Jinan Huashan Scenic Area

Jinan Huashan Scenic Area

The Huashan Mountain in Shandong is also known as Huabuzhu Mountain. It was once called "Jinyu Mountain" because during the Warring States period, in the Battle of An between the states of Jin and Qi, the trace horse (outer horse on one side) of Duke Qing of Qi’s chariot got its reins caught on tree branches here, causing the chariot to become stuck. Located at the northeast corner of Jinan City, it stands 197 meters above sea level, rising abruptly from the flat land like a sword thrusting from the earth. Huabuzhu Mountain has long been famed for its unique beauty. Viewed from different angles, it takes on different forms, and many believe that “Huabuzhu” is a phonetic variation of “flower bud.” Its name comes from its resemblance to an unopened lotus flower. The mountain’s rocks are bluish-gray, distinctly different from the geological structure of the Taihang Mountain range in the southern suburbs of Jinan. Li Daoyuan described Huabuzhu Mountain in his "Commentary on the Water Classic" as follows: “A solitary peak of elegant beauty, not connected to hills yet standing tall on its own; fang-like teeth standing sharply, a lone summit piercing the sky. Emerald cliffs and verdant hues resemble painted eyebrows from afar.” The famous Yuan Dynasty painter and calligrapher Zhao Mengfu depicted the scenery around Que Mountain and Huabuzhu Mountain in his painting "Autumn Colors on the Que and Hua Mountains." According to the "Zuo Commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals," in the second year of Duke Cheng’s reign (589 BC), Duke Qing of Qi fought the Jin army in Jinan. Due to his arrogance and underestimation of the enemy, he was defeated and, while being chased by the Jin army, made three laps around Huabuzhu Mountain. Thanks to his servant Choufu, who switched places with him and ordered him to fetch water from Huquan Spring, Duke Qing managed to escape. The Song Dynasty writer Zeng Gong wrote in his poem "Climbing Huashan": “Choufu’s loyal legacy is nowhere to be found, only the sweetness of a wild spring remains.” The Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai wrote in "Ancient Airs": “Once I traveled to the Qi capital, ascended the peak of Huabuzhu. How steep and beautiful is this mountain, lush and green like a lotus. The ancient immortal seems so serene, clearly he is the Red Pine. Lend me a white deer, while he brings two green dragons. Smiling, we rise above inverted landscapes, joyfully I wish to follow.” Two of the ancient Eight Scenic Spots of Jinan involve Huashan: "Nine Points of Smoke" and "Mist and Rain over Que and Huashan." To the south of the mountain lies the largest ancient architectural complex in Jinan — Huayang Palace, covering 90,000 square meters. It was first built in 1220 AD (the fourth year of the Xingding era of the Jin Dynasty) by Chen Zhiyuan, a disciple of Qiu Chuji, the great master of the Quanzhen School of Taoism, who constructed Huayang Palace south of the mountain. The area is surrounded by ponds, and in ancient times there was Huashan Lake, making it a typical suburban landscape tourism destination. No one knows exactly when the buildings of Huayang Palace were constructed. Legend has it that during the Eastern Han Dynasty, Emperor Liu Xiu begged for food at Zhijia Village at the foot of the mountain. A man named Zhai Aizi took him in. Later, when Liu Xiu became emperor, he married Zhai Aizi’s sister, and the Zhai family became wealthy. They built many estates at the foot of the mountain and even funded the construction of Huayang Palace. There are several foreign-related hotels and small restaurants and inns near Huashan, such as the Huangtai Grand Hotel, branches of the Minghu Grand Hotel, and shopping and entertainment facilities are also conveniently available. Huashan Braised Chicken and Braised Carp are famous for their delicious taste.

Huashan has a long history, and literati and poets throughout the dynasties have climbed this mountain. There are many historical anecdotes, the most widely spread being the following: halfway up Huashan, there is a Temple of Lüzu. One day, monks went down the mountain to fetch water. A wolf entered the temple, and after the monks brought the water in, they closed the door. The starving wolf ended up eating the monks, but then couldn’t get out of the temple door and eventually starved to death inside.

Address: Hehua Road, Licheng District, Jinan City, Shandong Province

Travel Tips

Public Transport Guide: 1. Take bus 97 from north of Quanfu Overpass to the Hexiangdian Road North Station, then walk 1.5 kilometers to Huashan Scenic Area. Bus 97 costs 2 yuan, does not accept monthly passes, and offers a 10% discount with IC cards.

2. Take bus 71 from Quanfu Overpass Station and get off at Hexiangdian Road North Station, then walk 1.5 kilometers to Huashan Scenic Area.

Public Transport Guide: 1. Take bus 97 from north of Quanfu Overpass to the Hexiangdian Road North Station, then walk 1.5 kilometers to Huashan Scenic Area. Bus 97 costs 2 yuan, does not accept monthly passes, and offers a 10% discount with IC cards.

2. Take bus 71 from Quanfu Overpass Station and get off at Hexiangdian Road North Station, then walk 1.5 kilometers to Huashan Scenic Area.