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• Visit the Junji Gate and the main hall of Junji Palace: admire the architecture and carved dragon ramp and stone tablets.
• Explore the temple grounds and feel the atmosphere of mountain-worship in the Mount Song sacred area, with steep cliffs and scenic views above Dengfeng.
• As part of a broader hike up toward Junji Peak: use Junji Palace as a rest point then continue climbing the scenic path of Mount Song to enjoy forest, views and historic sites.
Junji Palace is located at the foot of Yuzhu Peak in Taishi Mountain, north of Dengfeng City. It borders Yuzhu Peak to the north, Laojun Cave to the south, Xiaoyao Valley to the east, and Fawang Temple to the west. According to the Dengfeng County Chronicles and the Songshan Chronicles, Junji Palace, commonly known as the "Stone Boat," is a famous Taoist temple in Songshan. It is named after a boat-shaped stone structure to the east of the palace. Behind the palace lies a huge rock, split into three pieces, often shrouded in clouds and mist, hence the name "Cloud City Stone."
The exact date of Junji Palace's founding is unknown, but it has undergone expansion and renovation since the late Qing Dynasty. It now comprises two courtyards, seven buildings, including the Three Buddha Hall and Junji Palace, and 23 rooms, covering an area of approximately 1,000 square meters. The existing two-courtyard buildings of Junji Palace reflect the characteristics of Taoist architecture from the late Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China period, providing a valuable reference for the study of Taoist architectural forms during this period. As a Taoist site, it is also of great value in the study of local folk religious beliefs and customs, and the origins of religious interpenetration and influence.
temperate monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to visit for 1 to 2 hours
free
9:00~17:00
Junji Palace sits on the mountainside of Taishi Mountain in the Mount Song area, under Dengfeng city in Henan. According to one description: “It is surrounded by steep cliffs on three sides and backed by Junji Peak, the main peak of Mount Song.”
It forms part of the sacred mountain complex (Mount Song is one of China’s Five Sacred Mountains) and thus carries religious and historical significance in Taoism/Buddhism and imperial mountain-ritual tradition.
Architecturally, Junji Palace is described in relation to the larger temple complex of Zhongyue Temple: for example, the palace is built on a 3-meter-high platform with a dragon-engraved ramp, indicating its high status.
It is located in the Songshan Scenic Area (Mount Song Scenic Zone), at No. 146 Zhongyue Street, Dengfeng, Zhengzhou, Henan Province.
Getting there:
Opening hours: According to one listing, Junji Palace is “open year-round, 24/7.”
Best times to visit: Early morning helps avoid crowds and offers better light for views. Spring or autumn are pleasant for weather. Since it’s on a mountain slope, visiting when the trail is dry (not rainy) is advisable.
According to Trip.com, Junji Palace itself is listed as “Free entry.”
However note: It lies within the Mount Song / Zhongyue scenic area, which may have a broader area entry ticket that covers multiple sites. Check with the scenic area’s ticketing.
Since there is no specific ticket required for Junji Palace alone (free entry listed), booking may not be mandatory. But if visiting as part of a larger scenic area with entry ticket or transport, booking online a day ahead is wise — particularly on weekends or holidays.
Allow around 1 – 2 hours to visit Junji Palace: to explore the main hall, take photos, rest.
If you plan to continue up the mountain trails through to Junji Peak (or include other nearby temple sites), you may spend 3-4 hours or more.
I did not find specific, published information about guided tours or audio guide services in multiple languages for Junji Palace. If you require an English tour, consider hiring a local guide in Dengfeng who knows the Mount Song area.
• The terrace/viewing area of Junji Palace looking down into the valley gives a strong sense of height and dramatic setting.
• The facade of the palace hall with its elevated platform, dragon-carved ramp and imposing front steps.
• During the climb up to or from Junji Palace, shots of the steep mountain slope backed by Junji Peak and surrounded by cliffs are memorable. Reviewers reference this view: “Looking up at Junji Peak … one suddenly feels how insignificant humans are.”
A suggested route: Enter via the trail from the Mount Song scenic area → ascend toward Junji Palace (stopping at the gate, terrace and main hall) → spend time exploring the architecture and views → optionally proceed further up toward Junji Peak if you are hiking and have time → when ready, return to base or continue to other Mount Song sites.
Since the palace is placed on the slope, it may serve as a good rest point on a longer mountain hike.
There is no specific mention of night-visits, light shows or special tours for Junji Palace itself in my sources. As a mountainside temple within a natural scenic area, it may close or become less accessible after dusk. Planning to visit in daylight is advised.
The site sees fewer crowds compared to major temples in the lower valley, but since it’s located on a hiking route its visitation may vary with hikers.
To avoid crowds: Visit on a weekday (Monday-Thursday), preferably early morning. Avoid major Chinese public holidays when Mount Song area is more visited.
Basic facilities may be available near/on the trail (entrance area or temple base) but up the slope at Junji Palace itself facilities may be limited. Visitors are advised to carry water, snacks and suitable footwear. The main hall area should offer rest space.
From reviews: “It can be used as a resting place during the climbing process.”
Because it sits on a mountainside with steps, slopes and elevation gain, it is less suited for visitors with limited mobility or serious disability. Elderly visitors and children should be careful, wear proper shoes and take it slowly. If they prefer minimal walking, staying near the base or easier routes within Mount Song may be better.
For temple entry (free) likely no payment is required; for the broader scenic area ticketing and services, mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and cards are commonly accepted in Henan tourist sites. It’s still wise to carry some cash for remote vendors or transport in the mountain area.
In the Mount Song / Dengfeng area you will find local mountain-town eateries, small cafés and food stalls catering to hikers and visitors to the scenic area. However on the slope and near Junji Palace itself the choices may be limited, so bringing water and snack is prudent.
Given the temple and mountain-religious setting, vegetarian cuisine (especially Buddhist-style) is likely available in the lower temple/valley zone of Mount Song. Halal-specific restaurants are less commonly noted; vegetarian is more assured. If you require halal, check in Dengfeng town beforehand.
In Dengfeng city (登封) there are guesthouses, small inns, and hotels for visitors to the Mount Song scenic area. Staying in Dengfeng gives you convenient access to Junji Palace and other mountain sites with an early start.
Yes – In the lower temple or valley base of Mount Song there are shops selling religious/temple-related souvenirs: small statues, incense, calligraphy, local tea, climbing-trail memorabilia. On the slope the offerings are fewer; purchase earlier in the valley base.
After visiting Junji Palace you can return by the same path/trail down to the valley, then travel by taxi or local bus back to Dengfeng or onward to Zhengzhou. If you have a car, you may drive to other nearby scenic venues such as Shaolin Temple or Songyue Pagoda in the Mount Song zone.
