TOUR IN ANHUI

Anhui is famous for its dramatic mountains that have inspired poets, mystics and painters for centuries. The province is also noted for its four scholarly treasures: writing brush, ink stick, ink slab and Xuan paper.

Capital city is Hefei. Numerous wars were fought for this strategic location. There is Archery Training Terrace, where Emperor Caocao trained his troops in using crossbows, and Temple to Lord Bao, built in honor of an outstanding official of the Song dynasty. One of China's best universities, China University of Science and Technology, is here.

Mt. Jiuhua, one of the 4 Buddhist mountains, has 50 temples and 6000 Buddhas.

Wuhu, the 4th largest port on the Yangtze River, has an Alligator Breeding Center, the Dragon Spring Cave and Yangtze River boat tours.

The most favored tourist destination in Anhui is the Mt. Huang, one of China's most spectacular mountains. It is 120 km in circumference, and has 72 peaks, the highest one, the Lotus Flower, rises over 1873 meters above sea level. You have to climb 800 stone steps cut into an 80 degree cliff. The second highest, the Heavenly capital, has a ridge less than 1 meter wide. Many crawl across the section in spite of the iron railings. But those who get to the summit will be rewarded by giant vertical peaks, ancient pines, hot springs, streams, mist, magnificent views and a great feeling of achievement.