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Hike the mountain trails, visit the Tianmu Mountain Nature Reserve, explore the ancient temples, and enjoy bird watching. The scenic views, waterfalls, and lush forests are perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Tianmu Mountain is famous for the Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai's poem "Dreaming of Wandering on Tianmu Mountain, Chanting a Farewell Song." It incorporates Buddhist culture, Tang poetry, tea ceremony culture, and landscape culture. Its distinctive features include grotto sculptures, Danxia landforms, and volcanic rock formations. It integrates cultural landscapes with natural scenery, offering value for sightseeing, appreciation, scientific research, and educational purposes.
Tianmu Mountain, located in Xinchang County, Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province, is considered the sixteenth of the Seventy-Two Blessed Sites of Taoism. It is the principal mountain of Xinchang County and comprises the Boyunjian, Xijian, and Dajian peaks, forming a majestic, rolling mass of peaks. While relatively unknown in modern times, Tianmu Mountain was a highly revered peak among ancient intellectuals.
Subtropical climate;
Suitable for all seasons
Tianmu Dragon Pond
Entering from Zhuangshan Village in Ru'ao Town, walk two or three miles. You'll find steep cliffs and dense forests on both sides. Streams are crisscrossed with strange rocks, and waterfalls and pools cascade. The waterfalls are numerous and unique, including the Tiger Roaring Waterfall, the Dragon's Roar Waterfall, the Shy Waterfall, the Crossing Horse Waterfall, and the Five-Tier Waterfall. There are also numerous and unique pools, including the Dustpan Pool, the Rice Sieve Pool, the Yuanbao Pool, the Four-Corner Pool, and the Big Dragon Pool. The best time to view Tianmu Dragon Pool is the day after a heavy rain. The mountain stream's water surges through the rocks, resembling a galloping horse, a truly spectacular sight.
Peach Blossom Land
Taoyuan, bordered by Wozhou to the east and Tianmu Mountain to the south, is a key section of the renowned "Tang Poetry Route of Eastern Zhejiang." Legend has it that during the Han Dynasty, Liu Chen and Ruan Zhao, natives of Shan, encountered immortals while collecting herbs on Tianmu Mountain. These include the Herb-Gathering Path, the Immortal Cave, the Chessboard Stone, and the Melancholy Stream.
Huishuling
At the northern entrance to Tianmu Mountain, there was once a bird path for climbing, now a winding mountain road winds its way up. The climate on the plateau above the ridge is cool. After passing Huishu Ridge and traveling 5 kilometers, you can see the main peak of Tianmu Mountain, Boyunjian, named after the white clouds often lingering on its summit. Looking back from the top, the mountains appear small. To the north, the two major mountains, Bajiao and Banzhu (also known as Dajian and Xijian), stand facing each other in the distance. To the south, the Wanghui, Niugu, and Wannian mountains meander and bow down. In the southwest, Lianhua Peak bows at your feet. The mountain is home to Grandma Rock, Sky Eagle, Tianmu Steamed Bun, Dunniu Rock, and Jilong Rock.
free
All day
Tianmu Mountain is famous for its rich biodiversity and ancient cultural heritage. It has been a site for Buddhist monasticism and is part of the Tianmu Mountain Nature Reserve. The mountain is known for its dense forests, clear streams, and rare plant species.
Tianmu Mountain is located in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province. The best way to get there is by taxi or private car from Shaoxing city. Public transport may be limited, so a taxi is a convenient option.
Tianmu Mountain is open year-round. The best times to visit are spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most vibrant. Summer can be crowded, while winter is peaceful but cold.
The entrance fee is approximately 60-100 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online during peak seasons for convenience.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during weekends and holidays, to avoid long lines. Booking a few days in advance should be sufficient during off-peak seasons.
It takes approximately 4-5 hours to explore the main trails, viewpoints, and temples. If you plan to do more extensive hiking or photography, a full day might be needed.
Key highlights include the Tianmu Mountain summit, Tianmu Temple, the Nature Reserve, the rich flora and fauna, and the scenic waterfalls. The mountain’s unique biodiversity is also a major attraction.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and they provide in-depth information about the mountain’s history, nature, and culture. Audio guides are generally not available, but a local guide is a great option for deeper insights.
The best viewpoints are from the mountain summit and various high points along the trails. The Tianmu Temple also offers a picturesque backdrop. Waterfalls and dense forests provide excellent photography opportunities.
Start at the base, hike up to Tianmu Temple, and then continue towards the summit for panoramic views. Explore the waterfalls and nature reserve on your way down, making a circular route if possible.
Night visits are not typically available, and there are no light shows. Special tours may be offered during festivals or peak seasons, but these are not common year-round.
The mountain can get crowded during weekends and national holidays. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays or during the off-season (late autumn and winter).
Basic facilities like toilets, rest areas, and food vendors are available near the base and along some trails. It’s recommended to bring your own water and snacks for longer hikes.
The terrain is rugged and may not be suitable for elderly or disabled visitors. Children can enjoy the easier trails, but some parts of the mountain require physical effort, so family-friendly trails are more ideal for younger visitors.
Cash is widely accepted, but mobile payment systems such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly used. Credit cards may not be accepted at smaller vendors or shops.
There are a few simple local restaurants and food stalls near the entrance of Tianmu Mountain. For a wider variety, head to Shaoxing city for more dining options.
Vegetarian food is available in local restaurants, but vegan and halal options may be limited. It is advisable to confirm with restaurants in advance if you have specific dietary needs.
There are guesthouses and budget hotels in Shaoxing city, about 30-40 minutes away by car. For more luxurious stays, you can find higher-end hotels in the city center.
Nearby attractions include the ancient Lu Xun Memorial Hall, the beautiful East Lake, and the Keyan Scenic Area. These can easily be combined for a day trip from Tianmu Mountain.
Yes, there are souvenir shops near the mountain entrance. Typical souvenirs include local tea, traditional crafts, and items related to the mountain’s natural beauty, like bamboo and wood products.
Taxi or private car is the most convenient option for continuing your trip. Public transport is available, but taxis or buses are the fastest way to get to nearby attractions.
