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At Jinan Thousand Buddha Mountain Scenic Area, visitors can explore the numerous Buddhist statues, hike up the mountain for panoramic views of the city, and visit the Thousand Buddha Cave. Don’t miss the scenic cable car ride that offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. It’s also great for photography, especially the mountain temples and Buddha sculptures.
Jinan Qianfoshan Scenic Area is located in the southeastern part of Jinan City, Shandong Province. Its snacks are renowned for their delicate fragrance, freshness, and pure flavor. It is a national scenic spot and a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, considered one of Jinan's three major scenic spots, along with Baotu Spring and Daming Lake.
Jinan Qianfoshan Scenic Area has famous Jinan dishes such as Yuji Braised Chicken and Jinan Roast Duck, which taste really good.
The Qianfoshan Temple Fair, also known as the "Temple Market" or "Festival Ground," is held twice a year, during the Shangsi Festival in spring and the Double Ninth Festival in autumn. The custom, originating from the Han Dynasty, of bathing by the water on the Shangsi Festival in March, known as "Xiuxi," was to ward off bad luck.
Jinan has a temperate monsoon climate with obvious monsoons and distinct four seasons: dry and rainy spring, warm and rainy summer, cool and dry autumn, and cold and snowy winter.
Recommended one-day tour
30 yuan/person
06:30-18:30
Thousand Buddha Mountain is an important cultural and religious site in Jinan, famous for its thousands of Buddha statues carved into the mountainside. It has been a site for Buddhist practice for over a thousand years and features historical temples, pagodas, and caves. The mountain holds deep spiritual significance for local Buddhists and visitors alike.
Thousand Buddha Mountain is located in the southern part of Jinan, Shandong Province. It is easily accessible by taxi, and there are several bus routes that pass through the area. The nearest metro station is in Jinan city center, and from there you can take a short taxi ride to the mountain entrance.
The site is open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds. Spring and autumn are the best seasons, as the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most vibrant.
The entrance fee for Jinan Thousand Buddha Mountain is around 30 CNY. You can buy tickets at the entrance or purchase them online through local ticketing platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary for regular visits, but during peak seasons or public holidays, it’s recommended to buy tickets a few days in advance to avoid long waiting times.
To fully explore Thousand Buddha Mountain, you will need around 2-3 hours. This allows you to see the major temples, Buddha statues, and caves, as well as enjoy the panoramic views from the top of the mountain.
Must-see highlights include the Thousand Buddha Cave, the large Buddha statues along the mountain trail, and the pagodas scattered across the site. The main temple and the view from the top of the mountain are also essential stops.
Guided tours in Chinese are available at the site, and audio guides in English can be rented. These guides provide a deep dive into the history and cultural significance of the area.
Photography opportunities include the views from the top of the mountain, the Buddha statues nestled in caves, and the surrounding landscape. The cable car ride also offers a unique perspective of the area, perfect for capturing sweeping shots of the site.
Start at the main entrance, then hike up the mountain path to see the Buddha statues along the way. Visit the Thousand Buddha Cave, and finish by taking the cable car for a panoramic view. You can also explore the temples on the way down.
Currently, there are no night visits or light shows at Thousand Buddha Mountain. However, the area is beautifully lit during the day, especially at sunrise and sunset, which are ideal for peaceful visits.
The site can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are early mornings on weekdays, especially outside of the summer months.
There are toilets and rest areas available throughout the scenic area. Shops sell souvenirs and local snacks, and there are also a few restaurants near the entrance where visitors can enjoy traditional food.
The site is partially accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, though some areas require walking up steep paths. It is recommended to use the cable car for easier access to the upper parts of the mountain. Children will enjoy the site, especially the Buddha statues and caves.
Mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay and Alipay) and credit cards are widely accepted at the site. It’s still a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases or if you are visiting areas without mobile payment options.
There are a few local restaurants and cafes near the entrance of the mountain offering traditional Shandong cuisine. Inside the scenic area, snacks and refreshments can be found at smaller kiosks.
Vegetarian options are available at most of the restaurants around the mountain. Halal food can be found in Muslim-friendly restaurants in Jinan city, which is a short distance from the site.
There are several hotels and accommodations nearby, ranging from budget guesthouses to more luxurious options. Many hotels are located in the city center of Jinan, which is a short taxi ride away from the mountain.
Nearby attractions include Baotu Spring, Daming Lake, and the Jinan Zoo. These can all be easily combined in a day trip for a full experience of the city’s natural beauty and cultural landmarks.
There are souvenir shops near the entrance and throughout the scenic area. Typical souvenirs include Buddha statues, religious artifacts, local crafts, and traditional teas.
After visiting the mountain, taxis and buses are the most convenient options to continue your trip. The metro system in Jinan also offers easy access to other attractions in the city.
