Qianshan Mountains National Park in Anshan

Qianshan Mountains National Park (千山风景区, Qianshan Scenic Area) is located about 17 km southeast of Anshan City in Liaoning Province. It is a National 5A-rated scenic area and one of China’s earliest national scenic destinations, widely known as the “First Mountain of Eastern Liaoning” and “Jade Lotus Mountain of Northeast China.” The park combines dramatic natural landscapes, Buddhist and Taoist heritage, and dense forest ecosystems, making it one of Northeast China’s most important mountain tourism and wellness destinations.

Overview of Qianshan Scenic Area

Qianshan Scenic Area (千山风景区) covers a total area of about 145 square kilometers, with a core scenic zone of approximately 125 square kilometers. Formed nearly 3.8 billion years ago, it belongs to the Changbai Mountain (长白山) range and features 999 peaks that resemble a blooming lotus from afar.

The highest peak is Xianrentai (仙人台), standing at 708.5 meters above sea level. With a forest coverage rate of up to 97%, the area is rich in negative oxygen ions, creating a natural “green oxygen bar” environment ideal for hiking and relaxation.

The landscape is divided into four main zones:

• Tian Shang Tian Scenic Area (天上天景区): known for cliffs, strange rocks, and ancient Taoist sites such as Wuliang Temple (无量观), One-Line Sky (一线天), and Jiabian Stone (夹扁石)
• Great Buddha Scenic Area (大佛景区): home to the iconic natural Maitreya Buddha
• Five-Buddha Peak Scenic Area (五佛顶景区): panoramic viewpoint over the entire mountain range
• Xianrentai Forest Park (仙人台森林公园): the highest and most pristine ecological zone

Must-Visit Highlights in Qianshan

Natural Maitreya Buddha (Qianshan Scenic Area, 千山风景区)

The Natural Maitreya Buddha (天成弥勒大佛) is the most iconic landmark of Qianshan. This 70-meter-high rock formation resembles a seated Buddha carved naturally by geological erosion. It is one of the largest naturally formed Buddha images in the world and a major pilgrimage and photography site.

Wuliang Temple (Tian Shang Tian Scenic Area, 无量观)

Wuliang Temple (无量观) is regarded as the ancestral temple of Taoism in the region, originally built during the Qing Dynasty. Known as the “First Taoist Temple of Eastern Liaoning,” it is built along the mountain slope and features red walls, ancient pine trees, and numerous cliff inscriptions.

Key highlights include the Three Officials Hall, Laozi Hall, and Xige Pavilion (Little Penglai).

Jiabian Stone & One-Line Sky (夹扁石 / 一线天)

These are two of the most thrilling geological formations in Qianshan (千山风景区).

Jiabian Stone (夹扁石) is a narrow rock gap where visitors can only pass sideways through a tight stone crevice. One-Line Sky (一线天) is a steep natural corridor where visitors climb using iron chains between narrow cliffs, offering a light adventure experience.

Five-Buddha Peak (Qianshan Scenic Area, 五佛顶)

Five-Buddha Peak (五佛顶) is the second-highest peak in Qianshan. At the summit stand five stone Buddha statues. From the top, visitors can enjoy a full 360-degree panoramic view of endless mountain ridges, especially stunning when clouds roll through the valleys.

Xianrentai Peak (仙人台, Forest Park Area)

Xianrentai (仙人台) is the highest peak in Qianshan Scenic Area. It is famous for its unique rock formations, including eagle-head-shaped cliffs, Eight Immortals stones, and a natural stone chessboard.

It is one of the best locations in the park for sunrise viewing, sea of clouds, and forest soundscapes.

Longquan Temple (龙泉寺, Great Buddha Scenic Area)

Longquan Temple (龙泉寺) is one of the “Five Great Zen Temples” of Qianshan, originally founded during the Tang Dynasty. The temple is famous for its ancient ginkgo tree over 600 years old, which turns golden in autumn, creating a strong sense of spiritual tranquility and seasonal beauty.

Travel Information for Qianshan Scenic Area

Tickets & Opening Hours

Tickets:

• Peak season (April–October): standard admission fee applies per person
• Off-season (November–March): reduced admission fee applies per person
• Discounts available for students, seniors, and eligible groups

Opening hours:

• Peak season: early morning to evening (last entry in late afternoon)
• Off-season: shorter operating hours

Transportation Guide

Getting to Qianshan Scenic Area

By car:
Navigation to “Qianshan Scenic Area Main Gate (千山风景区正门)” takes about 20 minutes from downtown Anshan. Parking is available near the entrance.

By bus:
Take Bus No. 8 or 8A from Anshan Railway Station or Anshan West Station directly to the main entrance of Qianshan Scenic Area (about 2 RMB per ride).

By taxi:
From Anshan West Station, travel time is about 15 minutes.

Internal Transport

• Sightseeing shuttle bus: connects major stops including entrance, Wuliang Temple, Longquan Temple, and Great Buddha area
• Cable cars:
  • Five-Buddha Peak Cable Car (五佛顶索道)
  • Tian Shang Tian Cable Car (天上天索道)
  • Maitreya Pagoda Cable Car (弥勒宝塔索道)

These options significantly reduce hiking time and are recommended for casual visitors.

Suggested Itineraries

Easy Family Route (3–4 hours)

Main Gate → Shuttle Bus → Wuliang Temple (无量观) → Jiuchongtian → Jiabian Stone (夹扁石) → Cable Car Descent
Best for families and visitors who prefer light walking.

Classic Route (4–5 hours)

Main Gate → Wuliang Temple → Wugen Stone → Jiabian Stone → One-Line Sky → Five-Buddha Peak (五佛顶) → Cable Car Down
This route covers the most iconic landscapes and viewpoints.

Hiking Route (6–7 hours)

Main Gate → Longquan Temple (龙泉寺) → Xianrentai (仙人台) → Tian Tai Temple → Return on foot
Ideal for experienced hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Two-Day Experience Plan

Day 1: Northern zone (Tian Shang Tian + Great Buddha area)
Day 2: Southern zone (Xianrentai + Longquan Temple), combined with sunrise and cloud viewing

Best Time to Visit

Spring (May–June): blooming flowers across the mountain slopes
Summer (July–August): cool forest climate, ideal for escaping heat
Autumn (September–October): vibrant red and golden foliage, perfect for photography
Winter (December–February): snow-covered peaks and frozen landscapes with strong Zen atmosphere

Travel Tips

Footwear: anti-slip hiking shoes are essential due to steep terrain
Essentials: water, snacks, power bank, sun protection, and a light jacket
Strategy: enter early during holidays to avoid crowds
Ticket use: some tickets may allow multi-day entry depending on policy
Guides: avoid unofficial tour guides at entrance gates

Qianshan Scenic Area (千山风景区) stands as one of Northeast China’s most distinctive mountain destinations, combining dramatic natural rock formations with centuries of Buddhist and Taoist heritage. With its accessible trails, scenic viewpoints, and cultural depth, it is well suited for both short visits and multi-day exploration, especially when paired with nearby Tanggangzi Hot Spring (汤岗子温泉) for a combined hiking and wellness experience.