Explore Qianshan, the "Green Lung" of Northeast China (National 5A Scenic Area)
🔥Complete guide for hiking, culture, and summer retreats—Anshan’s must-visit natural wonder!
🔥 --- 1. About Qianshan — "Little Guilin of the Northeast" Qianshan Scenic Area is located in Xiuyan Manchu Autonomous County, Anshan City, Liaoning Province, about 20 kilometers from the city center. It is a national 5A-level scenic spot that combines natural wonders with rich cultural heritage. The mountains here are majestic, with overlapping peaks shrouded in mist, offering unique charm in every season. In spring, the mountains bloom with rhododendrons; summer is cool and pleasant, perfect for escaping the heat; autumn features fiery red leaves and enchanting scenery; winter transforms the area into a silver fairy tale world, ideal for photography and outdoor activities. Qianshan is famous not only for its bizarre peaks and rocks but also for numerous ancient temples and cultural relics. Whether hiking, photography, cultural experiences, or leisure and summer retreats, this place meets all your needs.
--- 2. Best Time to Visit — Avoid Crowds and Enjoy the Most Beautiful Scenery To fully appreciate Qianshan’s breathtaking views, it is recommended to visit in late spring to early summer, autumn, or early winter. Each season offers a distinct charm. Spring is perfect for flower viewing with blooming rhododendrons and forsythias; summer boasts lush forests and cool temperatures, ideal for family trips and summer escapes; autumn turns the mountains into a sea of red leaves, a paradise for photographers; winter, with cold weather and sufficient snow, reveals magical snowy mountain scenes. When planning your trip, try to avoid peak holiday periods like National Day and Labor Day. Book tickets and transportation in advance through Trip.com or official channels to save time and enjoy a better experience.
--- 3. Transportation Guide — Practical Travel Tips From downtown Anshan, take a high-speed train or regular train to Anshan Station or Anshan West Station, then choose a taxi or bus to the scenic area. The trip takes about half an hour. It’s advisable to book a taxi in advance or use ride-hailing apps to avoid waiting. Alternatively, you can take a long-distance bus directly from Anshan Long-Distance Bus Station to Qianshan Scenic Area; buses run frequently and are reasonably priced. For self-driving travelers, take the G2511 Expressway and exit at Xiuyan, then follow signs to the scenic area. There is a spacious parking lot inside the park with reasonable fees, making it convenient and quick. Drivers are recommended to download navigation maps in advance and avoid peak hours.
--- 4. Touring Routes — One-Day In-Depth Experience Upon arrival, purchase tickets at the entrance and get a scenic map to plan your route. It’s recommended to start from the main entrance and first climb the main peak of Qianshan — Tianmen Mountain. From here, you can overlook the entire city of Anshan and the surrounding mountains and sea. Early morning or late afternoon light is best for photography. Walking along the mountain path, you can reach Cuiyun Peak, where mist swirls around strange peaks and rocks, creating a fairyland atmosphere—perfect for photos and experiencing the magical feeling of "walking in the clouds." Continue to Lingxiu Temple to feel the tranquility and solemnity of Buddhist culture. The temple is ancient and quaint, a great place for prayer and meditation. Then explore the Immortal’s Cave, filled with mysterious and towering strange stones. Be cautious, wear non-slip shoes, and bring a flashlight to avoid getting lost or slipping. After visiting these spots, head to the Jiulong Waterfall Cluster, where waterfalls cascade down with thunderous sounds, especially spectacular after rain. Finally, climb to the mountaintop viewing platform to overlook the mountains, sea, city, and distant skyline—perfect for capturing sunrise or sunset and creating unforgettable memories. The eco-friendly shuttle bus circling the mountain is very convenient, especially in hot summer or for families with children, saving energy and allowing easy panoramic tours.
--- 5. Unique Experiences — Enrich Your Travel Memories Qianshan’s charm lies not only in its magnificent natural scenery but also in its rich cultural heritage. You can choose to hike along multiple trails of varying difficulty, enjoying the strange peaks, unique rocks, and waterfall views along the way. For adventure lovers, the circular mountain route is about 8 kilometers long, offering continuous scenic views, a great workout, and a refreshing nature experience. Taking the cable car is another unique experience, offering aerial views of the forests and waterfalls, ideal for photography. It’s best to ride in the morning or evening when the light is soft and the scenery more enchanting. If you are interested in Buddhist culture, you can participate in meditation or lectures at Lingxiu Temple to experience peace and tranquility. The mountaintop viewing platform offers spectacular sunrise and sunset views, perfect for capturing precious memories. Also, don’t miss the photo hotspots within the park—Cuiyun Peak, Jiulong Waterfalls, and the mountaintop viewing platform—these scenic spots are definitely worth capturing with your camera.
--- 6. Food Recommendations — Taste the Flavors of Northeast China Several restaurants within the scenic area serve wild vegetables, farmhouse stews, and specialty braised dishes at reasonable prices, convenient and quick. Snack shops at the foot of the mountain offer authentic local delicacies like Northeast-style grilled skewers, iron pot stews, and grilled cold noodles, perfect for replenishing energy. For a richer taste of Northeast cuisine, visit Anshan’s old town to try specialties such as grilled cold noodles, Guobao pork, and braised pork bones, experiencing the strong local flavor. It’s recommended to bring some snacks and water, especially when hiking, to be prepared for any needs.
--- 7. Practical Tips — Make Your Trip Smoother Before traveling, plan your route and buy tickets in advance to avoid wasting time in queues. Pay attention to safety while hiking, wear non-slip shoes, and bring trekking poles for stability. The mountain can be windy with large temperature differences between morning and evening, so bring a jacket and rain gear to handle sudden weather changes. The scenic area has a beautiful environment—please protect nature by not littering and preserving the ecosystem. Use the eco-friendly shuttle bus or walk to reduce environmental impact. If it’s your first visit, it’s recommended to book cable car tickets and guide services on Trip.com in advance for a more convenient experience. Some small shops inside the park accept WeChat Pay and Alipay, but it’s also wise to carry some cash.
--- 8. Summary — Qianshan, Worth Exploring with Heart Qianshan is not only a mountain range full of strange peaks but also a land rich in cultural heritage. Whether you love hiking, photography, or enjoying Buddhist culture, Qianshan offers you different surprises. Plan ahead, arrange your time wisely, and choose suitable routes to enjoy both the joy of hiking and the charm of culture. Bring your family or friends and create beautiful memories together in this green ocean. Come to Anshan and start an unforgettable "Qianshan journey"! Here, you will discover nature’s wonders and feel the profound cultural heritage. Let’s explore with heart and capture this magical land with our lenses.