Qufu Shimen Mountain National Forest Park

Qufu Shimen Mountain National Forest Park

Qufu Shimen Mountain National Forest Park is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, a cultural tourism site, and a national forest park.

Originally named Longmen Mountain, Shimen Mountain is located at the junction of Qufu, Sishui, and Ningyang counties, 21.5 kilometers northeast of Qufu City. It earned its name because two opposing mountains form an entrance resembling a stone gate. Composed of eight peaks, the mountain features striking brown rocks and the overhanging eaves of ancient structures, creating a picturesque scene full of charm.

As early as the fourth year of the Tang Dynasty's Tianbao era (745 AD), Li Bai and Du Fu once held a farewell banquet at the Shimen Peak Terrace. The renowned Qing Dynasty playwright Kong Shangren, captivated by the mountain’s twenty-four scenic spots, built rock piles here and lived in seclusion twice for a total of 22 years, during which he conceived his immortal work "The Peach Blossom Fan."

It has now been designated as a national forest park.

Existing relics include the site where Confucius studied the Book of Changes, the farewell site of Li Bai and Du Fu, the Autumn Water Pavilion, and the retreat site of Kong Shangren. A Taoist temple was built on the mountain during the Yuan Dynasty, which was converted into Yuquan Temple in the early Ming Dynasty. Today, structures such as the Thousand Buddha Hall and the Scripture Depository remain, with statues of the Three Ages of Buddhas and the Eighteen Arhats.

Shimen Mountain boasts twenty-four scenic spots, including Ice and Snow Valley and Vine Flower Canopy, but is especially famed for the Moonlit Stone Gate. With its majestic peaks, deep caves, and lush forests, the mountain is celebrated for its stunning scenery and has been listed as a national forest park.

Shimen Mountain Forest Park is located 30 kilometers northeast of Qufu City, 3 kilometers west of National Highway 104. It is named for the two opposing mountains that form a stone gate-like entrance. The entire scenic area combines both cultural and natural landscapes in a harmonious blend. Facilities such as steps are thoughtfully arranged and well-organized. The rocks on the mountain are particularly remarkable, varying in size, texture, and placement along the middle stratum — some grand, others delicate; some light-toned, others dark; some neat, others rugged. They bear the marks of time and weather. Walking through the mountain, the air is exceptionally fresh, and in summer, the dense foliage provides cool relief. The variously shaped stones inscribed with scenes from "The Peach Blossom Fan," along with the legends of Kong Shangren’s seclusion, add rich cultural depth to the site, making it a must-visit destination.

Time Needed

3–4 hours

Transportation

By car: Follow National Highway 104 northward. When you’re close to the Tai’an junction, look for a large sign that says “Shimen Mountain Forest Park – Turn East Here,” then drive straight east.

Ticket Price

30 RMB per person

Opening Hours

8:00-19:00

Shimen Mountain Town: Located in the northeastern part of Qufu City, Shimen Mountain Town borders Tai’an to the north and Sishui to the east. It covers a total area of 84.2 square kilometers, governs 54 natural villages and 35 administrative villages, with a population of 48,000.

The northern part is mainly mountainous and hilly, with continuous ranges suitable for forestry, fruit cultivation, and animal husbandry. The southern area is flat with fertile soil, ideal for growing grain and cash crops.

In recent years, the town’s Party committee and government have diligently implemented the policies of the central government. Based on local realities and upholding the important thought of “-”, they have united and led the people in reform, opening up, and hard work... More detailed information about Shimen Mountain Town++