Qufu Shimen Mountain National Forest Park

　　Shimen Mountain was originally called Longmen Mountain, 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 archway-like shape resembling a stone gate. The mountain consists of eight peaks, with protruding brown rocks and ancient architectural eaves dotting the landscape, 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 held a farewell banquet on Shimen Peak. The renowned Qing Dynasty playwright Kong Shangren, captivated by the mountain’s twenty-four scenic spots, built rock formations and lived in seclusion here 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 spot where Confucius tied the *Yi Jing*, the farewell site of Li Bai and Du Fu, the Autumn Water Pavilion, and the retreat 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, along with statues of the Three Buddhas and the Eighteen Arhats.

　　Shimen Mountain features twenty-four scenic spots, including Ice and Snow Stream and Vine Flower Canopy, but is particularly famous for Moonlit Shimen Gate. With its majestic peaks, deep caves, lush forests, and beautiful scenery, it 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 got its name from the two mountains standing opposite each other like a stone gate. The entire scenic area combines both cultural and natural landscapes, seamlessly integrating the two. The placement of steps and other service facilities is reasonable and well-arranged. The rocks on the mountain are especially remarkable, distributed along the middle layers, appearing either grand or delicate, light or dark, neat or scattered, large or small—bearing witness to the vicissitudes of wind and rain. Walking through the mountains, the air is especially fresh. In summer, the lush trees provide a cool refuge. The diverse stones engraved with scenes from *The Peach Blossom Fan*, along with the legends of Kong Shangren’s seclusion, add rich cultural depth to the area, making it a must-visit destination.

　　Suggested Duration

　　3–4 hours

　　Transportation

　　By car: Drive north along National Highway 104. When you’re close to the Tai’an junction, you’ll see a large sign indicating the entrance to Shimen Mountain National Forest Park to the east. Simply follow the road eastward.

　　Admission Fee

　　30 RMB per person

　　Opening Hours

　　8:00–19:00