A rocky road to tranquility

Caishiji Scenic Park is a place that inspired poets, Tang Zhihao reports.

Still trying to figure out where to go for a break during the Mid-autumn Festival and National Day holidays? You might think about heading to Caishiji Scenic Park in Anhui province, a 660,000-square-meter area renowned for its peaceful environment and beautiful scenery.

Caishiji (Multi-tinted Rock) Scenic Park is located near the city of Ma'anshan, close to Nanjing, and about a four-hour drive from Shanghai. The area encompasses a steep, rocky outcrop overlooking the Yangtze River that boasts glorious scenery and many graceful towers and pavilions. It is a place that envelops you in peace.

Throughout history many famous men of letters have found sanctuary here, writing poems and essays glorifying the magnificent sights they encountered. Numerous stone tablets inscribed with these compositions attest to the inspiring nature of Caishiji. Many places of interest in the park were erected in memory of Li Bai, the famous Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) poet who found inspiration on this rock, which juts beyond the banks of the Yangtze to become an intrinsic part of the river itself.

Standing on the precipitous rock, visitors look down onto the raging waters of the Yangtze River as they pass through the narrow gorge created by Caishiji. "We can feel the power of nature by standing on this rock," said Li Zhengdong, a visitor to the park.

The area in which the park is located was known for its military significance during the Three Kingdoms Period (AD 220-280). A number of famous battles took place in the area. On one huge rock in the park, visitors can make out a large footprint, which is said to belong to the famous Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) general, Chang Yuchun.

By taking a timber walkway near the Yangtze River, visitors reach Sanyuan Cave, were they can observe water flowing in and out with the ebb and flow of the tide. Legend has it that three young men achieved the highest grade in imperial examinations after spending the night in the cave. Now the cave has become a favorite place for students, who come to honor those three young men in the hope of getting good exam results.

On the way back to the main entrance of the park, visitors can climb Cuiluo Hill, which was previously known as Caishi Hill for its multi-colored stone that legend has it were left by a goddess called Nv Wa after she mended the sky with stones. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the top of the hill, but the climb is worth it for the splendid views of Ma'anshan city.

On the top of the hill lies the tomb of Li Bai, although only his clothes are buried there.

Local legend has it that Li died in Ma'anshan after getting drunk and diving into the Yangtze River to catch the moon. His body was not found, so local people gathered his clothes and buried them at the highest point along the river as a tribute to his achievements.

In the park, food lovers can try the freshwater fish pulled from Yangtze River. The fish grow in the natural river environment and not in fish farms. After being prepared by an experienced chef, you will certainly notice the difference.