Longshan Mountain in Taiyuan

Longshan Mountain in Taiyuan

At Longshan, you can experience the charm of Taoist and Buddhist cultures. The Taoist architectural complex Haotian Temple is built atop the peak of Longshan. Southwest of Haotian Temple lies an observation pavilion, which offers an excellent vantage point for admiring the autumn foliage. To the east of Haotian Temple stands China’s outstanding masterpiece of Taoist sculpture—the Longshan Taoist Grottoes. Carved during the Sui and Tang dynasties and flourishing during the Song and Yuan periods, these grottoes were extensively developed under the direction of the Yuan Dynasty Quanzhen Taoist master Song Defang, showcasing an extremely grand and majestic presence. Walking north along the path above the grottoes leads to the northern peak of Longshan, where the renowned Buddhist temple Tongzi Temple is located. Here, you’ll also find a towering cliff-carved stone Buddha reaching a staggering height of 170 feet, soaring impressively into the sky. At the foot of the great Buddha stands the oldest and largest surviving hexagonal stone lantern tower in China, simple yet solemn.

Come autumn, this area becomes a prime spot for viewing red leaves. In places like Lilac Valley, Splendid Valley, Peach Blossom Gully, and the back hills… the flaming red smoke trees and five-angled maples paint the forests in vibrant hues, covering the mountains in a wash of crimson. Once at the summit, a sweeping view unveils skyscrapers, farmland, villages, the Fen River, and the ancient city of Jinyang—all stretching out before you.

Transportation

By car: 1. Drive south for 6 kilometers past Luocheng along the old Jinci Road in Taiyuan; 2. Turn right onto Longshan Avenue from the new Jinci Road (northbound), then turn right at the end onto the old Jinci Road (also known as Xiren Line), drive about 800 meters north, and you’ll see the Longshan Scenic Area sign on the west side of the road; 3. Drive south along the Binhe West Road in Taiyuan to the intersection with the new Jinci Road, turn right, continue on the new Jinci Road for 1.1 kilometers, then turn left onto Longshan Avenue, drive to the end, turn right onto the old Jinci Road (also known as Xiren Line), drive about 800 meters north, and you’ll see the Longshan Scenic Area sign on the west side of the road.

By bus: Take bus 856 and get off at Huata Village. Walk 800 meters north along the old Jinci Road to see the Longshan Scenic Area sign. The first bus 856 from the train station departs at 6:40 AM, with services running every 20 minutes.

Ticket Prices

Admission: 20 RMB, Parking: 10 RMB.

Location

West of Longshan Ski Resort, Jinyuan District (between Tai Shan and Tianlong Shan)