National 4A-level Scenic Area: China's Tallest Waterfall

Tiantai Mountain is a famous mountain scenic area in China. However, it's important to note that there are multiple mountains named "Tiantai Mountain" in China, primarily located in Taizhou, Zhejiang, and Qionglai, Sichuan. Below are travel guides for these two Tiantai Mountains for your reference: --- ## **1. Tiantai Mountain in Taizhou, Zhejiang (5A-level Scenic Area)** **Features**: A sacred site of Buddhism and Taoism, renowned for its stunning landscapes, including the ancestral temple of the Tiantai Buddhist sect—Guoqing Temple, Tiantai Mountain Grand Waterfall, and Shiliang Flying Waterfall. ### **1. Pre-Trip Preparation** - **Documents**: ID card, student ID (for discounted tickets). - **Clothing**: Light jacket for spring and autumn (March-May, September-November); sun-protective clothing and hat for summer (June-August); warm clothing for winter (December-February). - **Gear**: Non-slip shoes, rain gear, power bank, and some cash. ### **2. Transportation Guide** - **High-Speed Rail**: Take the train to "Tiantai Mountain Station," then transfer to a tourist shuttle or taxi (about 20 minutes). - **Self-Driving**: From Hangzhou (via Hangyong Expressway → Changtai Expressway, about 2 hours); from Shanghai (via Huhang Expressway → Changtai Expressway, about 4 hours). - **In-Scenic Area Transport**: Shuttle between attractions; some require separate tickets (e.g., Grand Waterfall + Qiongtai Immortal Valley combo ticket: ¥165). ### **3. Must-Visit Attractions** - **Guoqing Temple** (Free): A Sui Dynasty ancient temple, the birthplace of the Tiantai Buddhist sect; best visited in the early morning. - **Tiantai Mountain Grand Waterfall** (¥100): A 325-meter-high waterfall with access to Huixian Bridge (glass bridge). - **Shiliang Flying Waterfall** (¥60): A natural stone bridge intertwined with waterfalls; visited three times by Xu Xiake. - **Qiongtai Immortal Valley** (¥65): A scenic canyon ideal for hiking. - **Huading National Forest Park** (¥50): Features Lotus Peak, the main peak, with breathtaking sea of clouds and sunrise views. ### **4. Recommended Itineraries** - **1-Day Highlights Tour**: Guoqing Temple → Tiantai Mountain Grand Waterfall → Qiongtai Immortal Valley. - **2-Day In-Depth Tour**: - **Day1**: Guoqing Temple → Chicheng Mountain → Jigong’s Former Residence → Zhexu Old Street (night tour). - **Day2**: Shiliang Flying Waterfall → Huading National Forest Park. ### **5. Accommodation Recommendations** - **Luxury**: Lujing Tiantai Resort Hotel, Tiantai Mountain Hot Spring Resort. - **Budget-Friendly**: Homestays near Guoqing Temple, such as "Tiantai Mountain Bamboo Garden." ### **6. Food Recommendations** - **Tiantai Flat Dumplings**: Similar to wontons, with thin wrappers and fresh fillings. - **Jiaobing Rolls**: Pancakes wrapped with various dishes, a local specialty. - **Cloud Mist Tea**: A fragrant and mellow local tea. --- ## **2. Tiantai Mountain in Qionglai, Sichuan (5A-level Scenic Area)** **Features**: High-altitude water activities and firefly watching, known for its pristine forests, waterfalls, and streams. ### **1. Pre-Trip Preparation** - **Clothing**: Extra clothes for summer (June-August, as water activities may get you wet); warm jacket for winter (December-February). - **Gear**: Water shoes, flashlight (for firefly watching at night), and mosquito repellent. ### **2. Transportation Guide** - **Bus**: Direct buses from Chengdu Xinnanmen Station to the scenic area (about 2 hours). - **Self-Driving**: Chengdu → Chengwenqiong Expressway → Qionglai → Tiantai Mountain (about 2.5 hours). - **In-Scenic Area Transport**: Segmented sightseeing bus fares (¥10-30 per ride). ### **3. Must-Visit Attractions** - **Eighteen-Mile Fragrant Grass Gully**: A high-altitude water playground, great for families. - **Little Jiuzhai**: Crystal-clear streams with picturesque views. - **Panlong Waterfall**: A serene waterfall perfect for photography. - **Firefly Watching** (Summer): One of the world's top eight firefly habitats. ### **4. Recommended Itineraries** - **1-Day Tour**: Visitor Center → Yitiantai (Rainbow Waterfall, Xiangshuitan Waterfall) → Zhengtiantai (Eighteen-Mile Fragrant Grass Gully). - **2-Day Tour**: - **Day1**: Xiaojiawan → Little Jiuzhai → Night firefly watching. - **Day2**: Zhengtiantai → Panlong Waterfall → Return. ### **5. Accommodation Recommendations** - **Mountain-Top Stays**: Farm stays near Zhengtiantai (book in advance). - **Mountain-Base Stays**: Hotels in Tangkou Town or Qionglai city. ### **6. Tips** - **Firefly Watching**: Turn off lights and observe quietly; avoid strong light interference. - **Water Safety**: Some streams are slippery; be cautious. --- ## **Summary** - **Zhejiang Tiantai Mountain**: Ideal for cultural and natural scenery, featuring Guoqing Temple, Grand Waterfall, and Shiliang Flying Waterfall. - **Sichuan Tiantai Mountain**: Perfect for summer water fun and eco-tours, highlighting Eighteen-Mile Fragrant Grass Gully and firefly watching.