Qianling Mountain Park offers scenic mountain hikes, lake tours, stalactite caves, Buddhist worship at Hongfu Temple, and a visit to the zoo.
1. Hiking
Ascending along the winding path, you'll find lush vegetation and fresh air, and along the way, you'll see cliff carvings. The mountain isn't particularly high, about 200 meters above ground level. At the summit stands Hongfu Temple, built during the Qing Dynasty. Admission is 2 yuan. Prayers there are said to be effective, attracting many worshippers. After Hongfu Temple, further climbing leads to the Kanzhu Pavilion on Xiangwang Ridge. From there, you can overlook the towering skyscrapers nestled among the Guiyang mountains, making for a great photo spot.
2. Watching Macaques at Hongfu Temple
Qianling Mountain Park is a series of peaks. You can also hike Baixiang Mountain, Guandao Rock, and Daluo Ridge. Most tourists can descend after visiting Hongfu Temple and the Kanzhu Pavilion. There are a lot of macaques at Hongfu Temple and on the road down the mountain. Many tourists come to Qianling Mountain Park just to see these macaques. The monkeys are free-range in the park and are not afraid of people. People, on the other hand, should give them some leeway. If you have a camera, hold it tight, and if you have food, hide it carefully, as the monkeys might snatch it.
3. Boating on Qianling Lake
When you reach a fork in the road on your way down the mountain, head towards Qianling Lake. There are snack shops along the lake where you can refuel. Qianling Lake is an artificial reservoir with a monument to revolutionary martyrs on its shores. Boating is available on the lake for a suggested fee of 15 yuan per hour. In summer, the lotus flowers are in full bloom, creating a beautiful view.
4. Visiting the Zoo
Next, head to the zoo. There is also a snack shop next to the zoo, offering delicious and affordable dishes like barbecue skewers, grilled squid, and grilled tofu. The zoo entrance fee is 5 yuan. There aren't many species of animals, but if you're traveling with children, seeing black bears, lions, sika deer, pigeons, and more will delight you.
5. Qilin Cave Stalactites
Qilin Cave is located south of the zoo. Inside, you'll find several stalactites, including one that bears a striking resemblance to a qilin. Zhang Xueliang and Yang Hucheng were both imprisoned here by Chiang Kai-shek. The museum houses the two generals' cultural relics, showcasing their former bedrooms and providing pictorial information related to them.
Qianling Mountain Park Highlights: Guiyang's most famous comprehensive park, offering opportunities for worship at Hongfu Temple and panoramic views of the city from the pavilions.
Impressions: The monkeys are a key attraction at Qianling Mountain Park, unlike other city parks. Groups of monkeys wander the park, some leisurely strolling, some playing and frolicking, and others politely accepting food and fruit offered by visitors. Experience a close and harmonious interaction with the animals.
You can also visit Qilin Cave, where Zhang Xueliang was imprisoned.
Don't miss the Anshun Po Su Bao (Po Su Bao) on the small street outside the South Gate. They're a delicacy rarely found anywhere else in China, and the long lines are definitely worth it!