Ma'anshan is located in eastern Anhui Province, straddling the Yangtze River and adjacent to Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province. It has a subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons, warm and humid, with an average annual temperature of about 15.8°C.
Ma'anshan was established as a city due to its steel industry in 1956, but its history dates back to the Six Dynasties. Caishiji, one of the three famous rocky outcrops along the Yangtze, has been a strategic military site since ancient times, inspiring poets like Li Bai and Liu Yuxi.
Ma'anshan's culture is epitomized by Li Bai's poetry, and the annual Ma'anshan Li Bai Poetry Festival is held. Local cuisine is based on Yangtze River fish and Hui cuisine, with specialties like Caishiji tea dry tofu, Dangtu braised pork noodles, and pocket duck being very popular.
Modern Ma'anshan has transformed from a single-industry steel city into an eco-friendly riverside city, with a national-level economic and technological development zone. It emphasizes environmental protection, and Binjiang Park and Yushan Lake Park are popular leisure spots for residents.
The best time to visit 马鞍山 is Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November).
Spring (March-May): Pleasant temperatures, flowers in bloom, ideal for hiking and outings, especially at Caishiji and Putang Scenic Area.
Autumn (September-November): Clear skies and crisp air, perfect for attending the Ma'anshan Li Bai Poetry Festival and experiencing the city's poetic culture.
Summer is hot and humid, winter is damp and cold, but if you want to experience the Yangtze River in winter or hot springs, you can still visit.
Due to abundant iron ore resources, the state established the Ma'anshan Iron and Steel Company, and on October 12, 1956, the State Council approved the establishment of Ma'anshan City.
Caishiji has been a strategic military point on the lower Yangtze since ancient times, with many naval battles, such as the defense set up by Sun Wu during the Three Kingdoms period and Yu Yunwen's victory over Jin troops in the Southern Song Dynasty.
Recommended places to visit
The foremost of the three famous rocky outcrops on the Yangtze, combining natural scenery and cultural sites, including Taibai Tower, Sanyuan Cave, and Guangji Temple. It is a national scenic area.
Located in the city center, with lake and mountain views and shaded trees, it is a popular leisure spot for locals. Free admission.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
Dangtu folk songs are traditional music from Dangtu County, Anhui Province, listed in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage. The melodies are beautiful, reflecting local life.
The legends of Caishiji mainly revolve around Li Bai, including stories of Li Bai jumping into the river to catch the moon and reciting poems while drunk. Listed as Anhui provincial intangible cultural heritage.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Ma'anshan has no airport, but it is only a 40-minute drive from Nanjing Lukou International Airport, with direct airport shuttle buses.
Airport shuttle about 30 RMB
The Nanjing-Anqing high-speed railway passes through Ma'anshan East Station, providing direct access to Nanjing, Wuhu, Anqing and other cities. It takes only 18 minutes to Nanjing.
Ma'anshan-Nanjing second-class seat about 20 RMB
Ma'anshan's bus system covers the city and surrounding attractions, with fares of 1-2 RMB, supporting QR code payment.
1-2 RMB
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
A specialty of Ma'anshan, made from high-quality soybeans and various spices. Chewy texture, savory and delicious, perfect as a side dish.
A specialty noodle dish from Dangtu County, featuring large braised pork pieces with chewy noodles in a rich, savory broth, fatty but not greasy.
Through technology introduction and reform, Ma'anshan Iron and Steel Company became the largest industrial enterprise in Anhui Province, driving rapid economic growth and urban expansion.
Located in the eastern suburbs, known for bamboo sea, ancient trees, clear springs, and a strange slope. Putang National Forest Park is a natural oxygen bar.
Located in Dangtu County, the final resting place of the great Tang poet Li Bai. The tomb complex includes Taibai Temple and a statue of Li Bai, an important site to commemorate the poet.
The cemetery of Zhu Ran, a famous general of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period, and his family. Many precious artifacts were unearthed, making it an important site of Three Kingdoms culture.
A traditional Ma'anshan dish, where duck meat, glutinous rice and other fillings are stuffed into the duck belly, then boiled and fried. Crispy outside, tender inside, and aromatic.
Utilizing the aquatic resources of the Yangtze River, various freshwater fish dishes are prepared, such as steamed white fish and braised crucian carp, known for their fresh taste.
A specialty snack from He County, where beef slices are marinated, coated with flour, and deep-fried. Crispy outside, tender inside, spicy and flavorful.