Anhui’s “Little Jiuzhaigou” | 2-day 1-night travel guide
Anhui’s “Little Jiuzhaigou” | 2-day 1-night Chizhou travel guide
Top weekend self-drive choice near Hefei, Nanjing, and Wuhu 💚
No need to rush to Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan or Shaanxi! Chizhou Shitai Guniujiang hides the pristine mountain and water scenery of southern Anhui 🏞️
Summer mountain forest temperature averages 24℃, with primeval forest, emerald jelly-like pools, and refreshing mountain spring waterfalls
⚠️ Key point: Guniujiang is divided into two main areas, Shitai and Qimen! The best water spots are only in Shitai’s Longmen Scenic Area, so don’t go to the wrong place!
Couples and friends escaping the city for the weekend can relax, cool off by the water, enjoy light hiking without overexertion, and self-drive with ease
📅 Day 1 Deep exploration of Guniujiang Longmen Scenic Area
Morning | Self-drive arrival at Shitai Guniujiang Longmen Scenic Area
The scenic area shuttle bus is a must-buy for 18 yuan. It helps you get into the mountains without extra walking
Check in at Longmen Pool 💧 the emerald base of southern Anhui! Clear, green water with shallow areas for wading, bamboo raft drifting perfect for photos
Noon | Local farmhouse dishes at the mountain base
Shitai specialties: Qiupu river fish, selenium-rich tofu, Shitai specialty hot pot, plus a pot of local rice wine, so fresh you’ll want to stomp your feet
Afternoon | Continue light hiking in the canyon
Four-tier waterfall with mountain streams cascading step by step, full of forest negative ions
Stop by Yan Family Ancient Village ✨ a pristine Huizhou-style ancient village with very little commercialization, white walls, black tiles, and a strong local vibe
The whole trail is flat and easy, no intense climbing, suitable for elders and children
Evening | Stay at a Huizhou-style guesthouse at the mountain foot
Cool mountain breeze in the evening, stroll by the creek after dinner, fully immerse in the mountain atmosphere and cool off
📅 Day 2 Canyon creek tracing + cave exploration, easy return trip
Morning | Zuishanye Resort
The ultimate canyon creek tracing and water play spot! Layers of Huangya waterfalls, many shallow creek areas for moving stones, wading, and cooling off
Full coverage of mountain forest shade, cool all the way without sun exposure
Noon | Simple local farmhouse meal in Shitai
Afternoon | Explore Ciyun Ancient Cave 🏞️
Constant temperature natural cave, cool all year round, with diverse stalactites, a great summer cooling spot
Finish with a walk along the Qiupu River, enjoying poetic scenery of green mountains and clear water
Evening | Drive back, ending a relaxed 2-day trip
🚗 Transportation guide
✅ Self-drive (recommended): 2.5–3.5 hours direct from Hefei, Nanjing, or Wuhu to Shitai
✅ High-speed rail: Get off at Chizhou Station, then charter a car or take a bus to Shitai Scenic Area
✅ Public transport: Bus from Chizhou Bus Station to Shitai County, then shared car to the scenic area
🏡 Accommodation options
1. Budget guesthouse at mountain foot | 120–200 yuan per person
Advantages: close to Guniujiang, convenient for sightseeing; Disadvantages: simple facilities
2. Guesthouses in Shitai County | 220–350 yuan per person
Complete dining and shopping, convenient living, about half an hour drive from the scenic area
3. Boutique mountain guesthouse | 450+ yuan per person
Mountain view courtyard, quiet environment, ideal for couples seeking a vacation vibe
💰 Travel budget reference
▪ Budget version 480–600 yuan per person (tickets + simple meals + budget accommodation)
▪ Comfortable version 750–950 yuan per person (quality farmhouse dishes + mid-range guesthouse)
▪ In-depth version 1100+ yuan per person (mountain guesthouse + full set of activities)
✨ Core scenic highlights
Longmen Pool: jelly-colored clear water, bamboo raft water play, a top photo spot for southern Anhui scenery
Four-tier waterfall: wild mountain waterfall, babbling creek, natural summer oxygen bar
Yan Family Ancient Village: pristine ancient village, a hidden cultural gem
Zuishanye: canyon creek tracing, waterfall clusters, perfect for family water play
Ciyun Ancient Cave: constant temperature cave, natural summer air conditioning
Qiupu River: riverside walk, ink-wash southern Anhui scenery
⚠️ Pitfall avoidance & travel essentials checklist
1. Buy Shitai Guniujiang tickets online in advance for 90 yuan, make sure it’s Shitai Longmen Scenic Area
2. Large temperature difference between morning and evening in the mountains, bring a light jacket
3. Many mosquitoes in the mountains, bring mosquito repellent and sunscreen
4. Water play safety: river stones are slippery, no wild swimming
5. Shitai and Qimen Guniujiang are far apart, double-check your navigation destination
Summary
Breathe mountain air, cool off by the water, relax with light hiking, the top hidden summer escape in southern Anhui
2-day 1-night relaxed pace without rushing, the best short self-drive trip near Hefei, Nanjing, and Wuhu
Lazy route for southern Anhui mountain scenery, just copy and go!