Jinan Zhufeng Mountain Scenic Area

Jinan Zhufeng Mountain Scenic Area

Zhufeng Mountain, also known as Nanshan Spring or Phoenix Mountain Wonderland, is located 5 kilometers south of Gangou and southwest of Guojiazhuang, near the eastern new district. The entire scenic area is embraced by mountains, featuring dense forests, wildflowers, flowing springs, steep cliffs, hidden caves, serene valleys, ancient vines, old trees, historic paths, ancient temples, and ancient pagodas. It is hailed as a "hidden paradise" unknown to the outside world.

With the long holiday approaching, busy city dwellers can finally immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and breathe freely. If you’re looking to unwind amidst high mountains, flowing streams, and ancient vines, the hidden paradise of Zhufeng Mountain is probably your best choice.

The beautiful Zhufeng Mountain is just 15 kilometers from downtown Jinan. As you climb up the steps, the landscape suddenly opens up — lush trees, birds chirping, secluded valleys, dense forests, and surrounding mountains make you feel as if you’ve entered a hidden paradise right after leaving the urban area.

Phoenix Platform Ready to Take Flight

Viewed from afar, Zhufeng Mountain resembles a giant golden phoenix about to take flight, and the mountaintop platform north of Xiangyin Temple is the phoenix’s head — hence the name “Phoenix Platform.” This is the best spot to admire the fairyland scenery. Gazing into the distance, you’ll see overlapping mountain ranges and crisscrossing fields; up close, quaint thatched cottages are nestled among green trees, with patches of wildflowers, clusters of trees, melodious birdsong, and the tinkling of spring streams.

Ancient Vines Winding Through Peach Blossom Land

Deep within Zhufeng Mountain, there are dense ancient vines of various kinds, winding through the woods and resembling the unique tropical rainforest ecosystem found only in southern China. This is extremely rare in northern China and unparalleled in Shandong, making it truly astonishing.

Peach Blossom Land is a valley where, in the middle, grows an ancient peach tree grove, said to have been cultivated by a retired general during the Northern and Southern Dynasties. Locals call it “Peach Blossom Land.” Because it’s a favorite spot for young couples to go on dates, it’s also commonly known as “Lovers’ Valley.”

Millennium Ancient Temple — Xiangyin Temple

The millennium-old Xiangyin Temple is hidden among the green trees halfway up Zhufeng Mountain. This time-honored temple remains bustling with worshippers to this day, with people coming from near and far to pray and make wishes. Inside the temple are two thousand-year-old cypress and pine trees, as well as eight stone tablets engraved during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Towering ancient trees surround the temple, while steep cliffs rise to the west and south, lined with emerald-green screens. Nowadays, under the influence of the recent sudden temperature drop in Jinan, the lush greenery of summer has begun to show the first signs of autumn red leaves.

High Mountains, Flowing Streams, Tianzhai Breeze

Southwest of Xiangyin Temple lies a steep valley shaded by flowers and trees, leading directly to “Tongtianzhai.” Nearby, the Dripping Rain Cliff continuously sheds water year-round, with sheer cliff walls as smooth as if cut by a knife, stretching high into the sky. Strange trees grow abundantly atop the cliff, creating a spectacular sight. On the western side of the cliff is the “Immortal Platform,” said to be where immortals played chess. There are also other earthly paradises such as Happy Valley and the Western Mountain Divine Spring, all surrounded by mountains and greenery, with flat terrain, hospitable and sincere local families, distinctive mountain cuisine, and affordable local specialties you can bring back for family and friends — unique rural products not commonly found in the city.

Before you know it, you’ve spent a whole day at Zhufeng Mountain. As the sun sets, you still find it hard to leave — the beautiful scenery, refreshing breeze, murmuring springs, and towering cliffs make you almost want to stay in this peach blossom fairyland forever.

Address: Guojiazhuang, Gangou Town, Licheng District, Jinan

Business Hours: 8:00–18:00

Suggested Visiting Time: About 2 hours

Price: 30 RMB per person

Featured Attraction: Millennium Ancient Pagoda

Guide Fee: 20 RMB

Supporting Facilities:

Dining, shopping, entertainment, outdoor activities

Public Transport:

Take bus No. 115 or 116 and get off at Beihu Station (Zhufeng Mountain Reception Center);

Tourist Shuttle Bus: Departs from Honglou Gome, No. 220 Huayuan Road.

Self-Driving Directions:

Take the G20 Expressway — exit at Daweizhuang — follow the Hedao Elevated Road — Jingshi Road — Yanshan Overpass — Tourism Road — turn right at Gangou Village (scenic area signs will be visible), drive about 6 kilometers to reach Guojiazhuang and the scenic area. The drive takes about 40 minutes after exiting the expressway.

Parking Information:

Scenic area parking lot.