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Lishan is a section of the Zhongtiao Mountain Range, located at the junction of Yicheng, Yanqu, Yangcheng and Qinshui counties in southern Shanxi Province. It has a total area of 100 square kilometers. The highest peak, Shunwangping, is 2,358 meters above sea level.
The area, with its lush peaks towering above the clouds, is home to the highest mountains in southern Shanxi Province and the only virgin forest preserved in North China. Here, natural scenery, virgin forests, and ancient human culture blend together, creating a comprehensive scenic spot that combines tourism, exploration, hunting, archaeology, sketching, and vacationing.
It is a pollution-free natural scenic area with extremely high quality of atmosphere, soil, water source and environment.
Shanxi Lishan National Nature Reserve, covering an area of 24,800 hectares, was established in 1983 with the approval of the Shanxi Provincial People's Government and was promoted to national level in 1988. Its main protected objects are warm temperate forest vegetation and rare animals.
Climate: Temperate monsoon continental climate
Best time to travel: All seasons, each with its own characteristics
Shunwangping
At 2,358 meters above sea level, it is the highest peak in Lishan Mountain. Located in the northeast of Yuanqu County, at the junction of Yuanqu, Qinshui, and Yangcheng, it is the main scenic area of Lishan Mountain. The mountain can be reached from Yuanqu, Qinshui, and Yicheng. The Yuanqu scenic area is well developed, with the Lishan Resort and numerous farmhouses nearby.
The scenic area has lush vegetation, crisscrossing gullies, beautiful mountains, and rushing waterfalls. It has many natural and cultural attractions, including Nantianmen, Songlinzhen, Zhanlongtai, Guleipo, Shunwang Temple, Shunwang Ligou and more than 30 others.
Huanggu Man
Located in the national-level Lishan Nature Reserve in Lishan Town, Yuanqu County, it has rich virgin forest resources and numerous natural landscapes such as strange peaks, beautiful waterfalls, secluded valleys, and strange trees.
The main peak, Huangguman, is 2,134 meters above sea level and is the second highest peak in Mount Li. According to legend, it was the place where Emperor Shun’s two concubines, Ehuang and Nvying, lived. It got its name because it is often shrouded in clouds and mist and looks like a curtain.
Macaque Source
Located at the junction of the northeastern part of Yanqu County and Yangcheng County, it is the Lishan Rare Animal and Plant Viewing Garden specially built in the Lishan Scenic Area.
There are more than a thousand Chinese macaques, a second-class national protected animal, gathered here; there are more than a hundred kinds of precious Lishan wild plants, such as lianxiang trees and mountain cypress trees.
The Xixia River, which flows out from the depths of the canyon, is the habitat of the giant salamander (Giant Salamander). The river water is so clear that you can see the bottom, and the stones on the bottom of the water are colorful and very beautiful.
Welcoming Pine
The Welcoming Pine is an ancient, vigorous and powerful Chinese pine tree with a growth history of more than 400 years. It is one of the oldest Chinese pine trees still existing in our province.
It is about 8 meters tall, more than 3 meters thick, and has a canopy of 12 meters. Although it is not the largest or oldest tree in Lishan, its branches are thick and the main branches are coiled and stretched outward, just like a dragon and a phoenix leaning against each other.
It is the custom of local people to burn incense and kowtow under the big tree every year. Young men and women, newlyweds pray for a happy marriage and a long life together; middle-aged and elderly people pray for the elimination of disasters and diseases, and good health and longevity.
In ancient times, there was a saying that "civil officials get off their sedan chairs here, and military officials get off their horses here."
Baiyun Cave
Lishan is located at the junction of quartz sandstone and limestone, and has unique karst landform characteristics.
After millions of years of changes and ups and downs of rivers, numerous caves and underground karst wonders have been formed. Among these caves, the most spectacular one is Baiyun Cave.
Dripping Milk Fountain
The Dripping Milk Spring is a spring on the edge of a thousand-meter-high cliff at the top of Shunwangping. Although the amount of water is not too large, it never stops flowing all year round. Legend has it that this is the place where Ehuang milked her cows.
The touching story of "Ehuang milking the cow and water flowing on the top of the mountain" is still circulating today.
The water here is sweet. When people come to the square, they all rush to drink a few sips or take a few bottles for their families. It is said that it can cure all diseases, and local people respect it as "holy water".
Recommended play time: 1-2 days
Adult ticket: 30 yuan
8:30--17:00
(The specific time is subject to the regulations of the scenic spot)
Mount Li is a historically and culturally significant mountain in Shanxi, famous for its ancient temples, natural beauty, and as a place of spiritual importance in Taoist tradition. It is regarded as one of the major Taoist mountains in China.
Mount Li is located in Yuncheng, Shanxi Province, China. The easiest way to reach the mountain is by taking a taxi or a bus from the city center of Yuncheng. It is also possible to walk if you're staying nearby, but taxis are recommended for convenience.
Mount Li is open to visitors from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are during spring and autumn when the weather is mild, and the mountain’s scenery is at its most beautiful. Avoid visiting during Chinese public holidays to escape the crowds.
The entrance fee for Mount Li is typically around 60-100 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through third-party platforms or the official website of the site.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance for general admission, but it is recommended to book ahead if you plan to visit during peak tourist seasons or for special events.
To fully explore the mountain, including hiking to the summit and visiting the temples, you should allocate around 3-4 hours. If you want to take your time, plan for half a day.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and audio guides in both Mandarin and English can be rented at the entrance to help you explore the mountain and understand its history and significance.
The summit provides the best panoramic views of the surrounding area. The Li Mountain Temple is also a great spot for photography, particularly at sunrise or sunset when the lighting is ideal.
Night visits are not commonly available, and there are no light shows at Mount Li. However, special tours may be organized during certain festivals or events, so it’s worth checking if such tours are available during your visit.
Mount Li can get crowded during weekends and Chinese public holidays. The least crowded times to visit are on weekdays, especially in the morning, during off-peak seasons such as early spring and late autumn.
The mountain has basic amenities including toilets, food stalls, and rest areas along the trails. There are also shops selling local snacks and souvenirs near the base of the mountain.
The main trails on Mount Li are somewhat challenging, but there are some easier paths and rest areas suitable for elderly visitors and families with children. The mountain may not be fully accessible for those with severe mobility issues due to uneven terrain.
Both cash and mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted throughout the site. Credit cards are generally not accepted at smaller food stalls and shops, so it’s recommended to use mobile payment options or carry cash.
Vegetarian options are available at some of the food stalls, and halal food can be found in local restaurants in Yuncheng, especially near the city center.
There are souvenir shops at the base of the mountain selling items such as Taoist statues, local handicrafts, and small trinkets related to Mount Li's history.
After visiting, you can take a taxi or bus back to Yuncheng city center. From there, public transportation or taxis are available for further travel to nearby attractions or accommodations.
