Live Your Best Lives
The Huangshi Cliff Grottoes, a key cultural relic protection site in Jinan, are located southeast of Thousand Buddha Mountain in Lixia District, Jinan, on the slopes of Luoyuan Temple. The mountain is 350 meters above sea level, and the statues are scattered on a cliff platform 500 meters from the foot of the mountain. The yellow rock gives them the name Huangshi Cliff Grottoes.
The statues are 40 meters long and arranged in a straight line. The highest height of the statue area is 5 meters and the lowest is 70 centimeters. The cave was excavated between the fourth year of Zhengguang in the Northern Wei Dynasty (523) and the second year of Xinghe in the Eastern Wei Dynasty (540). All the statues are concentrated in the natural grotto and on the left and right cliffs. There are 32 statues inside the cave, including 8 standing statues, 17 sitting statues, and 7 flying statues. The tallest is 156 centimeters and the shortest is 11 centimeters. There are 68 statues outside the cave, including 9 flying statues. The tallest is 78 centimeters and the shortest is 7 centimeters.
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.
It is recommended to play for one hour
Yellowstone Cliff is a remarkable natural wonder known for its towering cliffs and scenic beauty. It holds both cultural and geological significance, offering insight into the natural history of Shandong Province.
Yellowstone Cliff is located in the outskirts of Jinan, Shandong. It can be reached by taxi or local buses. The closest bus stop is about a 15-minute walk from the entrance. Private taxis are the easiest option for direct access.
The site is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. The best time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon, especially during spring and autumn for mild weather and fewer crowds.
The entrance fee is typically 40-60 RMB. Tickets can be purchased onsite at the entrance, and some online booking platforms may offer advanced ticket sales for special events or packages.
Booking in advance is not required for general admission. However, during peak seasons, it's recommended to purchase tickets online ahead of time to avoid long lines.
A visit can take 2-4 hours depending on how much time you spend hiking and exploring the different viewpoints and natural features. A full hike around the cliff may take up to 2-3 hours.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and some tour operators may offer English-speaking guides upon request. Audio guides are not commonly available at the site.
There are no night visits or light shows available at this site. It is primarily a daytime attraction, best enjoyed in daylight for the scenic views and hiking trails.
The site can be crowded on weekends and public holidays. To avoid large crowds, it is best to visit early on weekdays, particularly in the morning.
The site has basic facilities including toilets, water stations, and small rest areas. There are no large restaurants, but small snack vendors are available at the entrance.
The cliff trails may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors due to the steep terrain. However, the main entrance area and riverbank are more accessible and suitable for families with children or those with limited mobility.
Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted throughout the site, and cash is rarely required. However, it’s a good idea to carry a small amount of cash for smaller purchases.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in some local restaurants. However, halal food options are limited and may require traveling to Jinan city center.
There are small souvenir shops near the entrance selling local handicrafts, postcards, and tea. Traditional Chinese calligraphy and tea sets are popular souvenirs.
