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Thousand Buddha Mountain is located in the southeastern part of Jinan, close to the city center. Standing 285 meters above sea level, the mountain boasts rolling hills and dense forests. The mountain boasts stunning scenery, including captivating waterscapes, pristine broadleaf forests, and numerous historical sites.
Take Xingguo Temple, for example. It's nestled on the hillside of Thousand Buddha Mountain, housing the Main Hall, the Guanyin Hall, the Maitreya Hall, and the Duihuating Pavilion. Thousand Buddha Cliff to the south houses over 130 Buddha statues dating back to the Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty. From east to west, the cliffs are home to Longquan Cave, Jile Cave, Qianlou Cave, and Lüzu Cave. To the east of Xingguo Temple lies Lishan Courtyard, home to the Shun Temple, the Lu Ban Temple, and the Yilan Pavilion.
There is also the Ten Thousand Buddha Cave in Qianfo Mountain, which combines the four major grottoes in China. When you come here, you can appreciate the elegance of statues from the Northern Wei, Tang and Song dynasties.
The best time to visit is from September to October. The weather is clear and crisp in autumn, and the view from a high point is unique.
Every year on the third day of the third lunar month and the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, the Qianfoshan Scenic Area hosts a grand temple fair, which typically lasts a week. During these events, you can enjoy a variety of performances, including gong and drum performances, martial arts performances, and Shandong quick-talking performances. There's also a rich selection of local snacks and local products. The crowds of people who come to the mountain to burn incense and pray for blessings are shoulder to shoulder, creating a truly magnificent scene.
Recommended play time 2-3 hours
Scenic spot ticket 30 yuan/person, student ticket 15 yuan/person
Xingguo Temple : 5 yuan per person
Wanfo Cave : 15 yuan/person, student ticket 7.5 yuan/person
Qilu Stele Cultural Park : 10 yuan/person, student ticket 5 yuan/person
March 1st - October 31st: 6:30-19:30
November 1st - February 28th: 6:30-19:00
Passenger ropeway ticket sales time: 8:45-16:30
The Thousand Buddha Mountain Scenic Area in Jinan has significant historical and cultural importance. It has been a Buddhist site for over a millennium, featuring thousands of Buddha statues and carvings. The mountain is also home to various temples, caves, and shrines that hold spiritual and artistic value.
The Thousand Buddha Mountain is located in the southeastern part of Jinan, Shandong Province. You can get there by taxi, bus, or by walking from the nearby Jinan Railway Station. The area is well connected by public transportation.
The Thousand Buddha Mountain Scenic Area is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and the natural surroundings are at their best.
The entrance fee for the Thousand Buddha Mountain Scenic Area is around CNY 40-50. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance or online through local tourism websites.
Tickets are generally available for walk-in purchase. However, during peak seasons (e.g., Chinese New Year and National Day holidays), it's advisable to book tickets 1-2 days in advance.
To fully explore the Thousand Buddha Mountain Scenic Area, you will need approximately 3-4 hours to visit the main attractions, including the temples, caves, and scenic views.
Guided tours are available, and the guides typically speak Mandarin. Audio guides in English may be available for self-guided tours.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available at this site. However, the mountain offers a peaceful atmosphere for early morning visits or sunset views.
The Thousand Buddha Mountain is generally not crowded except during national holidays (like Chinese New Year and National Day). The least crowded times to visit are on weekdays or in the off-season (winter months).
Toilets, food stalls, and rest areas are available throughout the area. There are also small shops where visitors can purchase local snacks and souvenirs.
Thousand Buddha Mountain has some areas that may be challenging for the elderly or disabled due to steep terrain. However, there are accessible paths near the base, and the main temple areas are easily reachable for children and elderly visitors.
Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted. Cash is also accepted, but it’s advisable to use mobile payments for convenience.
Nearby, you will find local restaurants offering Shandong cuisine such as dumplings, noodles, and stir-fried dishes. There are also cafes near the base of the mountain for quick snacks.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at many local restaurants, with dishes based on tofu, vegetables, and rice. Halal food is also available at some restaurants catering to Muslim visitors.
There are several hotels near the Thousand Buddha Mountain, ranging from budget accommodations to mid-range hotels. You can also find guesthouses for a more local experience.
Souvenir shops near the mountain sell local crafts, Buddha statues, jade jewelry, and handmade items. You can also buy local snacks like dried fruit and pickled vegetables.
After visiting, you can take a taxi, bus, or metro to other parts of Jinan. The Jinan Railway Station and Jinan West Railway Station are easily accessible from the scenic area for further travel by train.
