
Guanyin Mountain, located north of Slender West Lake, is significantly less visited than Daming Temple, located just west of it. Originally built with a maze tower designed by Emperor Yang of Sui, Guanyin Mountain was not the site of any temples until the Song Dynasty. The winding mountain path leading to the temple is flanked by low yellow walls. Within, the temple's buildings are arranged in a crisscross pattern, not along a central axis, resembling a maze.
The Buddha statues on Guanyin Mountain are distinctive. Unlike typical temples, where the main figure is Shakyamuni, with other Buddha statues surrounding the main figure, the main focus here is on Bodhisattvas, along with the four renowned Buddhist Bodhisattvas. Locals primarily visit Guanyin Mountain to worship the Buddha. Every year on the 19th day of the sixth lunar month, the mountain's sparse tourist scene is revived, with many devout men and women coming to offer incense to Guanyin Bodhisattva.
Subtropical monsoon climate
Spring is the best time to travel. As the saying goes, "Fireworks are everywhere in Yangzhou in March." At this time, Yangzhou is shrouded in mist and filled with the fragrance of flowers. It is the golden season for tourism.
September and October are suitable months for moon-viewing, and there are also festival activities such as moon-viewing cruises.
1~3 hours
free
8:00-17:00
Yangzhou Guanyin Mountain is a sacred site with a long history of Buddhist worship, dedicated to Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. The mountain has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries and is known for its peaceful environment, which attracts both religious visitors and tourists.
Guanyin Mountain is located on the outskirts of Yangzhou. It can be accessed by taxi or public transportation, such as buses, from the city center. The site is also within walking distance from nearby scenic spots, so walking is an option if you're nearby.
The temple and mountain area are open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The best times to visit are early mornings or late afternoons to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler weather.
The entrance fee is around 20-30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online via the official site or third-party platforms for convenience.
Booking in advance is not required, but it is recommended during busy periods, such as holidays, to ensure you have access. Booking a day or two in advance is sufficient.
A visit typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how much time you spend in the temple, hiking, or simply enjoying the scenery.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some guides may offer English translations. Audio guides in multiple languages may be available as well.
Start your visit by exploring the temple area, then hike along the designated paths to reach the summit for the best views. Finish by visiting the Guanyin statue and reflecting in the peaceful surroundings.
Night visits and light shows are not available at this location. Special tours might be offered during festivals or religious holidays.
The attraction can get crowded on weekends and during public holidays. The least crowded times are during weekdays in the early mornings or late afternoons.
Basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas are available on-site. There are small shops selling religious items and souvenirs, but food and drinks are limited in the temple area.
Guanyin Mountain is partially accessible to elderly and children. The main temple and certain areas are accessible, but the mountain paths may be difficult for people with limited mobility.
Both cash and mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are accepted. Credit cards may not be widely accepted, so it's best to use mobile payments or carry cash.
Vegetarian food options are widely available, especially in the local eateries around the temple. Halal food may be limited in the area but can be found in some specialized restaurants in Yangzhou.
Souvenir shops at the site sell Buddhist artifacts, religious statues, incense, and traditional Chinese crafts such as embroidery and pottery.
Taxis, buses, and ride-sharing services like Didi are readily available. You can also rent a bike or take a leisurely walk to nearby attractions like Slender West Lake.