Shijiazhuang Qingliang Mountain Scenic Area

Location:
Located in the western part of Jingxing Mining District, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province, approximately 48.5 kilometers east of Shijiazhuang city center.

Scenic Features:
Qingliang Mountain is a picturesque destination combining natural landscapes, karst cave wonders, and cultural relics. The mountain is known for its steep terrain, ancient verdant trees, beautiful scenery, and ever-flowing clear springs. The cool breezes in summer give it the name "Qingliang Mountain" (Cool Mountain).

Name Origin:
Historically, it was a famous mountain in the Jingxing area. According to the 20th year of the Republic of China’s "Jingxing County Chronicles," Qingliang Mountain "has a massive stone cliff, with a grand temple built within the cliff. At the foot of the mountain, there is a spring with clear and lovely water."

🌄 Highlights

Water Dragon Cave:
A major attraction of Qingliang Mountain, this natural karst cave stretches 1,500 meters. Inside, visitors can marvel at stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, stone flowers, and stone draperies. The cave also features the "largest rift in the Taihang Mountains," a unique geological formation created by tectonic movements.

Beauty Peak (Western Cliff):
The main peak of Qingliang Mountain, Haohan Village, stands at an altitude of 888 meters. The mountain ridge forms a silhouette resembling a reclining beauty gazing at the sky. This resemblance becomes even more vivid during sunset, earning it the name "Beauty Peak" or "Western Cliff."

Cultural Relics:
The mountain is home to historical sites such as Baiyun Temple and other Taoist temples, along with numerous inscriptions and stone carvings. These relics attest to its long history (dating back to the Jin Dynasty’s Zhenglong era) and its deep connection to Taoist culture.

Autumn Red Leaves:
In late autumn, the mountain is ablaze with the fiery red leaves of smoke trees, resembling flames or evening clouds. It is an ideal spot for enjoying the vibrant autumn foliage.

🚗 Transportation Guide

Travel Options:

Driving (Recommended):
From Shijiazhuang city center, take the Shitai Expressway and exit at Xiulin, or follow National Highway 307 through Luquan and Jingxing to reach the Jingxing Mining District. Follow the signs to Qingliang Mountain Scenic Area. The drive takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Public Transportation:
Take bus routes 9, 114, or Tourism Line 6 to Xiwang Bus Station in Shijiazhuang, then transfer to Route 203 heading to the mining district, which directly reaches the scenic area.

🧭 Travel Suggestions

One-Day Highlights Tour:
Ideal for visitors with limited time. Depart from Shijiazhuang in the morning and explore the Water Dragon Cave to uncover its karst wonders. In the afternoon, challenge yourself to climb Haohan Village and admire the majestic "Beauty Peak," experiencing the grandeur of "standing above all mountains." If time permits, enjoy a simple meal nearby before returning.

Regional Combo Tour:
For a 1-2 day itinerary, combine Qingliang Mountain with other attractions in the Jingxing Mining District, such as:

Duan Family Mansion:
A protected cultural heritage site featuring unique modern industrial architecture.

Jiazhuang Ancient Town:
A thousand-year-old town with a rich history and simple folk customs.

⚠️ Practical Tips

Ticket Information:
Tickets are approximately 30 RMB per person. Students with valid IDs can enjoy half-price tickets, and active military personnel can enter for free. Please check the scenic area’s official announcements for the latest prices.

Best Visiting Time:
Spring, summer, and autumn are all suitable for visiting, with summer being particularly ideal for escaping the heat. Late autumn (usually from late October to mid-November) is the best time to view the vibrant red leaves.

Gear Recommendations:
Wear non-slip hiking shoes; trekking poles may be needed for some sections. In summer, bring sunscreen and a hat; in autumn, prepare for significant temperature differences between day and night. Carry some snacks and water for energy replenishment.

Safety Tips:
Stay safe while exploring and avoid entering undeveloped or hazardous areas. Note that mobile signals may be weak in some parts of the scenic area, so familiarize yourself with the route or download offline maps in advance.

💎 Summary
A trip to Shijiazhuang’s "Qingliang Mountain" is all about exploring the natural wonders, geological marvels, and cultural heritage of Jingxing Mining District. While it is not a standalone ancient temple, it perfectly blends underground karst mysteries, stunning mountain landscapes, and profound cultural history.

We hope this guide helps you plan an exciting journey filled with natural beauty and cultural exploration at Qingliang Mountain!