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Approaching the Yimeng Mountains, my first impression was a sky filled with stars, tent camping on Guimeng Peak, and a star-studded dream. At the foot of the Yimeng Mountains, there are people, the breath of life, and delicious bubbles on the palate... Once again, I understand more deeply that the Yimeng Mountains are more than just a mountain!
The Yimeng Mountains, also known as the "Yimeng Mountain Area," are comprised of Yishan and Mengshan. The Yimeng Mountain region spans the Shandong provinces of Linyi, Zibo, and Weifang. Yishan, formerly known as "Haiyue" (Sea Mountain) and "Eastern Taishan," is the most prominent of China's five great mountains. Mengshan, also known as Dongmeng and Dongshan, boasts a peak at Guimengding, 1,156 meters above sea level, making it the second highest peak in Shandong. The mountain boasts the highest negative ion concentration in China, earning it a reputation as an ultra-clean area. Facilities such as the Mengshan Pine Plank Road, the Mengshan Longevity Star, and the Mengshan Cable Bridge have set several world records.
The Yimeng Mountains, hailed by countless descendants of the revolution as "the sacred site of the two battles, the Red Yimeng," are a magical land, a fertile red soil. The Yimeng Mountains is a humanistic and geographical concept, referring to the Yimeng Mountains, a renowned revolutionary base marked by the Yi and Meng Mountains.
The Yimeng Mountains, comprised of the Yishan and Mengshan Mountains, are a former revolutionary base. This region boasts breathtaking scenery, a rich history and culture, and truly culinary delights. So, what are you waiting for? Come explore the Yimeng Mountains with me!
Yimeng Mountain Scenic Areacheck the details
The Yimeng Mountains, a branch of the Taiyi Mountain Range, span the four counties of Linyi City (Pingyi, Mengyin, Feixian, and Yinan), running northwest-southeast for 75 kilometers. Its breathtaking natural scenery combines the grandeur of Mount Tai, the beauty of Mount Huang, the precipitousness of Mount Hua, and the uniqueness of the Yandang Mountains. Its main peak, Guimengding, is the second highest peak in Shandong Province, located 120 kilometers from Mount Tai, rivaling it in both distance and magnitude, earning it the title "Second to Mount Tai." The area boasts over 300 other larger peaks and deep valleys, earning it the nickname "72 main peaks and 36 caves." Mount Meng is also a renowned historical and cultural mountain. For over 2,000 years, it has captivated scholars, poets, emperors, and generals. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, the region bore the footprints of renowned figures of Confucianism, Taoism, and the School of Diplomacy, including Confucius, Zhuangzi, Lao Laizi, and Guiguzi. Confucius "ascended the Eastern Mountain and looked down upon Lu," leaving behind relics such as Huimaling, Shengqishi, and Xiaoluchu. Guiguzi trained and taught here, with over a hundred disciples, notable among them Sun Bin and Pang Juan. Han Dynasty historian Cai Yong and others once lived in seclusion on this mountain.
Recommended month: All seasons
9886 recommendations, 8788 visits
The mountain breeze is cool. Early autumn brings a touch of richness here. A stone house nestled against a tree quietly counts the days. When we meet again, you'll be a member of the Mengshan family.
Two years ago, by chance, I visited an ancient village at the foot of the Yimeng Mountains in Linyi, a millennium-old village with century-old stone houses. Back then, it was known as the Li Family Stone House. Now, upon returning, it's renamed the Mengshan Family Yanyu Scenic Area. I thought, with the passage of time, that the place had lost its former tranquility and peace. But it remains as clear and airy as ever, a perfect place to escape and unwind.
Mengshan Home is located 8 kilometers east of the Yimeng Guimeng Scenic Area. It takes only 20 minutes to drive there. You can bypass the hawthorn trees in the fields and enter this small village surrounded by mountains. Among the peaks, it seems as if you have traveled back to the Yimeng Mountains in the ballad.
Mengshan People's Village can be regarded as the most typical ancient village in Yimeng Mountain. A ten-mile Jingtian River flows from the depths of the village, and it seems to carry the breath of time. This is the earliest ancient village where the Yimeng Mountain people lived, and it also has the most simple Yimeng Mountain folk customs.
Yimeng Mountain is also one of the four famous bases in the country, with a strong red atmosphere.
The Mengshan Revolutionary History Exhibition Hall allows you to gain an in-depth understanding of the red revolutionary base. This land carries a rich revolutionary history, inherits the spirit of the revolutionary martyrs, and continues to promote a splendid culture.
Our first stop on Mount Mengshan was Eagle's Nest Peak, its iconic landmark. To experience its beauty, we disembarked and took a short path. We climbed to a spot not often seen by tourists, stood on a rock, and gazed at Eagle's Nest Peak.
It rises steeply from the ground, piercing the sky. From afar, zoom in, its cliffs are razor-sharp, shrouded by verdant pines. Perhaps only an eagle could soar to the summit, hence the name "Eagle's Nest Peak." Looking north, the cliffs bear the inscription of Qi Gong, "Eagle Peak Wonders." This is how the saying "If you haven't visited Eagle's Nest Peak, your trip to Mengshan is in vain" came about.
The continuous mountain range stretches back hundreds of millions of years, offering unique mountain landscapes, forests, waterfalls, and cultural attractions. With towering peaks and shrouded by water and clouds, Mengshan boasts a forest coverage rate exceeding 99% and rich flora and fauna, making it a premier green and fitness destination in China. Formed during the Jurassic period of the Mesozoic Era, Mengshan belongs to the Archean Taishan Group. The rock formations in Mengshan National Geopark are primarily gneiss, with granite and sandstone also present, and the soil parent material is relatively loose.
Next up is the 5D Glass Bridge, a popular check-in spot in the Guimeng Scenic Area. The bridge is 160 meters long and 3.04 meters wide, with 3D ground effects on both piers and 5D special effects on part of the bridge deck.
Walking across the bridge, the glass instantly shatters, creating a thrilling and exciting experience. Furthermore, the bridge features a variety of special effects, including blossoms blooming with every step, falling leaves in the autumn wind, and the appearance of a golden dragon. Walking across the bridge feels like walking into a dreamland.
When climbing Mount Meng, you must visit the main peak of Mount Meng - Guimengding, which is 1,156 meters above sea level and is the second highest peak in Shandong Province, known as "Yadai".
Guimeng Peak originally resembled a tortoise, with its head pointing northwest and its tail pointing southeast, like a divine tortoise lying prone amidst the clouds. Today, its summit is dome-shaped, with the Jade Emperor Hall to the east and Confucius's Xiaolu residence and the Welcoming Pine to the west. Climbing Guimeng Peak, clouds swirl around you, the wind blows beneath your feet, and the distant view of Qi and Lu is truly heart-opening.
Standing on the platform of Guimeng Peak, there is a diorite granite formed by the deep intrusion of intermediate-acidic magma about 2.4 billion years ago. After the later spheroidal weathering, it formed a peculiar peak, shaped like the head of the great man Mao Zedong. The forehead, eyes, nose, face, jaw, hairstyle and other parts are all consistent with Chairman Mao's facial features. The appearance is kind and lifelike, and the surrounding green pines and cypresses are covered like party flags, so it is named "Great Man Peak".
Guimeng Peak stands majestically in the east sky, with magnificent momentum and magnificent scenery. Its main attractions include Donglu in sight, Zhanlu Terrace, Jade Emperor Temple, Xiaolu Pavilion, Confucius Xiaolu Stele, Guanyun Pavilion, Mengshan Resort, Summer Resort, Mengshan Relay Station, Sun Viewing Peak, Jade Pillar Peak, Group of Turtles Exploring the Sea, and Sea Oath Stone.
The plank road starts from the Tiger-Julong Rock and is 2,999 meters long. It consists of a cliff plank road and a forest wooden plank road. The cliff plank road is 1,999 meters long and the forest wooden plank road is 1,000 meters long. It is the largest plank road in Jiangbei.
The cliff plank road winds through the sheer cliffs and deep ravines, which is magnificent, breathtaking and shocking. Standing on the cliff plank road, looking into the distance, you can see the continuous Yimeng Mountains, with strange pines and rocks, which are so beautiful that you can't take your eyes off them. The winding part is like a wandering dragon, shaded by the forest, with birds singing and flowers blooming, which makes people linger.
Walking at different positions on the plank road, you will have completely different feelings, including the heroic feeling of a dragon flying across the world, the joy of rising to the top, the broad mind of proudly standing in the wind, the leisurely feeling of strolling in the garden, and the emotion of ups and downs...all of them will move people's hearts and make them feel that the trip is worthwhile.
Walking along the cliff plank road, there are more than 30 scenic spots such as Turtles Presenting Treasures, Lovers' Stone, Test of Heart Stone, Tit Spreading Wings, Star Counting Platform, Jiuqu River, and Golden Crown Turtle. There are also precious Chinese herbal medicines such as Polygonatum, Lithospermum officinale, and Ganoderma lucidum, as well as more than 100 kinds of plants.
The Mengshan Shouxian, the world's largest mountain sculpture, is three times the height of the Leshan Giant Buddha in Sichuan and has been recorded in the Guinness Book of Records. Located on the northwest side of Guimeng Peak, it stands 218 meters tall and 198 meters wide. His flowing white beard reaches past his waist, and he leans on a staff in one hand and a peach in the other, his face beaming with a kind smile. Walking along the Mengshan cliff path, visitors can admire his charm from various angles. A must-see for visitors to Mengshan is the Shouxian (Longevity God) platform, where they kneel before him and pray for the health and longevity of their families.
Mengshan Rafting is just on one side of Jiulongtan. You can take a rubber boat and go through the jungle, enjoying the scenery while feeling the excitement of being on the water. You can experience different charms from different perspectives.
The rapids and thrills along the way can bring you visual enjoyment and the dynamic joy of experiencing the quiet forest.
Jiulongtan, nestled in the Mengshan Gorge, boasts a 180-meter-long and 30-meter-high stone dam, named for the nine white marble dragon heads adorning the dam. Flanked by breathtaking peaks, the pond creates a picturesque scene, shimmering in the waters. During the rainy season, the pond overflows, creating a curtain of waterfalls, refracting sunlight and creating a dazzling rainbow. Jiulongtan now boasts a popular online spot called "The Shouting Spring," a place to test your lung capacity!
Wanshou Palace, located at the foot of Mount Yimeng, was first built during the Northern Song Dynasty. Originally known as Yuxu Temple, it was renamed Wanshou Palace after the Ming Dynasty. Prior to the Northern Song Dynasty, this site housed the Meng Temple, the primary site for ancient Chinese worship of the deity of Mount Meng. In the early Western Zhou Dynasty, King Cheng of Zhou granted a fief to the descendants of Taihao and established the Zhuanyu State, making it a vassal state of Lu and the primary site for worship at Mount Meng. The Meng Temple was the primary site where King Zhuanyu presided over these ceremonies.
A grand temple fair is held here on the third day of the third lunar month every year, attracting many tourists and burning incense.
After passing through the mountain gate, you enter the main entrance. The first courtyard features the front hall and two side rooms. The front hall, with a floor area of 180 square meters, features a single-eaved hip roof. Passing through the hall, you enter the second courtyard, which houses the main structure of the Wanshou Palace. To the north stands the "Three Pure Ones Hall," a 560-square-meter building with double-eaved hip roofs and a glass-tiled roof. The ancient temple, now resplendent and magnificent, exudes a sense of grandeur.
The former capital of the Zhuanyu State lies 4 kilometers due south of the Wanshou Palace complex. Its walls stretch 600 meters from north to south and 550 meters from east to west. Zhuanyu was a vassal state during the Xia and Shang dynasties, said to be descended from Emperor Taihao. Established in the early Western Zhou Dynasty, it was a vassal of the State of Lu and presided over sacrifices at Mount Meng on behalf of the Zhou emperor, predating Qin Shihuang's Fengshan ritual at Mount Tai by at least 800 years.
The Fu Shou Kang Ning Treasure Tripod, located not far from the Wanshou Palace, is made of pure natural bluestone. It is 9.99 meters high and 6.19 meters in diameter. The four large characters "Fu, Shou, Kang, Ning" and 999 characters for "Shou" are engraved all around it. It weighs 606 tons and is currently the largest and tallest stone tripod in my country.
The turtle longevity culture is best embodied here, with the Yimeng Mountains containing a large number of turtle-shaped stones. There are even Mengshan centenarians over 100 years old in this area. In addition to the unique geographical environment, the fun of life is also very important.
Yimengshan Geopark, Shandong Province's second UNESCO World Geopark after Mount Tai, showcases the diversity of Earth's geology. The landscape is dotted with castle-like Daigu landforms and is dotted with numerous historical and cultural heritage sites, including the Zhou Dynasty Wanshou Palace, Confucius' Xiaolu residence, the 1,500-year-old Marshal Tree, the Menglianggu Battle Memorial, and several renowned temples.
I casually came across the houses at the foot of Yimeng Mountain, and encountered Yimeng Mountain House, and Yimeng Water House next to it. The mountains and water are interdependent, and the bamboo forest is rustling; the stars are moving, and frogs are croaking. Taking advantage of the rich night, I rested my head on the mountain and listened to the wind, enjoying the short time in the Mengshan Renjia Yanyu Scenic Area.
Yimeng Mountain House, a popular B&B on Douyin (TikTok), is often fully booked unless booked in advance. Located in the Mengshan Renjia Yanyu Scenic Area at the foot of the Yimeng Mountains, this little-known village, previously known as Lijia Shiwu Village, has undergone significant changes, but its peaceful and warm character remains unchanged.
It takes 20 minutes to drive from Mengshan Scenic Area to Mengshan Home Scenic Area. The Yimeng Mountain House nestled in the mountains and beside the water appears before your eyes. However, looking at the exterior design of the B&B, there is nothing special about it. It looks like a carefully built farmhouse courtyard, one courtyard next to another.
Climbing the stairs and entering the front desk, you will discover its meticulous design: the inverted thatch is scraped on the roof as a suspended ceiling, and the wall design is also very close to the countryside. Everything looks natural and comfortable.
Tips:
Address: Lijiashiwu Village, Berlin Town, Pingyi, Linyi (parking lot available)
Room: 600-2000 yuan
At the foot of Mount Meng in Pingyi, Shandong, stands a hotel called Yimeng Family. While it's called a hotel, I prefer to call it Yimeng Family. Surrounded by mountains, amidst vibrant flowers and green trees, it feels as tranquil as a neighbor's courtyard. The hotel overlooks a bamboo garden, backs onto Shengjing Square, and, with a gurgling stream and the faint presence of farmhouses, it feels like a paradise.
The people of Yimeng live in small courtyards next to each other, with stone walls and stone roads forming courtyards. Each courtyard has its own name, such as Jiulongju, Baiyunju, or Yingxianju. Most of them have the same layout, but they are not exactly the same.
These courtyards were renovated and rebuilt from former farmyards. The large red lanterns hanging at the entrances enhance the farmhouse atmosphere. But I love the vibrant green plants entwined around the entrances and courtyard walls even more. They grow towards the sun, swaying in clusters in the breeze...
Each courtyard is dotted with tall trees of varying species, each one evidently honed by the passage of time, each reaching toward the sky. Each exudes a simple and gentle air. A visit to the foothills of the Yimeng Mountains is a chance to experience a slow, quiet, and unburdened life.
The rooms in each courtyard are divided into twin rooms and double rooms. The style is mostly Chinese. The calm decoration style allows people to calm down and enjoy the time quietly.
In addition to the hotel rooms, Yimeng Family offers 17 unique farmhouse courtyards with a unique rural feel. Each apartment features two bedrooms and a living room, each with its own entrance and courtyard, making it a must-see. Renowned calligrapher and painter Fan Zeng, after a stay, praised the hotel with the captivating phrase, "Longing for the dancing butterflies, the carefree chirping of the orioles," and happily inscribed the name "Yimeng Family." Yimeng Family Hotel is a prime choice for meetings, group training, leisure vacations, and entertaining guests. Its courtyard-style setting evokes the rustic warmth of a farmhouse, allowing you to experience the feeling of "Yimeng Family, My Home."
Tips:
Address: At the foot of Mengshan Mountain, Pingyi, Shandong, within the Guimeng Scenic Area (free parking)
Price: 200-1700 yuan
Breakfast: 10 yuan/person (breakfast included in the farmhouse)
A visit to Yimeng Renjia is not only about the farmhouse-style courtyards, but also about the delicious food. Here, you can taste the most authentic mountain game from Yimeng Mountain. The pancakes that come to mind when you think of Shandong are also handmade here, allowing you to savor their aroma.
The pancakes wrapped with green onions and dipped in the sauce are a perfect combination! Don’t miss it!
My favorite sweet potato, actually, we usually call it "yum" (sweet potato). Soft, sticky, and sweet, this small basket is enough to keep eating forever. These sweet potatoes are all grown by local farmers, so they're truly homegrown, embodying the beauty of Yimeng, making them even more worth savoring.
It was the first time I saw honeycomb served on the table. It was authentic and tasted great. When I cut it into a small piece, it was so sweet that it made my heart ache. In Yimeng, people raise their own bees, so there is no need to buy the honeycomb. They produce and sell it themselves. It is so authentic.
When it comes to protein-rich cicadas, it seems only northerners are not afraid of them. Many people are afraid to eat them. However, for those of us who have been eating them since childhood, there is really nothing to fear. They are as common as cabbage. However, there are not as many cicadas now as there were when I was a child... Only with this kind of rural flavor can you get this authentic taste.
Full-bodied scorpions are a specialty of Yimeng people. While most people eat scorpions with eight legs, the scorpions in this dish, "Snow Mountain Flying Fox," are full-bodied and more expensive than those with eight legs. They are a great tonic.
The wild boar meat that is raised in the wild and is not sold outside is also a delicacy. It is not cooked in any other way. The simplest way is to dip it in mashed garlic and the aroma of the meat fills your mouth.
Mengshan Whole Lamb, Whole Chicken, and Whole Scorpion Banquet are their three specialties. Whole Lamb Soup is most famous during the dog days of summer, and the Mengshan Dog Day Festival is the perfect time to try the Whole Lamb Banquet.
At 1,100 meters above sea level, a mountaintop restaurant called Yujinfang sits atop Guimeng Peak in the Yimeng Mountains. While its exterior may seem unassuming, its menu features Linyi's local specialties, using local wild game as its primary ingredients. The restaurant presents the authentic flavors of Linyi to every visitor.
Yujinfang boasts a prime location, boasting breathtaking views of the mountains and rivers. With four private dining rooms and a large dining room, it can accommodate up to 200 people. Watch the clouds drift by, listen to the pine waves rippling through the valley, gaze at the majestic peaks, hear the birds return to the forest, and savor Yimeng delicacies, guaranteeing a truly unique mountaintop dining experience.
In Linyi, one dish is a must-have on the dinner table: chicken, stewed chicken. Linyi's stewed chicken is made with farm-raised chicken, which is said to be rich in the essence of plants and animals. Furthermore, the heat must be perfectly controlled, a skill that is truly remarkable. For a delicious stewed chicken, it must be tender and chewy, yet fragrant and flavorful. A visit to the Yimeng Mountains is a must-try!
(1) For those who are experiencing Yimeng Mountain for the first time, you need to bring a jacket or something similar. The temperature difference between morning and evening is large, so you should wear comfortable shoes.
(2) Don’t forget to bring insect repellent, as there are bound to be flying insects in the mountains at night.
(3) You can bring a flashlight or something similar, or if you have participated in outdoor activities, that would be best.
Arrive at Linyi Railway Station/Linyi Bus Station/Qufu Railway Station from all places. The drive from each station to the scenic area takes 1-2 hours. (Since there are not many trains from Linyi Railway Station, if it is inconvenient, you can choose to go to Qufu Railway Station instead, which will be more convenient.)
Self-driving: Mengshan District has a superior transportation location. The Beijing-Shanghai Expressway, Ridong Expressway, Laixin Expressway, Yanshi Railway, Jiaoxin Railway, National Highways 205 and 327, and Provincial Highways 229, 234, 240, and 335 all pass through the foot of the mountain, forming a well-connected transportation network.
(1) Wanshou Palace - Shengjing Gate - Longevity Peach Stone - Jade Spring Pillow Stream - Baiyun Rock - Eagle Nest Peak - Dongtianmen - Turtles Exploring the Sea - Guimeng Peak - Giant Sculpture of the God of Longevity - Mingguang Temple
(2) Wanshoufang - Yingxian Bridge - Chengtian Palace - Taohuayu - Heifengkou - Nantianmen - Guimengding - Weiren Peak
(3) Wanshou Palace - Shajiabang - Reading the Scenery Wall - Turtles Exploring the Sea - Guimengding
