Plan at a glance
Enter the valley from the Visitor Service Center
Shitai Guniujiang Scenic Area is in Xinhuo Village, Dayan Township, Shitai County, Chizhou, Anhui Province. The usual entrance is the Guniujiang Scenic Area Visitor Service Center. Most visitors take the scenic shuttle from the Visitor Service Center to Erdao Bridge, then begin the Longmen Pool, Biyu Pool, and valley-trail route; the main experience is along the water and through the wooded paths.
Driving is a convenient way to reach the scenic area. Navigate to “Shitai Guniujiang Scenic Area Visitor Service Center (石台牯牛降景区游客服务中心)”; the reference parking fee is about CNY 10 per day. The coach station beside Chizhou Station has buses to the scenic area for about CNY 30 one way, but services are limited and usually require a morning arrival and an afternoon return.
Tickets and time needed
The reference adult ticket price is about CNY 78–110 and usually includes the round-trip scenic shuttle. Ticket rules for children under 1.2 meters follow the arrangements for the day. The scenic area usually opens around 08:00–17:00. After the entry formalities, the ticket may allow up to three entries within three days, which suits visitors who prefer a slower visit.
The loop from Erdao Bridge through Longmen Pool, Biyu Pool, Yanjia Ancient Village, and Sidie Waterfall takes about 3–4 hours. The short route to Longmen Pool takes about 1–1.5 hours. Bamboo rafts, accommodation inside the scenic area, and some water activities cost extra and should be budgeted separately.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
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Longmen Pool, Biyu Pool, and the Glacial Stone Valley
Longmen Pool is the main waterside stop. Its stone-pier bridge and bamboo rafts offer places to explore and photograph; a bamboo raft costs about CNY 40 per raft as a reference, while opening status and queueing depend on the day. Biyu Pool and the streamside path work well as one walking section, although waterside steps and changes in level can slow your pace.
The Glacial Stone Valley follows the stream, with boulders, running water, and woodland shade beside the trail. It suits visitors who enjoy light hiking, valley landscapes, and nature photography. The attraction is the continuous walk beside the water rather than a quick ride to a single viewpoint.
Yanjia Ancient Village and Sidie Waterfall
Yanjia Ancient Village is a rest stop and cultural section of the loop. Huizhou-style homes, selenium-rich tea, and chestnuts create a different experience from the valley scenery. Sidie Waterfall is in the later part of the loop and works well after Longmen Pool and the ancient village.
If you want to see both the water scenery and the ancient village, choose the 3–4-hour loop. When time is limited, make Longmen Pool the main target and reduce the walking in the later section. Bamboo rafts may have queues on public holidays, so decide whether to ride after checking the wait on site.
For families, visitors with pets, and hikers
Families can arrange paddling or stream-watching in suitable waterside areas and should bring water shoes, water toys, and a change of clothes. Children at the water’s edge should always have an adult supervising them; even in shallow areas, watch for slippery rocks and the actual water depth.
The scenic area has arrangements for visitors with pets, but bringing a pet inside, taking it on the scenic shuttle, or entering designated play-in-water areas may require an agreement, a leash, or advance enquiries. Visitors who enjoy hiking can take the full loop, while those who mainly want to see the water can shorten the route around Erdao Bridge and Longmen Pool.
Build your day
Full route: from Longmen Pool to Sidie Waterfall
Take the scenic shuttle from the Visitor Service Center to Erdao Bridge. After getting off, follow the left-hand route through Longmen Pool and Biyu Pool, continue to Yanjia Ancient Village for a rest, and then walk on to Sidie Waterfall before completing the loop and returning. Allow extra time at Longmen Pool and Biyu Pool if you plan to take photos, play in the water, or wait for a bamboo raft; the later walking section will take longer.
The route takes about 3–4 hours and includes streamside paths, steps, and waterside rocks. After rain or water play, shoe soles can become slippery. Follow the day’s trail-opening arrangements, and do not cross barriers or enter closed-off water areas.
Short route: from Erdao Bridge to Longmen Pool
Take the scenic shuttle to Erdao Bridge, go directly to Longmen Pool, and return the same way after taking photos and spending time by the water. Allow about 1–1.5 hours. This route suits visitors with limited time, groups that should avoid a long walk, or visitors who want to combine Guniujiang with other Shitai attractions on the same day.
If you plan to take a bamboo raft, check the queue and water conditions for the day before deciding whether to wait. Biyu Pool, Yanjia Ancient Village, and Sidie Waterfall are outside the main stopping range of this short route.
A slower itinerary over several days
After the entry formalities, the ticket may allow up to three entries within three days. You can visit Longmen Pool and Biyu Pool on the first entry, then return for Yanjia Ancient Village and Sidie Waterfall on the second. Confirm multiple-entry access, ticket validity, and the re-entry procedure at the Visitor Service Center on the day.
If you want to stay inside the scenic area, look into Yanjia Inn; guesthouses are also available outside the scenic area. Separating accommodation from the loop works well for visitors who do not want to rush through all the water scenery and trails in one day.
Get there
Driving and public transport
Drivers should navigate to “Shitai Guniujiang Scenic Area Visitor Service Center,” park, complete the entry process, and then take the scenic shuttle to Erdao Bridge. The ride from the Visitor Service Center to Erdao Bridge is internal scenic-area transport; Longmen Pool, Biyu Pool, and the later loop are mainly explored on foot.
Buses from the coach station beside Chizhou Station can reach the scenic area, but services are limited and usually run in a morning-out, afternoon-back pattern. If you use public transport, first confirm that the day’s service covers your return. If no suitable bus is available, driving or arranging a transfer in advance is more convenient.
Nearby combinations
Baishiling, a free ancient village on the northern side of the scenic area, works for a short walk and time by the stream. Zui Mountain Wilderness is a separate, ticketed canyon attraction for visitors who want to continue with a canyon route. If you also want to visit Baishiling or Zui Mountain Wilderness that day, leave enough time for the Guniujiang loop and your return transport.
Know before you go
Waterside paths and sun protection
Guniujiang has relatively gentle routes for playing in the water, but some hiking and loop sections still have steps. Summer sunlight can be strong and shade limited, so bring a hat, sun protection, drinking water, and shoes with good grip. Families should also bring spare clothes.
Pets may be restricted from entering the water in the main Longmen Pool area. Follow the day’s staff instructions on designated play-in-water areas, whether pets can ride the scenic shuttle, and any required procedures. Pets should remain on a leash throughout and should only move around or enter the water in areas clearly permitted by the scenic area.
Tickets, bamboo rafts, and entry times
Admission, the scenic shuttle, bamboo rafts, accommodation, and other activities are charged separately. The reference adult ticket price is about CNY 78–110 and usually includes the round-trip scenic shuttle; a bamboo raft costs about CNY 40 per raft as a reference. Prices, children’s rules, three-day multiple-entry access, and pet policies may change.
Bamboo rafts at Longmen Pool may have queues on public holidays. Visitor numbers are sometimes lower before 09:00 or after 16:00, but the day’s crowd still affects the wait. The scenic area usually opens around 08:00–17:00; check the last shuttle before returning.
Food and the return journey
Farmhouse restaurants are available near the scenic area, and the Yanjia Ancient Village area offers a chance to learn about local selenium-rich tea and chestnuts. Shun’zi Tucaiguan, Xiaoshiju, and Banmu Xitian Xiangxiacai are among the nearby dining options. If you are travelling with children, check in advance whether a restaurant has suitable seating and tableware.
Before leaving, confirm the arrangements for the Visitor Service Center, scenic shuttle, and car parking. If you will continue to Baishiling, Zui Mountain Wilderness, or Shitai County, also allow time for the next drive and the return journey.