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Sanming Qilin Mountain Park, located in the eastern part of Sanming City, was established in October 1980. Originally known as Niulong Mountain, Qilin Mountain stands at an elevation of 262 meters. Its current name was adopted after a stele depicting Confucius playing with a Qilin was unearthed from an ancient tomb on the mountainside. The park, covering 40 hectares, features attractions and facilities such as the Qilin Pavilion, a cable car, a dragon-playing-in-the-water pavilion, a garden within a garden, a pavilion modeled after Suzhou, the Qilin Academy, and winding paths leading to secluded areas.
Along the mountainside are the Haoran Pavilion, Juyun Pavilion, Sanyuan Pavilion, Lianhua Pavilion, Feishi Pavilion, and Pavilion Corridor. These pavilions range in height from triangular to hexagonal, and from square to square. The Qilin Pavilion, at the highest point of the mountain, stands 24.5 meters high and 12 meters wide, with six floors and an octagonal reinforced concrete structure. From the top, visitors can take in the panoramic views.
To the north of the mountain lies an artificial lake covering approximately 3 mu (approximately 1.5 acres). To the east of the lake stands the Yinghe Pavilion, with a solitary crane atop it. Along the lakefront lies the Linji Bridge, and across the lake itself lies the Wuqu Bridge. An electric dragon boat circumambulates the lake, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the scenery. The park offers a restaurant, teahouse, photography studio, and arts and crafts exhibition hall. The cable car to the summit is the first chairlift to be put into operation in a Chinese scenic area. Completed in January 1983, it is 625.34 meters long, with a height difference of 92.75 meters. It travels at a speed of 1 meter per second and has 41 chairlifts seating 82 people. A circular road leads directly to the summit.
The subtropical monsoon climate is suitable for all seasons.
Qilin Pavilion, cable ropeway, dragons playing in the water, garden within a garden, and pavilions imitating Suzhou.
It is recommended to play for about 3 hours.
free
Open all day
Qilin Mountain Park is significant for its rich natural beauty and cultural heritage. The mountain is named after the mythical Qilin creature, which is often associated with good fortune and peace in Chinese culture. The park houses several temples and historical sites, making it a popular destination for both nature lovers and those interested in Chinese spirituality.
Qilin Mountain Park is located in Sanming, Fujian Province. The best way to get there is by taxi or private car from the city center. Public transportation is available but limited, so driving or hiring a taxi is the most convenient option.
The park is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn when the weather is mild, and the landscape is most vibrant. Weekdays are less crowded, making them ideal for a peaceful visit.
The entrance fee is approximately 30 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the park, or you can check local online platforms to purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory, but it is recommended during weekends and holidays to avoid long lines. Booking a few days before your visit is usually sufficient.
A full exploration of Qilin Mountain Park, including visits to the temples, hiking trails, and boat rides, typically takes 3 to 4 hours. For those who wish to relax and enjoy the surroundings, you might want to allocate up to 5 hours.
Guided tours are available, primarily in Mandarin. Audio guides may be offered in English during peak tourist seasons, but it’s best to confirm in advance.
Start by exploring the temples near the entrance, then take the trail up to the summit for panoramic views. Afterward, walk down to the lakeside for a relaxing boat ride before finishing with a leisurely walk around the park’s quieter areas.
Currently, Qilin Mountain Park does not offer night visits or light shows. It is best to visit during daylight hours to fully enjoy the scenic views and cultural landmarks.
It tends to be crowded on weekends and during public holidays. For a more peaceful experience, visit on weekdays, especially early in the morning or during the off-peak seasons.
The park is relatively accessible, with paved paths near the entrance. However, some of the steeper trails may be challenging for elderly visitors or those with mobility issues.
Mobile payment options such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted, while cash is also accepted. Credit cards may not be accepted in some smaller shops within the park.
Vegetarian options are available in the food stalls near the entrance. Halal food options are less common but may be found in Sanming city.
There are souvenir shops near the entrance of the park, selling local handicrafts, postcards, and items such as small figurines and incense holders.
