Tiandu Peak is located on the southeast side of the Huangshan Scenic Area. It faces the Lotus Peak to the west and connects to the Botou Peak to the east. Known as one of the three main peaks of Huangshan along with the Bright Summit and the Lotus Peak, it has an elevation of 1810 meters. Renowned for its steep and perilous terrain, climbing to the summit offers a panoramic view of the magnificent Huangshan. Hence the saying, ‘Climbing Tiandu Peak is a must, or the trip is in vain.’ The name Tiandu Peak originates from the ancient term ‘the capital of all immortals,’ signifying a celestial metropolis. The entire peak soars into the clouds, with an average slope of about 70 degrees and some sections approaching a vertical 80 degrees. The ‘Crucian Carp’s Back’ at the summit is only one meter wide, with precipitous cliffs on both sides, making it the most extraordinary danger in Huangshan.
On the summit of Tiandu Peak, there is a stone carving that reads ‘Reaching the Pinnacle.’ In the middle of the summit, there is a natural stone chamber that can accommodate hundreds of people. Outside the chamber, there is a stone that resembles a drunkard reclining, named ‘Immortal Guarding the Cave Door.’ Standing at the summit, you can gaze into the distance where clouds and mountains meet, rivers converge into a single line, and the horizon connects with the vast ocean. On clear days, you may also witness a sea of clouds. If time permits, you can also plan to watch the sunrise and sunset according to your itinerary.Visiting Tiandu Peak, you’ll encounter a variety of scenic spots from its midsection to the summit. These include the Hundred Steps Ladder, Squirrel Jumping to Tiandu, Jade Screen in Heaven, Boy Paying Homage to Guanyin, and Two Monks Paying Homage to Buddha.
The peak is accessible via two slopes: the south and the north. The north slope, which is the old path, spans about 2 kilometers from the entrance to the summit and takes approximately 1 hour to walk. On the other hand, the south slope, the new path, is about 2.5 kilometers long from the summit to the entrance and requires about 1.5 hours to traverse.
Both slopes have entrances that facilitate both ascending and descending the mountain. The old path entrance is situated next to the Welcoming Pine at the Yubing Pavilion. Alternatively, you can take the Yubing Cableway from Ciguangge Station to Yubing Station, and then proceed to the old path entrance for your climb.
If you opt not to use the cableway at Ciguangge Station, you can walk to Banshan Temple and then to the new path entrance for climbing. However, this route is quite lengthy and may take up to 2 hours, so it’s recommended to take the cableway for convenience.
For those who ascend from the old path entrance, it’s advisable to return via the same route and take the cableway down to Ciguangge Station at Yubing Station. The entire journey from the Tiandu Peak summit to Ciguangge Station can take over 4 hours, which is quite tiring, and the scenery along this route is not as impressive as when ascending from the old path entrance.**Visitor Information for Tiandu Peak**
**Operating Hours:**
The entire area is open year-round from 07:00 to 15:00. Please note that specific operating conditions are subject to the daily opening status.
**Essential Tips:**
1. **Fitness Level:** Tiandu Peak is known for its height and challenging paths, including steep steps and precipitous cliffs. A high level of physical fitness is required for exploration. It is not recommended for individuals with heart disease, high blood pressure, the elderly, or young children.
2. **Appropriate Attire:** When planning your visit, wear comfortable clothing and shoes. It is also advisable to bring your own food and water for the ascent.
3. **Weather Considerations:** The first half of the year experiences more rainfall. Therefore, prepare rain gear according to the weather conditions before you embark on your climb. A raincoat is recommended due to the mountain’s height and strong winds, which make umbrellas impractical.
4. **Emergency Preparations:** It is wise to carry a small amount of mountaineering medicines to handle unexpected situations. Additionally, consider bringing flashlights, gloves, trekking poles, and maps for your journey.
5. **Safety Precautions:** Safety is paramount during your visit. The mountain road is equipped with stone railings and iron chains to ensure tourist safety. Remember to walk without looking at the scenery and look at the scenery without walking to avoid accidents.
Please plan your visit accordingly and enjoy your time at Tiandu Peak.
