Cuiping Mountain in Pingyin, Jinan

Cuiping Mountain in Pingyin, Jinan

Located 12.5 kilometers southwest of Pingyin County, Jinan City. It earned its name from its steep, majestic ridges and dense, lush pines and cypresses, resembling a naturally beautiful barrier. It is also called "Water Mountain" by locals due to the numerous springs on the mountain, as there is a saying that “there is a spring at every crevice.” Cuiping Mountain boasts abundant natural landscapes and cultural relics, and is a well-known scenic spot. In 1985, Jinan City listed Cuiping Mountain as one of its eight major scenic tourist areas.

The name comes from its verdant greenery and layered peaks resembling a screen. Originally known as "Water Mountain," it was historically used as a landmark for gauging floodwater depth in the city. The mountain is home to many historical sites.

The main peak at the summit is called Baofeng Peak, where the "Jade Emperor Temple" is built. The temple gate faces south and is made of stone, arched in shape. The temple has two levels, accessible via stone steps inside the gate. Outside the gate is a stone bridge, flanked by a single cypress tree on each side, commonly referred to as "two cypresses framing one bridge." Inside the gate is a small courtyard, with the Jade Emperor Pavilion built at the center. The lower level of the pavilion features a stone arched gate, while the upper level has four corner structures resembling triangular battlements, like the outstretched wings of a bird. Short walls with crenellations are built in the middle, resembling ancient Western castles, giving the structure a unique style. On the western side of the Jade Emperor Pavilion courtyard stands the "Dufo Pagoda" (Pagoda of Many Buddhas), named for the many stone Buddha statues embedded in its body. The pagoda was built in the fourth year of the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty (630 AD) and renovated in the first year of the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty (1522 AD). Constructed from bluestone, it has eight sides, 13 tiers of dense eaves, and is 19.7 meters tall. Its shape is majestic, simple, and classic. Each of the four cardinal directions on every tier features a Buddha niche containing carved stone Buddha statues—originally 104, now 88 remain. The Buddha statues are seated in the lotus position, with decorative halos and vine motifs on their backs, showcasing distinct Tang Dynasty characteristics. Atop the pagoda sits an iron treasure bottle finial, 1.9 meters high, cast in the sixth year of the Jiajing era. It was designated as a Shandong Provincial Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit in 1977.

On the mountainside of the western peak lies the site of Baofeng Temple. Originally built in the 11th year of the Tianbao era of the Tang Dynasty (752 AD) by Monk Cijing, it was initially named "Baoning Monastery." It was renovated in the third year of the Dading era of the Jin Dynasty (1163 AD) and renamed "Baofeng Temple." It expanded during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, growing in scale. Major structures included the Mahavira Hall, Jade Emperor Pavilion, White-robed Pavilion, Heavenly King Hall, Eight Immortals Pavilion, Bixia Yuanjun Hall, Guan Di Temple, Lingguan Temple, Daoying Nunnery, and the Theater Stage. Most have now collapsed, but ruins remain, along with many Ming and Qing stone tablets. On the northern cliffs are two grottoes carved with Buddha statues, featuring 12 statues of bodhisattvas and Buddhas. According to inscriptions, they were created in the 11th year of the Tianbao era of the Tang Dynasty (752 AD) by Lu Chongzhen. The cliffside features striking terrain, with various trees growing on it, especially fine specimens of juniper and cypress. Amid the dark green foliage stands a massive rock, protruding abruptly in two tiers, with the inscription “Diecui Stone” (Stacked Greenery Stone) on its side. Below the rock is a natural cave called “Yinbao Cave,” where the mountain breeze makes a melodious whistling sound. A gnarled ancient cypress grows in the crevice of this rock, dramatically suspended in midair. With twisted trunk, eagle-claw-like roots, broad canopy, and lush branches and leaves, it is known as “Water Mountain Stacked Greenery,” one of the Eight Scenic Spots of old Pingyin. Other sights on the southwestern side of the mountain include the “Stone Threshold” and “Sword-Testing Stone.”

Address: Wangqiao Village, Meigui Town, Pingyin County, Jinan City

Opening Hours: 8:00–19:00

Visiting Time: Approximately 3 hours

Price: 10 RMB per person

Featured Attractions: Baofeng Temple, Jade Emperor Temple, Dufo Pagoda

Recommended Route: Baofeng Temple — Dufo Pagoda — Sword-Testing Stone

Public Transport:

No dedicated tourist shuttle service currently available

Self-Drive Guide:

Exit Pingyin of the Jining–Heze Expressway → National Highway 220 (Zhenxing Street) → Qinglong Road → Turn onto National Highway 105

Parking Information:

Parking is available along the roadside.

Meigui Town: "Meigui Town is located in the southwestern part of the county and is named for its abundant rose production. In November 2005, following comprehensive rural administrative reforms, the former Meigui Town and Diaopo Slope Town were merged into Meigui Town. The merged town covers an area of 136 square kilometers, with 4,158 hectares of arable land and 48 administrative villages. It has 14,722 households and a population of 47,464. The birth rate is 6.43‰, and the natural growth rate is 0.91‰."

Economic Overview

Gross Domestic Product: 798.54 million RMB, an increase of 13.4% over the previous year, including the primary, secondary, and tertiary industries... More detailed information on Meigui Town ++