Xiong'er Mountain National Geopark

Xiong'er Mountain National Geopark

Xiong'er Mountain National Geopark is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and a national geopark.

Shandong Zaozhuang Xiong'er Mountain National Geopark is located in the southern part of Shandong Province, approximately 8 km northeast of Zaozhuang City, covering a total area of 98 square kilometers. The national geopark is characterized by the karst landforms of Xiong'er Mountain and the Baodugu landform.

The area features undulating mountains and crisscrossing ravines, with over 40 peaks of various sizes, with elevations ranging between 211 and 584 meters. The mountain ranges generally trend northeastward, arranged in a V-formation. Centered around Xiong'er Mountain and Baodugu, the park integrates the Shuanglong Grand Rift Valley, a cave cluster, Dragon Claw Cliff (collapse landform), mountain springs, and the most typical table mountain (guyue) landforms. Baodugu is the highest peak at 584 meters above sea level and has long been renowned as the foremost of the 72 guyue in southern Shandong for its unique “grandeur,” “majesty,” “danger,” and “beauty.” It is hailed as the “Little Mount Tai of Southern Shandong” and is now also celebrated as the “Foremost Guyue Under Heaven.” Xiong'er Mountain stands at 481 meters and is a natural karst wonder unique to Shandong and rare in North China. The interlacing guyue peaks in the park resemble solemnly seated gentlemen, which is why Baodugu was historically also called “Junshan” (Gentlemen’s Mountain). The area boasts well-developed karst features, with a fantastic array of caves and oddly shaped stalactites. The Shuanglong Grand Rift Valley is a naturally formed marvel of extraordinary beauty and constant transformation. The Little Stone Forest resembles jade hands reaching for the sky or blooming lotuses, while massive limestone boulders under Dragon Claw Cliff are strewn about at random, all showcasing the immense power of nature. The area is further graced by murmuring mountain springs and enchanting lake views. Together, these elements create the uniquely distinctive geological and geomorphological landscape of Xiong'er Mountain Geopark.

Some large caves formed along structural lines have evolved into breathtaking miniature canyons. For example, the Shuanglong Grand Rift Valley in Xiong'er Mountain is about 500 meters long, 10–40 meters deep, and 1–15 meters wide. Tectonic breccia can be observed on the karst-developed rock walls. Within the valley, there are caves within caves, and the stalactites formed in these valleys and caves display a stunning variety of shapes. Numerous mountain springs emerge where karst fractures allow water to seep down and then resurface upon hitting an impermeable layer. Due to uneven resistance to weathering among the rocks in the area, the region has developed the classic Cambrian limestone table mountains—guyue landforms—that are representative both nationally and internationally, also referred to as carbonate rock peaks. Additionally, due to the development of structural karst in the area, differential weathering between the upper Zhangxia Formation limestone and the lower Mantou Formation shale and sandstone, coupled with factors such as earthquakes and gravity, has led to landslides and rock collapses in certain mountain areas. Examples include the landslide mass on the western side of Lieshan Valley and the Dragon Claw Cliff (rock collapse) on the eastern side, which are typical geological disaster relics.

Moreover, the area boasts profound historical and cultural heritage. The national forest park Baodugu is a rare gathering place of natural mixed forests, with lush woodlands, captivating scenery, and a rich diversity of wildlife. It is an ideal destination for leisure and tourism.

Address: Xiong'er Mountain Scenic Area, Beizhuang Town, Shanting District, Zaozhuang City, Shandong Province

Rating: AAAA

Phone: 0632-8912939

Opening Hours:

8:30-17:00

Ticket Information:

Ticket: 50 RMB