Mt. Panshan Scenic Area

Mt. Panshan Scenic Area is located 12 km northwest of Jixian County, 110 kilometers (68.4 miles) away from Tianjin, 88 kilometers (54.7 miles) away from Beijing. Endowed with natural beauty and a historical heritage, Mt. Panshan is known as "The First Mountain East in Jingdong (east of Beijing)" and is listed as one of the top fifteen mountains in China.

The Panshan Mountain acquired its present name, early in the Eastern Han (25-220). Taizong, the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), was prodigal of his praise of its scenery on his chance visit when he led the army in a campaign. Seventy-two temples, thirteen pagodas and numerous Xanadus and towers were built on the mountain in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Qianlong, a brilliant and wise Qing Dynasty emperor was so impressed that he made thirty or so visits and wrote 1366 poems to express his admiration of the area. In the first half of the twentieth century, the whole resort all fell to ruin due to hostilities and neglect. It has undergone a process of restoration since the 1990s and is now regaining its fame.

Blessed with strange rock formations, verdant trees, clear streams lakes and mighty peaks, Panshan Mountain is made up of Shang Pan which is famous for vigorous pine trees, Zhong Pan which is well-known for unique rocks and Xia Pan that is renowned for crystal clear stream water. On the top, numerous pines hide the sky from view and block out the sunshine. Rugged rocks in a variety of shapes, some of which resemble a toad, a general or a boa. At its foot, clear water splashes on the rocks. The Mt. Panshan is consists of five peaks, with the highest one, Guayue (Moon Hanging) Peak, is 857 meters (2811.7 feet) above sea level. On the Peak, there is a Buddhist Tower which is said that the Buddhist Light will be seen on the eve of Chinese New Year. At foot of the Peak, there is a temple built in the Tang Dynasty.

Two trains run between Tianjin and Jixian every day and the journey takes 3 hours. There are also regular buses from Tianjin's northeast bus station. Expressway is available for travelers departing from Beijing and it's about 2 hours' drive to get there.

Opening Hour: 09:00 to 16:50

Recommended time for a visit: One and half an hour

Bus Route: First take train to Jing Court and then go by the tourist bus. The train runs from 07:30 a.m. to 19:00 p.m.