Located in Xiangning County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province, Yunqiu Mountain is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and national scenic area, renowned as "The Most Scenic Spot along Fenhe River" and "The Most Beautiful Peak of Gushan Mountain". It combines natural wonders, Taoist culture and ancient villages with thousand-year history.
Overview
Basic Information
- Area: Total area of 210 sq km, with main peak Jade Emperor Summit at 1,629m altitude.
- Honors: National 5A-level tourist attraction, National Geopark, China Traditional Village Conservation Area.
Natural Features
- Geological Wonders: Rare ice cave cluster formed 3 million years ago.
- Ecological Resources: 89% forest coverage, known as "natural oxygen bar".
- Climate: Average summer temperature 23°C, ideal summer resort.
Main Attractions
Natural Landscapes
- Jade Emperor Summit: Highest peak offering views of sea of clouds and sunrise.
- Yunqiu Ice Caves: One of world's three major ice cave wonders, maintaining subzero temperatures year-round.
- Sacred Spring: Natural spring with sweet, clear water that has never dried up for millennia.
- Thread of Sky: Narrowest canyon section allowing only single-person passage between towering cliffs.
Cultural Sites
- Ta'erpo Ancient Village: Well-preserved stone village dating back to Tang Dynasty.
- Jade Lotus Cave: Taoist sacred site where Lü Dongbin is said to have practiced.
- Duobao Lingyan Temple: Buddhist temple built during Northern Wei Dynasty with thriving incense culture.
Featured Experiences
Cultural Activities
- Taoist Culture Festival: Grand blessing ceremony held annually on 6th day of 6th lunar month.
- Folk Performances: Traditional wedding customs, shadow puppetry and other folk arts.
- Ice Cave Exploration: Experience -10°C ice caves year-round.
Outdoor Activities
- Hiking: Multiple trails of varying difficulty levels.
- Zip Line: 800m-long cable crossing the canyon.
- Glass Walkway: Transparent viewing platform suspended on cliffs.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
- Peak Season (Apr 1-Oct 31): 08:00-18:00
- Off Season (Nov 1-Mar 31): 08:30-17:00
Ticket Information
- Full Ticket: 120 RMB/person (peak), 80 RMB/person (off)
- Concession Ticket: 60 RMB/person (students, seniors etc.)
- Ice Cave Ticket: 80 RMB/person (requires separate purchase)
Transportation
- Public Transport: Tourist shuttle buses from Linfen Bus Station.
- Self-drive: From Linfen via Jingkun Expressway, exit at Xiangning and follow signs for about 1 hour.
- Parking: Large parking lot available for 2,000 vehicles.
Travel Tips
- Best Season: April to October, summer for retreat and autumn for foliage.
- Itinerary: Recommend 1-2 days, with accommodation options in scenic area hotels or ancient village homestays.
- Notice: Mountain weather changes quickly - bring windproof jacket and hiking shoes.