
The Maling Mountain Scenic Area lies at the junction of Jiangsu and Shandong provinces, 10 kilometers south of Xinyi City, within the middle and lower reaches of the Yi and Mu Rivers. It forms a belt of low mountains and hills. The mountain range stretches approximately 35 kilometers long and 8 kilometers wide, with a total area of approximately 280 square kilometers, including a protected area of 56 square kilometers. It comprises Fengshan, Doushan, Hushan, Nainaishan, and Huanghuacaiding. Wuhuading, the highest point, is 91.8 meters above sea level. The scenic area encompasses four major scenic areas: Huating, Huangchao Lake, Sanxian Cave, and Dalonggou.
Maling Mountain, originating from Mount Tai, stretches for hundreds of miles and is known as the "Eight Hundred Miles of Maling." Also known as Maling Mountain and Malian Mountain, Maling Mountain earned its name from the fact that Sun Bin defeated Pang Juan at the Battle of Maling between Qi and Wei in 341 BC, earning it the name because the horses were connected. During the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Qianlong visited this mountain three times during his six southern tours. He left behind the poem, "The long road to Zhongwu is full of rugged rocks, yet the beauty of the mountains and rivers is already evident," vividly praising the beauty of Maling Mountain and declaring it the "First Mountain and River."
The Maling Mountain area was one of the important areas for human ancestors' activities in the Neolithic Age. Judging from the Huating culture and Xiaoxuzhuang cultural sites here, civilization here was developed very early. Among them, the Huating ancient cultural site is known as the "earthen pyramid of the East".
The green coverage rate of the scenic area reaches 95.2%, and the content of negative oxygen ions in the air reaches or exceeds the national standard. It is affectionately hailed by tourists as a "natural oxygen bar."
Boasting a warm temperate humid climate, Maling Mountain boasts the largest outcrop of Danxia landforms in Jiangsu Province. Fascinating attractions such as "Wu Niu Panting at the Moon," "Turtle Exploring the Sea," and "Crouching Tiger in the Lotus Pond" are truly captivating, qualifying for national geological park designation. These attractions offer not only a celestial experience but also insights into the evolution of nature and the progress of human society. While this mountain may not harbor immortals, it possesses a wonderland whose mysteries cannot be fully explored even with a hundred visits.
All seasons are suitable for travel.
First Jiangshan Stone
Walking into the mountain gate, you can see a huge fan-shaped stone with four big characters "第1江山" engraved on it, and a poem "Wheat" by Emperor Qianlong of Qing Dynasty: "I hope that the wheat will grow slowly from the cold in Ji and Yan, and see the fields full of green in Huai and Xu. The best spring in the first river and mountains, the colors of plum and willow are in vain. Gradually, the pheasants should be hiding, but now wisps of smoke are about to rise. This is the plan of thousands of families to make food, and the imperial guards are riding on horseback." The poem records Emperor Qianlong's southern tour, from the cold north to the heart of Huai and Xu, where the peach blossoms are pink and the willows are green, and the scenery is full of spring.
Dinosaur Culture Park
Malingshan Dinosaur Park, nestled in an oak forest north of Wuhuading, covers 7,000 square meters and boasts 40 lifelike Jurassic dinosaurs, the largest standing 26 meters tall. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, the park recreates the dinosaur family's past and present, unraveling the mysteries surrounding them.
It is recommended to play for about 3 hours
50 yuan/person
08:30-17:30 all year round
Maling Mountain Scenic Area is a historical site in Xuzhou, Jiangsu, known for its beautiful natural landscapes and cultural significance. The area is home to several ancient temples and historical relics, making it a great destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
The Maling Mountain Scenic Area is located in Xuzhou, Jiangsu. It can be reached by taxi or bus from the city center. There are also private tour services available, and walking is possible from nearby areas depending on your starting point.
The scenic area is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are in spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant, and the natural beauty of the park is at its peak.
The entrance fee is around 60 CNY per person. Tickets can be purchased on-site, or in some cases, through local tourism websites and apps for advance booking.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory but is recommended during peak tourist seasons to avoid long lines. Booking a few days ahead is sufficient during busy periods.
A full exploration of Maling Mountain Scenic Area will take approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on how much time you spend at each historical site and hiking trail.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some tours may offer English-speaking guides during peak seasons. Audio guides are also available in Mandarin.
Start your visit with a hike to the top of Maling Mountain for panoramic views, then explore the temples and historical sites. Afterward, take a relaxing walk through the scenic trails and enjoy the natural beauty of waterfalls and lakes.
Currently, the scenic area does not offer night visits or light shows. However, there are occasional special tours during festivals or holidays that might include evening activities.
The area can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays, especially in the early morning hours.
The scenic area has basic facilities like toilets and rest areas. There are a few small shops selling snacks and souvenirs. It is advisable to bring your own water and food if you plan to hike for longer periods.
The area is partially accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, with some paved paths. However, the hiking trails can be challenging for those with mobility issues, so it's best to plan accordingly.
Both cash and mobile payment options (such as WeChat Pay and Alipay) are widely accepted. Credit cards are less commonly accepted, so it’s recommended to use mobile payments or bring cash.
Vegetarian food is available in the nearby restaurants. However, halal food options may be limited, and visitors may need to search for specialized restaurants outside the scenic area.
Souvenir shops near the entrance offer local handicrafts, including traditional Chinese artwork, jade items, and postcards featuring scenic views from Maling Mountain.
Taxis and buses are the most convenient transportation options after visiting Maling Mountain. For long-distance travel, Xuzhou Railway Station is easily accessible by taxi.