Jifengshan National Forest Park in Longnan

🌄 Overview of Jifeng Mountain National Forest Park (鸡峰山国家森林公园)

Jifeng Mountain National Forest Park (鸡峰山国家森林公园) is located 15 kilometers southwest of Chengxian County town, Longnan City, Gansu Province (甘肃省陇南市成县县城西南15公里). It is a National 4A-level Scenic Area and a National Forest Park. Historically known as Jitou Mountain (鸡头山), it is one of the most famous mountains in Longnan and is often praised as the “Little Emei Mountain of Longyou (陇右小峨眉)”.

The main peak, Meiluo Peak (嵋洛峰), reaches an elevation of 1,917 meters. The mountain features dramatic cliffs, strange rock formations, and vast pine forests. Ancient temples from the Northern Song Dynasty period and cliff inscriptions remain among the mountains, adding strong historical and cultural value to the natural scenery.

According to local legends, the mountain was named after the ancient story of a “stone chicken crowing.” After rainfall, the mountain frequently creates spectacular sea-of-clouds views, and the area is famous for its “Eighteen Scenic Wonders of Jifeng Mountain (鸡峰山十八景)”.

The entrance ticket costs 50 RMB. Students and seniors aged 60–69 can enjoy half-price tickets for 25 RMB, while visitors over 70 years old and children under 1.2 meters can enter free of charge with valid documents.

The scenic shuttle bus costs 20 RMB for a round trip. From 08:00 to 18:00, private vehicles are not allowed to drive up the mountain, so visitors must take the official shuttle bus.

During the peak season, opening hours are 08:30–17:30, with the last admission at 16:30. During the low season from November to March, opening hours are 09:00–17:00. Visitors hoping to watch sunrise should arrive early and follow the latest scenic area announcements.

🌿 Best Times to Visit Jifeng Mountain

Seasonal Recommendations

May to August is the best visiting period. The mountain forests become lush green, making it an excellent summer retreat. After rainfall, early mornings often bring beautiful cloud seas surrounding the peaks.

September to October is ideal for autumn photography. The forests change colors, the weather becomes comfortable, and the mountain scenery becomes especially attractive.

November to April of the following year is colder, with fewer chances of seeing cloud seas. This period is not recommended for ordinary visitors.

Best Visiting Time

The best time for sunrise and cloud-sea views is 06:00–08:00 in the morning. The afternoon period from 15:00–17:00 offers softer sunlight and beautiful mountain shadows for photography.

A relaxed sightseeing visit takes about 2–3 hours, while a complete hiking experience requires approximately 4–6 hours.

🚗 How to Get to Jifeng Mountain National Forest Park

By Self-Driving

Navigate to Jifeng Mountain National Forest Park (鸡峰山国家森林公园). The scenic area is about 15 kilometers southwest of Chengxian County town, taking around 30 minutes by car.

Visitors can park at the mountain entrance parking area. Private cars cannot drive up the mountain and travelers must transfer to the scenic shuttle bus.

By Public Transportation

There is no direct tourist bus service. Visitors can take a taxi from Chengxian County town to the scenic area entrance.

Recommended Travel Combination

Jifeng Mountain can be combined with Xixia Song Scenic Area (西狭颂风景区) to create a one-day natural and cultural exploration route in Chengxian County.

⭐ Core Attractions and Highlights

🐓 Iron Rooster Heralding Dawn (铁鸡报晓) — Mountain Summit Landmark

Located near the summit, the Iron Rooster Heralding Dawn sculpture is the symbolic landmark of Jifeng Mountain.

The large iron rooster sculpture is decorated with many red blessing ribbons. According to local legend, when the stone rooster crows, a sea of clouds rises around the mountain.

From the summit viewing platform, visitors can overlook the Chengxian valley basin, making it one of the most popular photography locations in the park.

🏯 Guangxiang Temple (光祥寺) — Northern Song Dynasty Ancient Temple

Guangxiang Temple was originally built during the Northern Song Dynasty. The temple complex sits on mountain cliff terraces, with red walls and traditional halls hidden among pine forests.

Important buildings include the Puxian Hall (普贤殿) and Dizang Hall (地藏殿). The temple remains active with strong incense traditions, and its ancient architecture blends beautifully with cliffs and forest landscapes.

🌫️ Dragon Cave (龙洞) — Dragon Mouth Mist Phenomenon

Dragon Cave is a natural karst cave featuring stalactites and mountain springs flowing from inside.

During rainy weather, mist often rises from the cave entrance, creating a scene resembling a jade dragon releasing clouds. It is considered one of the most famous natural wonders of Jifeng Mountain.

🪨 Thousand-Foot Stairway and One-Line Sky (千尺梯、一线天)

The Thousand-Foot Stairway is a steep stone staircase equipped with iron handrails, providing a challenging mountain climbing experience.

The One-Line Sky section is a narrow canyon passage between steep cliffs, sometimes only wide enough for one person to pass through. The dramatic rock formations and steep terrain create an exciting hiking experience, but visitors with fear of heights should proceed carefully.

🌉 Cliffside Walkway (悬崖栈道)

The cliffside walkway is built along the mountain cliffs, offering direct views of deep valleys, unusual peaks, and endless pine forests.

Walking along the suspended path provides an open mountain perspective and is one of the best ways to experience the dramatic terrain of Jifeng Mountain.

💦 Five-Layer Waterfall and Immortal Bed Rock (五叠瀑、仙人床)

Five-Layer Waterfall is formed by mountain streams cascading through the forest. The area is cool, peaceful, and ideal for forest hiking.

The naturally formed giant rock known as Immortal Bed (仙人床) is one of the famous Eighteen Scenic Wonders of Jifeng Mountain. Surrounded by quiet forests and fresh mountain air, it is a relaxing stop for visitors.

🥾 Recommended Travel Routes

🚶 Easy Sightseeing Route (Recommended)

Shuttle Bus → Guangxiang Temple → Iron Rooster Viewing Platform → Dragon Cave

Duration: approximately 2–3 hours

This route is suitable for families, elderly visitors, and travelers who prefer a relaxed experience.

🥾 Full Hiking Route

Mountain Entrance → Five-Layer Waterfall → Thousand-Foot Stairway → One-Line Sky → Summit

Duration: approximately 4–6 hours

This route requires more physical strength and is recommended for outdoor hiking enthusiasts.

🏨 Accommodation and Local Food

Most visitors choose to stay in Chengxian County town, where accommodation and dining facilities are more convenient.

Local specialties include Chengxian Guokui (成县锅盔), Jiangshui Noodles (浆水面), and Jiaotuan (搅团), traditional dishes popular in Longnan.

There are no large restaurants on the mountain, so visitors should prepare drinking water and snacks before entering the scenic area.

⚠️ Travel Tips and Safety Information

Jifeng Mountain has an elevation close to 2,000 meters, with significant temperature differences between day and night. Even in summer, visitors should bring a light jacket. Mountain weather changes quickly, so rain protection is recommended. Strong ultraviolet radiation also requires proper sun protection.

The Thousand-Foot Stairway and cliffside walkway can become steep and slippery. Wear anti-slip shoes, hold the safety chains when necessary, and visitors with knee problems should avoid forcing themselves to reach the summit.

Ancient temples and cliff inscriptions are cultural heritage sites. Do not carve, scratch, or strike architectural elements, and maintain quiet inside temple halls.

The mountain forest is a key fire prevention area. Open flames are prohibited, and all garbage must be carried away.

Please note the difference between Jifeng Mountain National Forest Park in Chengxian County, Longnan, Gansu (甘肃陇南成县鸡峰山国家森林公园) and Jifeng Mountain in Baoji, Shaanxi (陕西宝鸡鸡峰山). Do not confuse the two destinations when navigating.

Visitors should pay attention to the last shuttle bus departure time and avoid being stranded on the mountain after closing hours.