Qianling Mountain Park in Beijing

Qianling Mountain Park (千灵山公园) is located in Wangzuo Town (王佐镇), Beijing (北京市), approximately 30 kilometers from the city center. The park covers an area of 12.5 square kilometers and is known for its breathtaking scenery, featuring hundreds of peaks and the largest cave complex in the region. The main peak stands at an elevation of 699 meters, making it the highest mountain in southwest Beijing.

In 2003, the Wangzuo Town Government (王佐镇政府) invested heavily in the park’s development, transforming it into a famous scenic area that blends natural beauty with cultural heritage. The park is especially known for its Buddhist cave temples and is an ideal destination for relaxation, fitness, and sightseeing.

Key Information

Name: Qianling Mountain Park (千灵山风景区)

Location: Wangzuo Town, Beijing (北京市王佐镇西北)

Area: 12.5 square kilometers

Famous Attractions: Guanyin Cave (观音洞), Huguo Pagoda (护国宝塔)

Opening Hours: Open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Elevation: 654 meters

Attractions

Guanyin Cave (观音洞)

Guanyin Cave is the largest and deepest cave among the many at Qianling Mountain. The cave is named after the Guanyin Temple (观音庵) that once stood in front of it. The cave is also known as Pang Juan Cave (庞涓洞), as legend suggests that the military strategist Pang Juan (庞涓) once used it as a retreat while learning martial arts. It is sometimes referred to as Taigu Huayang Cave (太古化阳洞) due to its Taoist associations. Originally a natural limestone cave, it was later modified into a Buddhist temple. The cave’s entrance houses a Buddhist altar (佛堂) with statues of Guanyin Bodhisattva (观音菩萨) in the center, flanked by Good Fortune Boy (善财童子) and Dragon Girl (龙女). The cave is said to connect to the Yongding River (永定河), and locals refer to it as a bottomless pit.

Huguo Pagoda (护国宝塔)

The Huguo Pagoda was built in the Ming Dynasty (明朝) during the Jiajing Era (嘉靖二十九年, 1550). The pagoda stands at over 6 meters tall and features a stunning octagonal, eleven-tiered design. The structure is adorned with 154 Buddhist images, including Shakyamuni Buddha (释迦牟尼佛), Amitabha Buddha (阿弥陀佛), and Medicine Buddha (药师佛), as well as auspicious symbols such as lions, dragons, and elephants. Its elegance and intricate carvings make it one of the finest examples of pagoda architecture in the region.

Jile Cave (极乐洞)

Jile Cave, located beneath Jile Peak (极乐峰), is one of the earliest caves at Qianling Mountain to be transformed into a Buddhist site. The cave measures about 5 meters in height, 16 meters in depth, and covers an area of around 80 square meters. The cave’s history dates back to the Ming Dynasty (明朝), when it was opened by a traveling monk. It was later restored during the Wanli Era (万历年, 1573–1620). The cave is home to statues of the Three Buddhas (三世佛), representing the past, present, and future, as well as Eighteen Arhats (十八罗汉) and the Amitabha Buddha (阿弥陀佛) of the Western Pure Land.

Guan Gong Cave (关公洞)

Also known as Wanshou Chaoyang Cave (万寿朝阳洞), this cave is dedicated to Guan Yu (关羽), a revered general of the Three Kingdoms (三国) period. According to legend, Guan Yu sought refuge in this cave, selling dates to survive, while also protecting the local people from bandits. The cave contains statues of Guan Yu, his son Guan Ping (关平), and his attendant Zhou Cang (周仓). Outside the cave, there is a stone tablet inscribed with historical records related to the cave’s construction and its connection to the Jietai Temple (戒台寺) and the Ming Dynasty (明朝) court.

Chaoyang Sanhui Cave (朝阳三慧洞)

This cave complex consists of three smaller caves: Wenshu Temple (文殊庵), Caishen Cave (财神洞), and Niangniang Cave (娘娘洞), which house statues of Wenshu Bodhisattva (文殊菩萨), the God of Wealth (财神), and Guanyin of Childbirth (送子观音). The complex is famous for its Four Gods Incantation Pagoda (四神咒塔), which contains inscriptions and relics related to the Buddhist rituals and offerings made by local donors.

Yao Shi Cave (药师洞)

Formerly known as Small Guanyin Cave (小观音洞), Yao Shi Cave features three interconnected chambers. The main cave originally housed a statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva but now contains the Medicine Buddha (药师佛) and his two attendants, Sunlight and Moonlight Bodhisattvas (日光菩萨 and 月光菩萨). It is a popular spot for visitors seeking blessings for health and well-being. The cave’s ceiling is adorned with a unique stone formation that resembles a tiger’s head, earning it the nickname Fuhu Rock (伏虎岩). The cave also contains an inscription dating back to the Ming Dynasty (明朝), detailing the history of its restoration.

Transportation Information

Public Transport

Subway: Take Line 9 to Yuanbo Garden Station (园博园站), Su Zhuang Station (苏庄站), or Liangxiang South Gate Station (良乡南关站), and transfer to bus 550 or 356 to Yungang Station (云岗).

Bus: From Xijiao Station (西窖车站), take bus 978 and get off at Yungang or South Gongbei Station (南宫北站), then transfer to bus 550 or 356.

Driving

From the Jing-Shi Expressway (京石高速), take the Zhaoxindian Exit (赵辛店出口) and drive straight until you reach the park.

Alternatively, take the Nan Gong Wang Zuo Exit (南宫王佐出口), follow the signs, and proceed to the park.

Qianling Mountain Park offers an ideal mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and religious history. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or exploring its historical significance, the park offers a rich experience for all visitors.