Quarry Rock

A Visitor's Guide to Caishiji, Ma'anshan: Where Poetry, History, and Nature Converge

Nestled at the foot of Cuiluo Mountain, approximately five kilometers southwest of Ma'anshan City in Anhui Province, lies Caishiji, also historically known as Niuzhu Ji. This majestic cliff, rising precipitously above the swirling currents of the Yangtze River, forms a landscape of breathtaking beauty where peculiar rock formations meet powerful waters. It is celebrated as one of the "Three Great Cliffs of the Yangtze River," alongside Chenglingji in Yueyang and Yanzi Ji in Nanjing. However, Caishiji is universally acknowledged as the preeminent among them, distinguished not only by its dramatic natural scenery but also by its profound and unparalleled cultural heritage.

The Eternal Abode of a Poetic Legend

The soul of Caishiji is inextricably linked with Li Bai (Li Po), the revered "Banished Immortal" of Tang Dynasty poetry. Enchanted by its sublime vistas, which were said to "surpass all scenery south of the Yangtze," Li Bai repeatedly visited and ascended this cliff throughout his life. Here, he found profound inspiration, composing immortal verses such as "Niuzhu Ji" and "Gazing at Tianmen Mountain." The location is forever steeped in the poignant and mystical legend of his death, which tells of the poet, in a state of drunken poetic ecstasy, attempting to embrace the moon's reflection in the river and subsequently ascending to heaven astride a whale. His final resting place is in the nearby Green Hills (Qingshan). To honor his memory, the Taibai Tower was constructed during the Yuanhe era of the Tang Dynasty. Climbing this historic tower offers visitors a panoramic and awe-inspiring view of the endless river and sky, a vista so captivating it earned the epithet "a tower storing the wind, moon, river, and heavens." For over a millennium, scholars, artists, and travelers have journeyed here to follow in the poet's footsteps, seeking the lingering essence of his genius and contemplating the deep currents of history, ensuring that the legacy of literary elegance remains vibrantly alive.

A Strategic Stronghold and Sacred Ground

Beyond its poetic aura, Caishiji's geographical prominence as a strategic choke point on the Yangtze destined it to be a fiercely contested military stronghold throughout Chinese history. It has been the stage for more than twenty significant battles, conflicts that often influenced the rise and fall of dynasties. The most famous of these is the Battle of Caishiji during the Southern Song Dynasty. In this pivotal naval engagement, the vastly outnumbered and ostensibly weaker Song forces, under the brilliant command of civil official Yu Yunwen, achieved a decisive victory against the invading Jin army. This battle is enshrined in military history as a classic example of "using the few to defeat the many, the weak to overcome the strong, and scholarly strategy to triumph over martial force."

Adding another layer to its cultural tapestry, Caishiji is also one of China's early centers of Buddhism. The Guangji Temple, initially built during the Eastern Han Dynasty, stands as a testament to this ancient religious heritage and is recognized as a famous monastery in the Jiangnan region.

Essential Visitor Information

Getting There The most convenient public transportation option is to take Ma'anshan city bus routes 118, 4, or the special "Caishiji Scenic Area Interconnected Development Direct Bus" (first stop: Putang) and alight at the "Caishiji Park" bus stop. The entrance to the scenic area is within walking distance from the stop.

Admission Fees * Standard Ticket: 68 RMB (adults). * Concession Ticket: 34 RMB. Applicable to: minors over 1.2 meters in height; seniors aged 60 (inclusive) to 65 (exclusive); full-time undergraduate students and below with valid student ID. * Free Admission: Granted to: children aged 6 and under or under 1.2 meters in height (must be accompanied by an adult); local residents (including permanent population); seniors aged 65 and over; active-duty military personnel, disabled veterans, firefighters (and trainees), and individuals with disabilities upon presentation of valid official certificates.

Guiding Services * Chinese Guide: 120 RMB (vehicle tour) / 150 RMB (walking tour). * Foreign Language Guide: 600 RMB. * Senior Guide: 600 RMB. * Note: All fee information is for reference only. Please confirm the latest prices with the scenic area ticket office on the day of your visit.

Opening Hours * May 1st - October 31st: 8:30 - 17:30 (last entry at 17:00). * November 1st - April 30th: 8:30 - 17:00 (last entry at 16:30).

Suggested Duration A comprehensive visit to explore the key historical sites, natural viewpoints, and cultural landmarks requires a minimum of 3 hours.

Contact For inquiries, you may contact the scenic area at: 0555-3366666 or 0555-2100142.