Rising precipitously beside the rolling Yangtze River seven kilometers southwest of Ma'anshan City, Anhui Province, this rock used to be called Bull Islet Rock (Niuzhuji) because a legendary gold bull is said to have appeared here in ancient times.

The present name was adopted during the period of the Three Kingdoms (220-280) because the area abounded in colorful stones.

The rock occupies a position of strategic importance. Its scenery is dominated by pines, bamboos, and the steep cliffs of Cuiluo Hill.

Caishiji is one of the three most famous such rocks along the banks of the Yangtze River, the other two are Chenglingji in Yueyang, and Yanziji in Nanjing.

It was here that Li Bai wrote many immortal poems. There are such places of interest as Taibai Tower, the Memorial Hall to Li Bai, and the Tower to Catch the Moon.

Add: Caishi Township, Ma'anshan;

Entry ticket: 50 yuan;

Transport: Bus No.s 1 and 11;

Tel: 0555-2101686.

(China.org.cn November 4, 2005)