Maren Qifeng Scenic Area

Maren Qifeng Scenic Area is located in Suncun Town, Fanchang District, Wuhu City, Anhui Province. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction, a national forest park, a national geopark, and a national agricultural tourism demonstration site. The core area covers 3.3 square kilometers, with the highest peak reaching 316 meters above sea level. It is a well-known landscape-ecology and trendy experience-oriented scenic area in southern Anhui and along the Yangtze River belt. The scenic area is defined by its "peculiar mountains, peculiar rocks, peculiar caves, peculiar temples, peculiar forests, and peculiar peaks," integrating natural landscapes, forest ecology, cultural heritage, and high-altitude internet-famous experience attractions. It features the tallest and longest glass plank road combination in East China. With a forest coverage rate exceeding 95% and abundant negative oxygen ions, it is often called "Zhangjiajie in southern Anhui, and Little Huangshan by the river."

History and Culture

Maren Qifeng has a profound historical heritage. As early as the Three Kingdoms period, it was already a destination for literati and poets. The name of the scenic area originates from local folklore and historical tales, derived from the mountain range's resemblance to a galloping horse. Since the Tang Dynasty, it has been an important site for religious culture in southern Anhui. Maren Ancient Temple, first built in the Tang Dynasty and renovated and expanded multiple times through the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, is one of the best-preserved ancient Buddhist temples in the region.

During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Maren Qifeng enjoyed a flourishing literary culture. Many scholars and poets lived in seclusion here, composing poems and leaving inscriptions, resulting in a wealth of poetry and cliff-side carvings that form the area's significant cultural heritage. The scenic area is also home to centuries-old ancient trees, where natural ecology and historical culture intermingle, creating a distinctive southern Anhui landscape culture.

In modern times, Maren Qifeng has been gradually developed based on its ecological resources and cultural heritage. It officially opened to the public after 2000. Over the years, it has become a comprehensive tourist destination integrating cultural experiences, ecological sightseeing, leisure vacations, and trendy recreational activities, and it is one of Wuhu City's key tourism landmarks.

Major Attractions

Maren Ancient Temple

Located in the core area of the scenic zone, the temple was first built in the Tang Dynasty with a history of over a thousand years. Built along the mountain, it features simple and elegant architecture, including the Grand Hall, Heavenly King Hall, and Guanyin Hall. With thriving incense offerings, it is a renowned Buddhist sacred site in southern Anhui and the cultural heart of the scenic area.

Sheer Cliff Glass Plank Road

Built on the precipitous cliffs of Maren Qifeng, this glass plank road has a vertical height of 180 meters and a total length of 200 meters. Made entirely of transparent glass and suspended along the rock face, it offers thrilling views and is one of East China's most representative high-altitude cliff glass walkways—a must-try core attraction.

Flying Dragon Glass Bridge

Spanning between two peaks of Maren Qifeng, this bridge is 388 meters long with a vertical height of 180 meters. The deck is made of fully transparent tempered glass and features dynamic lighting effects, combining spectacular high-altitude views with exciting experiences. It is the first internet-famous high-altitude glass bridge in China to pass safety inspections by the national testing center.


Nanmu Forest

This is the largest primary nanmu (Phoebe zhennan) forest in East China, covering over 100 mu (about 6.7 hectares). It contains many century-old nanmu trees, remains evergreen throughout the year, has fresh air, and boasts extremely high negative oxygen ion concentrations—a natural oxygen bar and the core area for ecological sightseeing.


Maren Stone Forest

Formed by hundreds of millions of years of geological activity, the stone forest features grotesque rocks in various shapes—stone peaks, columns, and sprouts scattered in a fantastic array. Known as "the No.1 Stone Forest in southern Anhui," it is the core landscape area of the national geopark.


Sun Mountain

As the main peak of Maren Qifeng, Sun Mountain rises 316 meters above sea level. The summit offers expansive views over the entire scenic area and the surrounding southern Anhui hilly landscape. Gentle mountain trails are lined with strange rocks, ancient trees, and viewing platforms, making it an excellent spot for hiking, sightseeing, and leisurely walks.


World's No. 1 Fortune Cauldron

Located in the scenic area's square, this bronze cauldron is 9.9 meters tall and weighs 99 tons. The body is carved with Chinese character "Fu" (fortune) and auspicious patterns, symbolizing blessings and good luck. It is one of the area's iconic structures and a popular photo and prayer spot for visitors.


Suggested Tour Route:

Scenic Area Entrance → World's No. 1 Fortune Cauldron → Maren Ancient Temple → Nanmu Forest → Maren Stone Forest → Sun Mountain Hiking Trail → Sheer Cliff Glass Plank Road → Flying Dragon Glass Bridge → Descent Trail → Scenic Area Exit

Visitor Recommendations:

Recommended visit duration: 3 to 4 hours to fully explore core attractions and experience the popular activities.

It is advisable to enter in the morning to avoid afternoon peak crowds and enhance comfort.

Wear comfortable sports shoes for hiking to reduce fatigue.

The glass bridge and glass plank road can be experienced consecutively without separate queuing, saving time.

The Nanmu Forest area is ideal for resting and photography; plan about 20 minutes to enjoy the forest ecology.

For family visits with children, opt for gentler trails and reduce exposure to high-altitude thrill rides.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons, with pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.

Important Notes:

High heels are prohibited on the glass plank road and glass bridge; running, jumping, and swaying are not allowed.

Some sections of the hiking trails are steep; elderly visitors and children must be accompanied by family members at all times.

Flammable and explosive items are prohibited; smoking and open flames are forbidden in the scenic area.

High-altitude attractions will be temporarily closed in case of thunderstorms, strong winds, or other adverse weather; check the forecast before traveling.

Climbing on rocks or trees and entering undeveloped areas are strictly forbidden.

Sharp objects are not allowed on the glass bridge; follow the instructions of on-site staff.

Please protect cultural relics and the ecological environment—do not carve, write, or pick flowers/plants.

Transportation:

Self-driving: Search "Maren Qifeng Scenic Area" in navigation apps. From Hefei, Nanjing, or Wuhu, take the G50 Shanghai–Chongqing Expressway to the Fanchang toll station, then follow Provincial Highway S216 directly to the scenic area. A large free parking lot is available.

Public bus: In Wuhu city, take the Fanchang special bus line to Fanchang Bus Terminal, then transfer to the Maren Qifeng tourist shuttle to the scenic area entrance.

High-speed rail: Take the high-speed train to Fanchang West Station. From there, a taxi ride of about 20 minutes (approximately 15 km) will take you directly to the scenic area.

Opening Hours:

Regular hours: 8:00–17:00, with last entry at 16:30.

Holidays and peak tourist seasons: 7:30–17:30, with last entry at 17:00.

High-altitude attraction operating hours align with the scenic area's hours and may be adjusted under special weather conditions.

Ticket Prices:

Tickets start from 99 RMB/person (including some attractions/activities).

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