Yufo Mountain in Anshan

Yufo Mountain Scenic Area (玉佛山风景区, Yufu Mountain Scenic Area) is one of the most important urban ecological and cultural landmarks in Anshan City, Liaoning Province. It is a National 4A-rated scenic area covering approximately 860.6 hectares, combining Buddhist culture, jade heritage, urban parks, forest ecology, and wellness tourism. The area is composed of four major zones: Jade Buddha Garden (玉佛苑), 219 Park (二一九公园), Dongshan Urban Forest Park (东山城市森林公园), and Arhat Sacred Site (罗汉圣地), making it both a world-class cultural site and a major urban “green lung.”

Overview of Yufo Mountain Scenic Area

Yufo Mountain Scenic Area (玉佛山风景名胜区) is located at No. 58 Lvhua Street, Tiedong District, Anshan City, directly adjacent to 219 Park (二一九公园) in the eastern part of the city.

The scenic area is composed of four core functional zones:

• Jade Buddha Garden (玉佛苑): cultural core featuring the world’s largest jade Buddha
• 219 Park (二一九公园): urban leisure core with free public access, amusement park, zoo, and flower gardens
• Dongshan Urban Forest Park (东山城市森林公园): ecological hiking and viewing area overlooking the city
• Arhat Sacred Site (罗汉圣地): Buddhist cultural zone with caves and statues for meditation and spiritual experience

This area is known for its high forest coverage and rich negative oxygen ion concentration, making it a natural “urban oxygen bar” in Anshan.

Jade Buddha Garden (Yufo Yuan, 玉佛苑)

Cultural Core of Yufo Mountain Scenic Area

Jade Buddha Garden (玉佛苑) is the cultural heart of the entire scenic area, covering around 100,000 square meters. Designed in the style of a Qing Dynasty royal garden, it features red walls, glazed tiles, and grand architectural symmetry.

Jade Buddha Pavilion (玉佛阁)

The Jade Buddha Pavilion (玉佛阁) is the central landmark, standing 33 meters tall, symbolizing the 33 heavens in Buddhism. The hall features a double-eaved roof and an interior golden ceiling decorated with a 24K gold Nine-Dragon motif.

Inside is the world’s largest jade Buddha, carved from a single 260.76-ton block of Xiuyan jade (岫岩玉). The front depicts Sakyamuni Buddha (释迦牟尼佛) standing 7.26 meters tall, while the reverse side features Guanyin (观音). The natural jade texture forms symbolic patterns such as “Buddha Face of Nature” and “Dragon and Phoenix Auspicious Signs.” It is certified by Guinness World Records.

Main Entrance & Jade Belt Bridge (玉带桥)

The triple-arch gate features a gold plaque inscribed by calligrapher Qi Gong (启功), reading “Jade Buddha Garden.” The structure includes Han white jade carvings of dragons and lions.

The Jade Belt Bridge (玉带桥) spans a lotus pond and is decorated with lotus carvings, offering one of the most photogenic classical Chinese garden scenes, especially in summer when lotus flowers bloom.

Bell & Drum Towers and Relic Hall

The Bell Tower houses the “Century Bell” engraved with the Heart Sutra (心经), while the Drum Tower contains the “King of Northeast Drums.” The sound of morning bells and evening drums creates a peaceful Buddhist atmosphere.

The Relic Hall (舍利堂) enshrines sacred Buddhist relics and features solemn white jade carvings, making it a key spiritual site within the complex.

219 Park (Urban Leisure Zone, 二一九公园)

219 Park (二一九公园), named after the liberation date of Anshan (February 19), is a free public park and serves as the “backyard garden” of Yufo Mountain.

The park includes:

• Flower Garden: seasonal blooms such as peonies and roses
• Zoo: featuring Siberian tigers, giant pandas, and other animals
• Amusement Park: rides including Ferris wheel and roller coasters, family-friendly attractions
• Lake Area: boating and walking paths surrounded by greenery

It is a daily leisure space for local residents and connects seamlessly with Jade Buddha Garden.

Dongshan Urban Forest Park (东山城市森林公园)

Dongshan Forest Park is the ecological core of Yufo Mountain Scenic Area, offering dense forests, hiking trails, and panoramic city views.

Key highlights include:

• Jinghu Lake (静湖): a clear mountain lake
• Liaomei Tower (嘹美塔): panoramic viewpoint over Anshan city
• Qixiugang and Guanting Pavilion (观鞍亭): scenic viewing platforms

The walking trails are relatively gentle, making it suitable for families, elderly visitors, and casual hikers. It is especially popular in spring and autumn.

Arhat Sacred Site (Luohan Shengdi, 罗汉圣地)

The Arhat Sacred Site (罗汉圣地) extends the Buddhist culture of Jade Buddha Garden and provides a quiet spiritual environment.

Key attractions include:

• Arhat Cave (罗汉洞): featuring 500 arhat statues
• Water-Drop Guanyin Statue (滴水观音像)
• Murals of 500 Arhats

This area is known for its peaceful atmosphere, ideal for meditation and spiritual reflection.

Travel Information

Tickets & Opening Hours (2026)

Jade Buddha Garden (paid area):

• Peak season (April–October): 08:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30)
• Off-season (November–March): 08:00–16:30 (last entry 16:00)

Ticket policy:

• Standard adult ticket applies for Jade Buddha Garden
• Discounts available for students and seniors
• Free entry for children under 1.3m, seniors over 70, military personnel, and disabled visitors

219 Park, Dongshan Forest Park, and Arhat Sacred Site are free of charge.

Transportation Guide

Public Transport

Bus routes 2, 8, 17, 28, and 30 all stop at “Jade Buddha Garden Station (玉佛苑站)” or “219 Park Station (二一九公园站).”

By Car

Navigation to “Yufu Mountain Scenic Area (玉佛山风景区)” or “Jade Buddha Garden (玉佛苑)” leads directly to parking areas. Parking fee is approximately 10 RMB per visit.

By Taxi

From Anshan Railway Station: about 10 minutes
From Anshan West Station: about 20 minutes

Suggested Itineraries

Cultural Pilgrimage Route (2 hours)

Main Gate → Jade Belt Bridge → Bell & Drum Towers → Jade Buddha Pavilion → Relic Hall → Arhat Sacred Site → Exit
This route focuses on Buddhist culture and the world-famous jade Buddha.

Family Leisure Route (4 hours)

219 Park Entrance → Flower Garden → Zoo → Amusement Park → Jade Buddha Garden → Exit
A combination of free park activities and cultural sightseeing, ideal for families.

Eco Hiking Route (3 hours)

Dongshan Forest Park Entrance → Jinghu Lake → Liaomei Tower → Guanting Pavilion → Forest Trail → Exit
A relaxing forest walk with panoramic city views.

Full-Day Experience Route (6 hours)

Morning: Jade Buddha Garden + Arhat Sacred Site
Afternoon: 219 Park + Dongshan Forest Park
This route covers culture, leisure, and ecology in one complete experience.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (May–June): blooming gardens and pleasant weather
Summer (July–August): cool forest climate, ideal for escaping heat
Autumn (September–October): golden foliage and excellent photography conditions
Winter (December–February): snow-covered gardens and serene Buddhist atmosphere

Travel Tips

Dress code: modest clothing recommended in religious areas; wear anti-slip shoes for forest trails
Etiquette: no photography inside Jade Buddha Hall; remain quiet and respectful in sacred zones
Essentials: water, snacks, sunscreen, and light hiking gear recommended
Crowds: arrive early during holidays to avoid peak congestion
Guided tours: optional paid explanations available at entrance for deeper cultural understanding

Yufo Mountain Scenic Area (玉佛山风景区) combines world-class jade heritage, Buddhist culture, and urban ecological landscapes into a single destination. From the monumental Jade Buddha to peaceful forest trails and lively urban parks, it offers a complete travel experience for culture seekers, families, and leisure travelers.

Recommended visit duration is 1–2 days. It can also be combined with Qianshan Scenic Area (千山风景区), located about 30 minutes away, to form a classic Anshan cultural and mountain travel route blending pilgrimage and hiking.