Phoenix Mountain in Dandong

Phoenix Mountain in Dandong

Phoenix Mountain in Dandong is a national-level scenic spot and a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Introduction The Phoenix Mountain scenic area in Dandong is a national-level scenic spot and one of the four famous mountains in Liaoning. It is located 57 kilometers northwest of Dandong City, 213 kilometers north of Shenyang, and 300 kilometers southwest of Dalian, covering an area of 24 square kilometers. With its high mountains, lush forests, waterfalls, and springs, the area boasts a majestic and magnificent landscape that changes with the seasons. It is dotted with cultural relics and historic sites, making it a renowned tourist destination. The area is highlighted by its ten major landscapes—“Scenery, Peaks, Danger, Rocks, Caves, Springs, Wildlife, Temples, Carvings, and Traces”—featuring over 100 key attractions. It combines “majesty, danger, serenity, wonder, and beauty” all in one, with its scenery concentrated and its challenges unpredictable. The temples, stone carvings, and other cultural landmarks around the mountain create a beautiful traditional Chinese landscape painting.

Guide

Legend has it that Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, Li Shimin, visited this mountain during his eastern tour, giving rise to the legend of the “Phoenix Worshiping Its Ancestor,” after which the mountain was named “Phoenix Mountain.” There are ten major scenic wonders on Phoenix Mountain: Summer Retreat in Stone Shelter, Waterfall Cascades in the Valley, Sacred Realm of Doumu, Sea of Clouds over the Mountain, Pines Staring at the Moon, Bizarre Rocks Suspended in Air, Autumn Hunt along Pine Paths, View of the Heavenly Lake, Clouds Lingering over Barrier Ridges, and Eastern Land of Immortals.

The entire mountain is divided into the West Mountain and East Mountain scenic areas. The West Mountain area has the most concentrated and also the most rugged and spectacular attractions, so it is usually the main area visited. The East Mountain area is also mountain-focused but sees fewer visitors, offering a quieter and more serene environment. The West Mountain area is divided into three hiking routes: the Big Loop, the Medium Loop, and the Small Loop.

The Big Loop route mainly connects all the major attractions on the West Mountain: Doumu Palace – Three Teachings Temple – First-Class Cave Heaven – Beacon Tower – Immortal’s Seat – Arhat Peak – General Peak – Layered Green Peak – Old Ox’s Back – Three Cloud Terraces – Arrow Eye Peak – Horse Hoof Hollow – Divine Horse Peak – Golden Turtle Seeking Phoenix – Bridge to Heaven – then descend. This route involves full hiking and is one-way with no return path, taking about 7–8 hours. It allows you to experience all the highlights of the mountain but is also a great test of your physical strength and endurance.

The Medium Loop is the recommended route for most visitors. You can choose to hike: Doumu Palace – Three Teachings Temple – First-Class Cave Heaven – Beacon Tower – Immortal’s Seat – Arhat Peak – General Peak – Flag-Planting Platform, and then take the cable car or walk down. The journey takes about 3–4 hours.

The Small Loop mainly passes by temples on the mountain and is suitable for visitors with limited mobility or those who come specifically to pray. Following the Medium Loop route up to “General Peak,” there is a downhill path. The trip takes about 2 hours.

You can refer to the scenic area guide map and panoramic view of major attractions here: http://www.cnfhs.com/fhs/凤凰山.html

Address: Near Fengshan Road, Fengcheng City, Dandong

Type: Forest & Mountain / Hiking

Rating: AAAA

Recommended Visit Duration: 4–6 hours

Phone: 0415-8126042; 0415-6860083

Official Website: http://www.cnfhs.com

Opening Hours:

Open all day

Ticket Information:

Full price: 80 RMB (insurance 2 RMB purchased separately); half price for children between 1.2–1.4 meters tall, and full-time undergraduate students or below; free entry for seniors over 70 and children under 1.2 meters; free for military personnel. Cable car one-way: 50 RMB; sightseeing bus up the mountain: 10 RMB (stops at ticket gate), down the mountain: 20 RMB (starts from Phoenix Square).

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of National Key Scenic Spots