Qionglu Mountain

Qionglu Mountain

The Suzhou Qionglu Mountain Scenic Area is situated in the western part of Gusu and is the foremost mountain in Suzhou. Its main peak, "Ruomao Peak," has an elevation of 341.7 meters, making it the tallest among the mountains on the eastern shore of Taihu Lake, thus gaining the title of the "Summit of Wu Region." The mountain is grand in scale and expansive in area, linking to Mudu in the east and facing Taihu Lake in the west, extending through the three towns of Guangfu, Cangshu, and Xukou, spanning approximately 7.5 kilometers in length with over 20,000 mu of forested land. The scenic area enjoys highly convenient transportation, with Provincial Highway 209 and the Suzhou Ring Expressway both providing direct access. The addition of Bus Routes 43 and 64 further enhances visitor accessibility.

The Qionglu Mountain Scenic Area boasts abundant natural resources. As you ascend the steps, the scenery constantly changes — from lush pines and bamboos to murmuring springs, all set within an exceptionally tranquil and serene environment. The 612-mu provincial-level nature reserve, Maopengwu, serves as a natural botanical museum, home to precious tree species such as Niubishuan, Duansui Bamboo, and Zinan, as well as medicinal plants including Qiongshu, Sanqi, Dangshen, Lingzhi, and Heshouwu. A total of 151 types of medicinal plants have been identified here. The Qionglu Mountain Scenic Area is also the largest "natural forest oxygen bar" in the Suzhou region, with rich oxygen levels in the woods and an impressive negative ion concentration of 20,000 per cubic meter — 400 to 500 times higher than the average.

The Qionglu Mountain Scenic Area has a long and storied history, encompassing politics, military affairs, religion, and culture, making its rich cultural heritage another key attraction. The great ancient military strategist Sun Wu once lived in seclusion here and authored China’s first military treatise, The Art of War. Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty visited the mountain six times, leaving behind numerous little-known anecdotes. Zhu Maichen, a minister of the Western Han Dynasty, once gathered firewood and studied here. The renowned anti-Jin general Han Shizhong and his subordinates also gathered on the mountain to admire the moon. A 12-kilometer mountain-looping road winds its way up to the summit, connecting various scenic spots. Notable attractions include: Sun Wu’s Garden, Zhu Maichen’s Reading Platform, Wanghu Garden, Shangzhen Taoist Temple, Ningbang Temple, and Wanyue Platform.

The Qionglu Mountain Scenic Area is a key project under Wu Zhong District’s initiative to “beautify the Taihu landscape and build a new Wu Zhong city.” With the support of the district government and the joint efforts of the tourism development company and all sectors of society, the landscape of the scenic area is undergoing tremendous transformation. Future development will focus not only on enhancing basic infrastructure but also on optimally integrating essential tourism elements such as dining, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment. Greater emphasis will also be placed on expanding and deepening the cultural significance of the area. With further strategic planning, the Qionglu Mountain Scenic Area is poised to become the premier and sacred mountain of Taihu — rooted in its natural ecological resources, themed around Sun Wu’s culture, and enriched with religious, royal, and leisure cultures.

Ticket: 60 RMB/person

Opening Hours: 6:30–16:30

Phone: 0512-66245716

Website: http://www.szqls.com/

Address: Qionglu Mountain Scenic Area, 1 km southwest of the center of Cangshu Town, Wuzhong District, Suzhou City

Type: Forested Mountain

Rating: AAAAA

Recommended Visiting Time: Suggested 0.5–1 day

Phone: 0512-66892763

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

Opening Hours:

Monday–Sunday 8:30–16:30

Ticket Information:

Adult ticket: 80 RMB; children between 1.2–1.5 meters tall (including 1.5 m), and seniors aged 60–69 enjoy a 50% discount; free admission for active-duty military personnel, retired military cadres, people with disabilities, seniors aged 70 and above (including 70), and children under 1.2 meters tall (including 1.2 m).