Anhui Attractions

The province of Anhui in eastern China lies between 114°43' and 119°38'E and 29°25' and 34°39'N.

Two large rivers, the Huaihe and the Changjiang (Yangtse), flow through Anhui from west to east.

Highlights:	Coloured Pebblestone Rocks	Mountain of the Green Snail

Wuhu, China

Wuhu lies in some beautiful countryside in the center of Anhui province, at the confluence of the Qingyijiang and Changjian rivers.

It is 130km/80mi from Nanjing and 140km/87mi from Hefei, the provincial capital, and is linked by rail, road and water to these and many other Chinese towns and cities.

Wuhu has a history going back more than 2000 years. There was a major settlement here back in the Spring and Autumn period (770-476 BC), and it was given its present name during the Han dynasty (206 BC-AD 220). From the Ming era (1368-1644) onwards it was one of China's richest trading towns and during the Qing period (1644-1911) it became one of the country's four largest centers for the transshipment of rice (the other three being Changsha, Jiujiang and Wuxi). The port was opened to external trade in 1876.

Today Wuhu, with its shipyards, iron foundries and many textile and engineering factories, is an important industrial center.

Lake of Mirrors

The crystal-clear waters of the Lake of Mirrors cover an area of 18ha/45 acres. In the second half of the 19th C the lake was for a number of years the very hub of Wuhu's social life, and its banks were studded with dozens of tea-houses, inns, restaurants and theaters. Today it is still a popular spot for excursions and a leisure center for the local people, with a library, exhibition building and restaurants.

Park of the Reddish-brown Mountain

The Park of the Reddish-brown Mountain stretches over an area of some 4 sq.km/1.5sq.mi in the northwest of Wuhu. Two hills of shimmering red give the park its name. The higher of these (86m/282ft) is dominated by a 16th C pavilion from which there is a wonderful view over the town. The park also has a small zoo.

Temple of Universal Well-being

The Temple of Universal Well-being (Guanghi Si) was built in the 9th C on the southwest slope of Reddish-brown Mountain. It comprises three halls in an echelon formation on the hillside. The present buildings date from the Qing period (1644-1911).

Prior to climbing the Mountain of the Nine Blossoms, pilgrims would rest in this temple and light joss sticks.

Surroundings

There are numerous attractions worth visiting in the areas surrounding Wuhu.

Yellow Mountain

Yellow Mountain, often portrayed in paintings by Chinese artists, has 72 peaks, the highest of which stands at 1860m/6104ft. It is known for its varied terrain and numerous natural features.

Highlights:	Tower of the Jade Curtain, Mountain of the Nine Blossoms	Pine of Welcome, Mountain of the Nine Blossoms

Mountain of the Nine Blossoms (Mount Jiuhuashan)

The Mountain of the Nine Blossoms is one of the Four Holy Mountains and has for centuries been the site of Buddhist monasteries. Today over 50 such buildings still exist, and house important Buddhist documents.