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Dabie Mountains Main Peak Scenic Area (Baima Peak)

大别山主峰景区(白马尖)

Plan a Baima Peak hike with the 1777 stone formation, forest trails, two route options, sunrise planning and practical access details.

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Plan at a glance

Enter from the Jinzhuping Village main entrance

Baima Peak is in Jinzhuping Village, Taiyang Township, Huoshan County, Lu'an, Anhui. The main entrance is the one to use, and you can navigate to the Dabie Mountains Main Peak Scenic Area Visitor Centre. The main sights are the natural forest, stone-step trails, sea of clouds and the “1777” stone formation at the summit, so this is a place to set aside half a day or a full day for mountain hiking.

The scenic area only has walking routes. After parking, you start the climb from the entrance and complete both the ascent and descent on foot. The quick route takes about 1.5–2 hours and gives you a short forest and stream walk; reaching the summit and completing the main route takes about 4–6 hours.

Tickets, reservations and opening hours

The reference adult ticket price is CNY 80 per person. Children, students and teachers can receive half-price tickets with the relevant documents, while retired military personnel can enter free with the relevant document. Foreign visitors using a passport or another travel document for a discount or free admission should confirm the real-name registration, document checks and on-site procedure in advance.

Advance reservations are usually not required. Tickets can be bought through online platforms such as Anhui Tourism Annual Pass or on site. The reference opening hours are 07:00–16:00 every day; ticket prices, discounts and same-day admission arrangements are subject to the conditions on the day.

Tickets and visit details

View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.

View Visit Optionsvia Trip.com

Choose your visit

The “1777” stone formation and summit views

The “1777” stone formation is Baima Peak’s most recognisable summit photo spot. In clear weather, the summit has views across the surrounding three counties. A clear morning after rain offers a better chance of a sea of clouds and sunrise, but visibility depends on the weather.

Natural forest, streams and stone-step trails

Forest coverage is about 97%, and streams, unusual pines and rocky slopes line the trails. Much of the route is shaded, with relatively little direct sun, but the trail is mainly made up of stone steps. Both the ascent and descent require sustained uphill and downhill walking.

Baima Peak suits visitors who enjoy hiking, climbing and outdoor photography and are comfortable with continuous mountain walking. Photographers interested in forest, sea-of-cloud and mountain scenery can stay longer; visitors with limited stamina can turn back after reaching the halfway supply point.

The difference between the two routes

The quick route takes about 1.5–2 hours. It follows the stone steps from the main entrance to the halfway supply point and returns by the same route, making it suitable for a short experience of the forest and streams. The main route takes about 4–6 hours, climbs to the summit and returns by the same route.

Build your day

Quick route: walk to the halfway point and return

Enter through the Dabie Mountains Main Peak Scenic Area Visitor Centre → follow the scenic area's stone-step trail uphill → stop near the halfway supply point → see the forest, streams and unusual pines and rocks along the way → return to the main entrance by the same route. The complete route takes about 1.5–2 hours.

This route does not reach the summit and involves less walking and climbing. There are still continuous steps, so wear shoes with good grip and carry drinking water.

Main route: climb the stone steps to the summit and return

Start at the main entrance → continue uphill along the stone-step trail → rest at about 1.5 kilometres or near the halfway supply point → pass through forest, streams and rocky slopes → reach the summit to see the “1777” stone formation and the mountain views → descend by the same route. The complete route takes about 4–6 hours and covers about 7–8 kilometres.

More than 90% of the route consists of stone steps, with pavilions along the way for rests. Much of the route is shaded, but the descent after reaching the summit still takes time. Starting the descent by 14:00 is the safer choice.

Two-day trip: stay nearby and hike up before sunrise

If sunrise photography is your goal, a two-day trip is recommended. On the first day, visit the foothills or the area around the halfway point and stay nearby. On the second day, leave your accommodation at around 04:00 and aim to reach the summit at about 05:00, then wait for sunrise near the “1777” stone formation or Duanhun Cliff. This plan suits visitors with good stamina who want more time for photography without rushing a same-day return trip.

Before leaving at night, confirm the location of your accommodation, how to reach the trail after dark and whether the scenic area permits early entry that day. Ordinary visitors must still follow the 07:00–16:00 opening hours; staying nearby does not by itself give you access to the scenic area. Sunrise, sea of clouds and visibility depend on the weather, and a clear morning after rain offers a better chance but no guarantee.

The “1777” stone formation is suitable for summit photos, the rocky slope halfway up is good for recording the hike, and Duanhun Cliff provides pines and a sea-of-cloud background. Visitors entering during the day should use the quick or main route; 05:00 is only suitable for a sunrise plan with early entry confirmed in advance.

Get there

Drive to the visitor centre

Driving is the only recommended way to reach Baima Peak. Navigate to the Dabie Mountains Main Peak Scenic Area Visitor Centre or Baima Peak Farmhouse; vehicles can reach the entrance, and the visitor centre has a free car park that is usually spacious enough.

The mountain roads are long. After entering Taiyang Township and Jinzhuping Village, adjust your speed to the road conditions. Once parked, you must start the climb on foot; there is no vehicle alternative inside the scenic area.

Public transport and movement inside the scenic area

Baima Peak has no metro access, and public transport takes a long time with inconvenient connections. Visitors without a car should confirm the onward connection from Huoshan or Taiyang Township in advance. Inside the scenic area, all movement is on foot.

Both the quick and main routes start from the stone-step trail at the main entrance. The main supply points are around the halfway point, while supplies are limited at the summit and along most of the route.

Know before you go

Water, footwear and hiking equipment

Supplies are limited at the summit and along most of the route. Bring at least 2 litres of water and high-energy snacks from the foot of the mountain. The stone steps and some rough-stone sections require good grip, so wear hiking shoes with non-slip soles and consider using trekking poles to reduce the strain on uphill and downhill sections.

Mountain weather changes quickly, and showers can make the stone steps and rough-stone trails slippery. Bring rain gear and watch your footing on the rougher sections to reduce the risk of twisting an ankle.

Time and stamina

The main route involves sustained climbing, followed by the same long descent. Start going downhill by 14:00 at the latest to allow for a slower pace or changes in weather and aim to leave the mountain trail before dark.

If anyone in your group is not suited to a long hike, take the quick route and turn back at the halfway supply point. There is no cableway or scenic shuttle, so a late arrival is not suitable for the main route.

Nearby stops and food

Foziling Reservoir and its dam can be used as a nearby self-drive stop for a walk along the embankment and lake views. Baima Peak Ecological Park Farmhouse serves local dishes such as hot-pot chicken and free-range chicken soup, with a reference price of about CNY 80 per person; opening hours and dishes depend on the day.

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