo rafting experiences. Photo spots: Rocks by the pool, emerald waters against colorful autumn leaves. 2. Yanjia Ancient Village Features: A Huizhou-style ancient village with preserved Ming and Qing architecture, enhanced by yellow autumn leaves. Cultural experience: Learn about farming traditions and witness crop-drying scenes (most vibrant in late winter). 3. Four-Tier Waterfall Features: Magnificent four-level cascading waterfall with moderate water flow in autumn, surrounded by red leaves, perfect for photography. 4. Guanyin Hall Scenic Area Features: Less developed area covered with pristine forest, known as "Eastern China's last virgin forest," ideal for hiking adventures. III. Food Recommendations 1. Shitai Special Pot: Slow-cooked with various ingredients, rich and flavorful. 2. Qiupu Small River Fish: Fresh and tender fish from the clean Qiupu River. 3. Mountain Vermicelli with Braised Pork: Smooth vermicelli soaked in meat juices. 4. Selenium-rich Agricultural Products: Local selenium-rich tea, tofu, and more, highly nutritious. IV. Accommodation Suggestions 1. Guesthouses near the scenic area Recommended: Longmen Mountain House, with a tranquil environment and some rooms featuring viewing terraces for stargazing. Artistic guesthouses around Yanjia Ancient Village are also available at affordable prices (about 150-300 yuan per night). V. Suggested Itinerary (2 days, 1 night) Day 1: Morning arrival → Longmen Pool → Yanjia Ancient Village → Four-Tier Waterfall → Check in to guesthouse → Dinner featuring Shitai Special Pot. Day 2: Hiking in Guanyin Hall Scenic Area → Experience rafting at Strange Pool before departure (recommended in summer). VI. Important Notes 1. Best seasons: Spring and autumn (rhododendrons bloom in April-May, vibrant autumn colors in October-November); summer is good for escaping heat but sun protection is needed. 2. Environmental tips: No littering or damaging vegetation in the protected area; explore undeveloped areas with caution. 3. Equipment suggestions: Wear non-slip shoes (some paths are slippery) and bring light rain gear (mountain areas often have sudden showers). Guniujiang is known for its "majestic, unique, adventurous, and beautiful" landscapes and pristine ecology, featuring both Jiuzhai-like emerald waters and Huangshan-like peaks, perfect for travelers seeking nature and tranquility.