Red Revolutionary Land Dabie Mountains, a glorious era engraved in the world!
As a travel blogger, exploring Lu'an with a budget of 5,000 yuan and a high demand for "no repetition" is both a challenging and interesting task. I have reorganized a seven-day itinerary for you, avoiding backtracking and incorporating the latest spring 2026 experiences, hoping to inspire your creative work in a new way.
🎒 Pre-trip Must-Read: Highlights of Lu'an from a Blogger's Perspective
· Core Experience: This route connects the picturesque landscapes of the Dabie Mountains (Tiantangzhai, Wanfo Lake), geological wonders (Western Anhui Grand Canyon), hydraulic monument (Foziling Reservoir), and the limited spring 2026 flower sea.
· Transportation: Given the scattered attractions and the most beautiful scenery along the way, self-driving is highly recommended. The 7-day, 6-night itinerary perfectly allows you to deeply experience the essence of the "800-kilometer Dabie Mountain Scenic Road," ensuring you don't miss any surprises on the road.
· Budget Allocation (Estimated):
· Transportation (fuel + tolls): about 1,500 yuan (even lower per person if two share a car)
· Accommodation: about 1,500 yuan (6 nights, balancing cost-effectiveness and unique homestays)
· Food: about 1,200 yuan (sampling authentic Huizhou cuisine and snacks)
· Tickets: about 800 yuan (selecting core scenic spots reasonably)
🗺️ Seven-Day Non-Repetitive Itinerary Plan
Day 1: Hydraulic Wonder and Sunset Avenue
· Morning: Arrive in Lu'an and head straight to Hengpaitou Scenic Area, the source of the Pi River main canal, known as the "Hengpai Wonderland," where you can experience the integration of hydraulic engineering and natural scenery.
· Noon: Stroll through Dushan Old Street, once a commercial hub, feel the historical accumulation of blue bricks and gray tiles, and taste authentic farmhouse dishes.
· Evening: Drive along the Yongan section of the Dabie Mountain Scenic Road. This is your first encounter with a stunning sunset on the trip, with golden rays shining over wetlands and fields—an excellent opportunity for road photography.
· Accommodation: Recommended to stay at Xugu Hot Spring Resort or nearby unique homestays to wash away the day's fatigue.
Day 2: Geological Exploration and Lake-Mountain Scenery
· Morning: Challenge the Western Anhui Grand Canyon. The rocks look as if split by a giant axe; you will need to use both hands and feet to cross the "Three Gates," experiencing nature's craftsmanship—exclusive video material guaranteed.
· Afternoon: Head to Dabie Mountain Scenic Valley, known as Anhui's "Jiuzhaigou," featuring waterfalls, strange rocks, covered bridges, and caves. The valley is fragrant with spring vegetation.
· Evening: Drive to Heishidu Bridge to witness the sunset over Sleeping Beauty Mountain. Under the setting sun, the distant mountains look like dark ink, reflected in the Pi River, creating an extremely peaceful scene.
· Accommodation: Boutique homestays in Huo Shan County or nearby.
Day 3: New China’s First Dam and Rustic Romance
· Morning: Visit the "New China’s First Dam"—Foziling Reservoir. Not only is its appearance magnificent, but you can also take a boat tour to admire the dam’s grandeur from the water. The reservoir’s water is as clear as sapphire.
· Afternoon: Drive the most beautiful section of the Dabie Mountain Scenic Road in Taiyang Township. Here you will find magnificent mountains and the famous "Figure 8 Curve," a holy spot for motorbike and self-driving enthusiasts. Be sure to stop at the "Wang Jiuchong" viewing platform for a panoramic view.
· Accommodation: Stay in Taiyang Township or head to Tiantangzhai Town.
Day 4: Climb Tiantangzhai, One Step Across Two Provinces
· All day: Spend the day at Tiantangzhai, the watershed between northern and southern river systems. It is recommended to take the cable car up the mountain and hike the forest corridor. At the 1,729-meter summit, feel the grandeur of "looking north to Central China and south to Jingchu." On the way down, don’t miss the waterfall clusters, another highlight of Tiantangzhai.
· Evening: Taste Jinzhai’s specialty—Diao Guo hot pot. Recommended is Qiaobang Cook (Tiantangzhai branch), with an average cost of 60-70 yuan per person. The decor is distinctive, and sitting around the hot pot on a chilly spring night creates a great atmosphere.
· Accommodation: Tiantangzhai Town.
Day 5: Hongling Highway and Spring Flower Viewing
· Morning: Drive the China Hongling Highway (Mazoling section). This winding road through towering mountains offers stunning scenery. Along the way, visit Dawan Village to experience the new rural style.
· Afternoon: Depending on the flower season, flexibly choose to visit Wangchun Valley in Tiechong Township, Jinzhai County (late February to early March, for wild Wangchun flowers) or Cherry Blossom Valley in Quanjun Township (March, for tens of thousands of wild cherry blossoms). This is the most sought-after "limited edition" for spring 2026.
· Evening: Visit Meishan Reservoir to experience the grandeur of a high gorge opening into a flat lake.
· Accommodation: Jinzhai County town.
Day 6: Red Memories and Huai River Charm
· Morning: Visit Jinzhai County Red Army Square, an important window to understand Lu'an’s "red gene."
· Afternoon: Drive to Huoqiu, enjoying the plain scenery of the Huai River basin along the way. Visit Linhuaigang Scenic Area, Huai River Culture Park, and the Willow Weaving Culture Museum to learn about Huai River management and folk culture.
· Accommodation: Huoqiu County town.
Day 7: Lakeside Relaxation and Return
· Morning: The last stop is Wanfo Lake, with its lake views, mountains, and numerous islands. Focus on quality over quantity; you can leisurely take a boat tour or find a lakeside fish restaurant (such as Zhangjia Fish Restaurant) to enjoy the authentic "one fish three ways." End your trip perfectly with fresh and delicious fish soup.
· Afternoon: Depending on your return direction, depart from Shucheng County or return directly to Lu'an city center to conclude your pleasant journey.
🍜 Taste of Lu'an: Blogger’s Private Recommendations
As a travel blogger, food is the best language to tell local stories. Besides the Diao Guo hot pot in Tiantangzhai and fish head at Wanfo Lake, I want to recommend some local favorite spots:
· Matouji "Breakfast Trio": If time permits, get up early to visit this lively old street. Mung bean balls, vermicelli tofu pudding, and hanging oven sesame cakes—these simple snacks hold the most authentic taste of Lu'an mornings and are excellent subjects for cultural photography.
· Weidao Xiaochu / Wanxi Renjia Local Cuisine: For a concentrated experience of Lu'an home-style dishes, these two are highly rated, with good environments and authentic local flavors.
· Huo Shan Specialty Set Meals: Near Foziling, you can try breakfast at Yuanpai Nanyue Mountain Villa or the cost-effective set meals at Wancheng Yunhan Hotel (Foziling branch), sampling local dishes like sauced crispy rice.
📝 Blogger’s Ramblings and Tips
1. Flower Season Tracking: For spring 2026 flower viewing, remember to follow "Lu'an Culture and Tourism" for real-time updates. Wangchun flowers (late February to early March), cherry blossoms (March), and peach blossoms (mid-late March to early April) each have their charm. Adjust your Day 5 itinerary accordingly to head straight to the best viewing spots.
2. Road Conditions: Before departure, check "Lu'an City Automobile Transport Co., Ltd." or related traffic WeChat accounts for the latest road construction (such as G312 Helu Road) and detour plans to avoid delays.
3. Accommodation Booking: March to April is peak flower viewing season, especially on weekends. Unique homestays around Taiyang Township and Tiantangzhai are very popular, so it’s recommended to book early on platforms like Trip.com. Hotels near Youran Lanxi Resort offer good value and are suitable as a city base.
I hope this guide inspires your trip to Lu'an. The grandeur and gentleness of the Dabie Mountains, the red and green of Lu'an, all deserve your lens and pen to savor carefully. Wishing you new discoveries every day in Lu'an and a pleasant journey!