Introducing Qianling Mountain Park
Qianling Mountain Park, a comprehensive tourist park established in 1957, is located in the northwest corner of Guiyang City. It takes its name from Qianling Mountain, known as the "First Mountain in Southern Guizhou." The park's tranquil valley houses a zoo, with clear springs and unusually shaped rocks teeming with wildlife. It is home to flocks of monkeys and birds, and the mountain also preserves remnants of the Quaternary glacial period. Qianling Park is not only a renowned scenic spot in China, but also boasts complex geological structures and a diverse flora, making it an excellent base for teaching and internships.
The park comprises the Sanlingwan Macaque Garden, Hongfu Temple, Qilin Cave, a zoo, Qianling Lake, a wind and rain bridge, and other scenic areas, along with winding mountain trails. It also boasts advanced recreational facilities such as a dryland bobsleigh, a sightseeing cable car, and an aquarium, as well as a science center. Particularly noteworthy is the Macaque Garden, home to over 700 domesticated and free-range macaques, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the harmonious coexistence of humans and animals.
Climate and best time to travel
The plateau subtropical climate features: no severe cold in winter, no extreme heat in summer, abundant heat, and a long growing season;
It is a good place to cool down in summer
Recommended number of days and locations for visiting
Sanlingwan Macaque Garden
Qianling Mountain is the only place in Guizhou where you can find macaques raised outdoors. This fame has earned the monkeys of Qianling Mountain a reputation as "spiritual monkeys," making them a must-see for tourists visiting Guizhou and Guiyang. Over 400 wild macaques (now numbering over 3,000) play with visitors in the Long Corridor and Waterside Pavilion, foraging for food and enjoying themselves. This captivating natural charm transports visitors back to nature, creating a rare and moving spectacle of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
Kirin Cave
Originally named Tangshan Cave, it is also known as Qilin Cave because of the stalactites within it that resemble a unicorn. The cave is spacious, accommodating up to a hundred people. In the ninth year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty, a temple known as Baiyi Temple was built in front of the cave. Yang Jin, the eunuch who guarded Guizhou at the time, once described the cave in this way: "Deep in the white clouds lies the Tang River, and lotus flowers nestle in the rocks at the cave's entrance." "A thousand layers of mist shroud a thousand green peaks, and a thousand pearls hang down, a thousand images hang in the air." This demonstrates that the cave was already a favorite among tourists in the Ming Dynasty.
Zoo scenic area
Nestled amidst majestic mountains, the Park Zoo, situated on the terraced slopes of Zhangbofeng Mountain, is a place dedicated to the breeding and research of wild animals and the exploration of the mysteries of nature. Over 50 species of animals are currently on display, including the Siberian tiger, African lion, leopard, peacock, ostrich, emu, whooper swan, and takin, all of which are classified as Class I nationally protected species. Also featured are the South China tiger, black leaf monkey, long-tailed pheasant, golden pheasant, and silver pheasant, all of which are rare and unique to Guizhou.
Tickets
Regular ticket: 5 RMB; Hongfu Temple: 3 RMB; Mountaintop cable car: 20 RMB one-way
Attraction opening hours
6:30-22:00
Most Popular FAQs for Qianling Mountain Park
What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?
Qianling Mountain Park (黔灵山公园) was established in 1957 and is one of the oldest and most famous urban parks in Guiyang. It is named after “Qian,” the short name for Guizhou, and “Ling,” meaning mountain. The park blends natural scenery, Buddhist culture, and city views. The historic Hongfu Temple, built in 1672 during the Qing Dynasty, makes it an important religious and cultural site in southwestern China.
Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?
- Located in Yunyan District, northwest Guiyang city center, about 3 km from downtown.
- By metro: Take Guiyang Metro Line 1 and get off at Qianlingshan Park Station, then walk 5–10 minutes to the entrance.
- By bus: Buses 1, 10, 12, 16, 23, and 46 stop near the main gate (Qianlingshan Park stop).
- By taxi: Around 10–15 RMB from central Guiyang or 30 minutes from Guiyang North Railway Station.
- Walking: Accessible on foot from city center hotels in about 20–30 minutes.
What are the opening hours and best times to visit?
- Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM daily (Hongfu Temple closes around 6:00 PM).
- Best time to visit: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for pleasant weather and clear views.
- Morning is ideal for hiking and avoiding crowds; sunset offers great city views from the summit.
What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?
- General entrance: Free.
- Some attractions inside the park (such as the zoo or cable car) require small fees (10–30 RMB).
- Tickets can be bought on-site at each attraction; mobile payments are accepted.
Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?
No advance booking is needed. Visitors can enter freely or buy tickets for internal attractions upon arrival.
How much time is needed to fully explore it?
Plan 3–4 hours to fully explore the park, including hiking to the summit, visiting Hongfu Temple, and relaxing by Qianling Lake. Half-day visits are ideal.
What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?
- Hongfu Temple – ancient Buddhist temple with city views.
- Qianling Lake – peaceful boating and walking area.
- Monkey Hill – natural forest area inhabited by wild macaques.
- Guanyin Pavilion – viewpoint overlooking Guiyang.
- Zoo – features local animals and pandas on occasion.
- Cable car – panoramic ride offering stunning aerial views.
Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?
Local guides are available in Chinese at Hongfu Temple or park entrances. English-speaking guides are limited but can be arranged via local travel agencies.
What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?
- Hongfu Temple terrace – view of Guiyang skyline and forest.
- Summit Pavilion – panoramic city and mountain scenery.
- Qianling Lake – reflection photography in early morning light.
- Cable car – aerial perspective of the park and city.
What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?
- Enter via main gate → walk around Qianling Lake → hike or take cable car to Hongfu Temple → continue to the summit and Guanyin Pavilion → descend through Monkey Hill area → exit near the zoo or main gate.
Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?
The park remains open in the evening for night walks and illuminated city views from the summit, but there are no organized night tours or light shows.
Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?
- Popular with locals for morning exercise and weekend hikes.
- Least crowded times: weekdays and early mornings before 9:00 AM.
- Most crowded during public holidays and spring weekends.
What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?
- Restrooms available at main entrance, lake area, and near Hongfu Temple.
- Food stalls and drink kiosks along hiking paths and near the lake.
- Rest pavilions and benches located throughout the park.
- Souvenir and snack shops at entrances and scenic spots.
Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?
- Yes, partially accessible. Paved paths and cable car assist mobility.
- Elderly visitors can enjoy lake walks and ride the cable car instead of hiking.
- Monkey Hill and summit trails may be steep for young children or wheelchairs.
Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?
Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted. Cash is useful for small stalls but generally not required.
What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?
- Tea houses and snack stalls near Qianling Lake and temple.
- Restaurants outside the main entrance serving local Guiyang cuisine such as spicy noodles and tofu pudding.
- Several cafés on Beijing Road (walking distance from park gate).
Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?
- Vegetarian food is available at Hongfu Temple’s canteen (simple Buddhist meals).
- Nearby city restaurants offer vegan-friendly options; halal options are available in Guiyang’s Muslim district (10 minutes by taxi).
What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?
- Novotel Guiyang Downtown (4★, 2 km away)
- Sofitel Guiyang Hunter (5★, about 10 minutes’ drive)
- Vienna Hotel Guiyang Qianlingshan Branch (3★, near entrance)
- Local guesthouses around Beijing Road and Yunyan District
What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?
- Jiaxiu Tower – Guiyang’s city landmark by the Nanming River.
- Guiyang People’s Square and Fountain area – good for dining and shopping.
- Qingyan Ancient Town – about 1 hour’s drive south.
- Huaxi Park – scenic park south of Guiyang, known for rivers and flowers.
Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?
- Souvenir stalls selling bamboo crafts, Guizhou tea, silver jewelry, and monkey-themed trinkets.
- Temple shops offer Buddhist charms and incense.
What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?
- Take Metro Line 1 or bus back to downtown Guiyang or Guiyang North Railway Station.
- Book a taxi or ride-hailing service for trips to nearby attractions like Jiaxiu Tower or Huaxi Park.
- For longer trips, head to Guiyang Railway Station for high-speed trains to Anshun, Kaili, or Zunyi.
