Qiyunshan: The Mountain That Rivals the Clouds

Qiyunshan Mountain (齐云山) is one of China's four sacred Taoist mountains, located in Anhui Province. Its name translates as "Mountain that rivals the clouds". The unique red sandstone cliffs (Danxia), over 530 ancient rock inscriptions, and temples built directly into the cliffs make this place a true gem of Eastern China.

The main highlight is the hanging street Yuehua Tianjie (月华天街), where Taoist priests still live. You'll walk through the imperial temples Taisugong and Yusugong, see the 7-meter "Milky Way Waterfall" made of calcite (in Zhenxian Cave) and enjoy breathtaking panoramas. For adventure lovers, the Ziyoujia Camp (自由家营地) at the foot of the mountain offers zipline, climbing wall, and rope parks.

🏯Taoist temples
🧗Danxia cliffs
🚡Cable car
🏞️Cloud street
🪂Ziyoujia zipline

Gems of Qiyunshan

What awaits you

  • Departure from Shanghai (06:00) — meeting at Xinzhuang metro station, ~5–5.5 hours drive (430 km) with one stop.
  • Arrival at Qiyunshan (~11:30) — short break, ticket purchase (guide will assist).
  • Cable car ascent (12:00) — 7-minute ride with panoramic views of the Danxia cliffs.
  • Mountain tour (12:00–15:30) — Yuehua Tianjie, Taisugong and Yusugong temples, Immortal's Cave, Xianglufeng peak, rock inscriptions.
  • Lunch (13:30–14:30) — traditional Anhui cuisine at a restaurant on the mountain or at the foot.
  • Adrenaline option (15:30–17:00) — for those interested: Ziyoujia camp (zipline, climbing wall, buggies) at extra cost.
  • Return to Shanghai (17:00–22:30) — estimated arrival at Xinzhuang metro around 22:30.

Sample tour itinerary (1 day)

*Option also available: high-speed train Shanghai — Huangshan-North + taxi (30–40 min).

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TimeProgram StageDetails
06:00Departure from Shanghai (Xinzhuang metro)\n430 km drive, ~5 hours, one 15–20 min stop.

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11:30Arrival at Qiyunshan tourist centerRestroom, ticket purchase (entrance + cable car).

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12:00Cable car ascentAscent takes ~7 minutes, peak height up to 585 m.

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12:15–15:30Walking route on the mountainYuehua Tianjie street, Taisugong Temple (Ming Dynasty), Yusugong cliff temple, Zhenxian Dongfu grotto (rock inscriptions), Xianglufeng Peak. Length ~3 km.

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13:30–14:30LunchRestaurant with local cuisine (stewed fish, hair tofu, rice).

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15:30–17:00Free time / optional Ziyoujia campFor the active: zipline (150 m), climbing wall, buggies, rope park. For relaxation: stroll at the foot, souvenir shop.

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17:00Meeting and departure for ShanghaiApproximate departure time.

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~22:30Arrival in ShanghaiDrop-off at Xinzhuang metro station (time may vary due to traffic).

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💡 Important notes:

  • Be sure to wear comfortable shoes (trails with stone steps).
  • It's windy on the mountain — even in summer, bring a light jacket.
  • Passport, cash yuan (cards not accepted everywhere), water, camera, umbrella/raincoat.
  • The tour is suitable for all ages if using the cable car.
  • If you want to visit Ziyoujia, inform the guide in advance — tickets are best purchased online.

Price and conditions

💰

Tour price

Train + taxi

Economy

Guide meets at the entrance, ticket assistance. Transfer to station self-arranged.

$380per group of 1-3 people
Train tickets, entrance, lunch – separate

By car

Comfort

Guide services, transfer from Shanghai by sedan/minivan.

$450per group of 1-3 people
Entrance tickets, cable car, lunch – separate
🎫

Additional expenses per person

  • Entrance ticket (mountain)75¥ (~$10)
  • Cable car (round trip)95¥ (~$13)
  • Combo (entrance + cable car)160¥ (~$22)
  • Lunch at restaurant70¥ (~$10)
  • Ziyoujia camp (basic ticket)29–180¥ (~$4–25)
  • Train ticket Shanghai–Huangshan-North (round trip, 2nd class)~450¥ (~$62)
  • Taxi from station to mountain (round trip, per group)~120¥ (~$17)
*2026 prices, exchange rate approximate. Discount for children under 1.2m on entrance.
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Duration

~14–16 hours
departure 06:00, return ~22:30

Additional services

🚗
Minivan rental
+$80
🏨
Overnight in Huangshan (3* hotel + breakfast)
+$130
📷
Photo session on the mountain
+$60
🪂
Ziyoujia activity package (zipline+climbing wall+buggies)
+$40
📍

Nearby attractions

🏯 Hongcun Ancient Village (宏村) UNESCO site, picturesque Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. (35 km)
🏞️ Huangshan Mountain (黄山) Famous mountain with pines and granite peaks. (50 km)
🌊 Bamboo rafting At the foot of Qiyunshan, 40 minutes of leisurely floating.

Frequently asked questions

Is the mountain climb difficult?
No, the cable car takes you almost to the summit. The main route has a gentle terrain. You can descend on foot (about 1 hour) along a beautiful trail.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, water, light jacket (windy at the top), passport, cash yuan, camera. In summer — hat and sunscreen.
Is a one-day trip worth it?
Yes, it's feasible if you leave at 6 AM. The main sights can be seen in 3-4 hours. The mountain is much less crowded than Huangshan.
Are there extreme activities?
Yes, Ziyoujia camp: zipline (high-speed descent over the gorge), high-altitude rope park, climbing wall, buggies, as well as a high-altitude trail on the mountain itself.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Absolutely. Children will enjoy the cable car, the cloud street, and Ziyoujia has children's rope cities and mini-golf.
When is the best time to go?
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the most comfortable. Snow in winter, hot in summer, but cooler on the mountain.
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Important information

Prices are valid for 2026. Booking requires 100% prepayment (PayPal, card). Cancellation 48 hours in advance – full refund, less than 48 hours – 50% refund (train tickets purchased in advance). The organizer reserves the right to modify the program due to weather conditions or force majeure. In case of heavy fog, the cable car may be closed — the guide will offer an alternative.