Qiyun Mountain Travelogue: A Day in Fairyland, A Night Under the Stars

【Daytime·Path to Immortality】 As morning mist lingered, Qiyun Mountain awoke. The crimson Danxia landform glowed softly in the dawn light, like the earth's first blush. Stone steps wound upward, dotted with moss, and with each step, one could almost hear the mountain's whispers. The Taoist temples along Yuehua Street stood quietly on the mountainside, their vermilion gates half-open, incense smoke curling upward. Occasionally, a Taoist monk swept fallen leaves, the rustling sound brimming with Zen. From the highest point at Wangxian Pavilion, clouds rolled like an ocean, the winding river below resembling a ribbon, and distant villages scattered like stars—as if stepping into the mythical Penglai of the "Classic of Mountains and Seas." When the mountain breeze brushed past, it suddenly made sense why ancient people called this place "White Mountain"—pure and untouched by dust. 【Nightfall·Feast of Light】 As dusk fell, the riverside at the foot of the mountain grew lively (Note: Night activities are not held daily; check the scenic area's announcements before visiting). Fishermen lit bamboo lanterns, their warm glow swaying with the sound of oars. As boats passed, golden ripples danced on the water, intertwining with the reflections of shore-side lanterns like a dream. Suddenly, a shout rang out as blacksmiths, bare-chested, hurled molten iron into the sky, creating a dazzling shower of golden sparks that lit up the awestruck eyes of onlookers. The finale was a fireworks display, blooming in succession across the valley, their brilliance illuminating ancient cliffs as if heaven and earth were celebrating together. 【Travel Tips】 1. Hiking Guide: - Best times: 6:00-9:00 or 15:00-18:00; sun protection is essential in summer - Recommended route: Dengfeng Bridge → Wangxian Pavilion → Yuehua Street → Yuxu Palace (approx. 3 hours) - Frequent rain; pack a lightweight raincoat 2. Night Activities: - Lantern boats/iron-smelting fireworks/fireworks are not daily events; confirm via Qiyun Mountain Tourism's official WeChat account - Best viewing spot: Riverside Promenade; arrive early during peak season 3. Dining & Lodging: - Try Hui-style dishes like stinky mandarin fish and hairy tofu at Xiangfurui Homestay - For ambiance, stay at Yuehua Street's Taoist inns—listen to pine winds at night, watch clouds at dawn 4. Transportation: - High-speed rail to Huangshan North Station, then transfer to the tourist shuttle (approx. 1 hour) - Drive to "Qiyun Mountain Scenic Area Parking Lot" (parking fee applies) Looking back as I left, Qiyun Mountain's silhouette was gentle in the night. Suddenly, I understood why Xu Xiake lingered here for days—a single day here is enough to dissolve worldly cares and let the stars weave into dreams.