[2025 Tiantai Attraction] Travel Guide for Chicheng Mountain (Updated Jul)

When it comes to Tiantai Mountain, the crimson mountain range visible from the county town is Chicheng Mountain! Not only is it home to one of Tiantai's Eight Scenic Spots—"Sunset Glow over Chicheng"—but it's also where the legendary monk Ji Gong studied in his youth! The unique Danxia landform bathes the entire mountain in an intoxicating purplish-red hue at sunset, leaving visitors breathless! Best of all, it's super close to the city, easy to explore, and offers incredible value (tickets are very affordable!). Perfect for a half-day trip combining culture, hiking, and sunset views! · 🚗 【Transportation】Super Convenient! Just Go! Location Advantage: Chicheng Mountain is located in the northern suburbs of Tiantai County, just a 10-minute drive from Guoqing Temple and close to the high-speed rail station/highway exit! 🚄 High-Speed Rail: After arriving at Tiantai Mountain Station: 🚕 Taxi/Ride-Hailing: Highly recommended! About 15-20 minutes directly to the scenic area entrance (set destination as "Chicheng Mountain Scenic Area" or "Ji Gong Temple"). Fare: ~¥20-30. 🚌 Bus: Take local buses (e.g., No. 5 or 7—check real-time maps) to "Chicheng Mountain" or "Chicheng Middle School" stop, then walk a short distance to the entrance. Slower but budget-friendly. 🚗 Self-Drive: Navigate to "Chicheng Mountain Scenic Area Parking Lot" (paid). The lot is right at the mountain base—very convenient. From downtown Tiantai or Guoqing Temple, it takes under 10 minutes. 🛵 Local Transport: If staying in town, shared e-bikes can easily get you to the mountain! · 🗺️ 【Route Plan】Easy Hike, Must-See Spots Classic Route (2-3 hours, relaxed): Start: Entrance ticket purchase → Ji Gong East/West Temple (learn about young Ji Gong; unique cliffside architecture) → Choose hiking trail (gentle slopes or stairs available). Hike: Pass Yujing Cave (6th Taoist Grotto-Heaven, active incense) & Ziyun Cave (natural cool cavern) → Must-visit Liangfei Pagoda (landmark! Ancient Southern Dynasty pagoda with panoramic views from the top). Summit/Sunset: Continue to the peak platform → Best spot for "Sunset Glow over Chicheng"! 🌇 Allow ample time for the mountain to turn crimson (summer: start hike after 4:30 PM). Descent: Return via same path or loop trail (~1 hour). Low intensity. Express Route (1-1.5 hours): For sunset/Liangfei Pagoda photos: Entrance → Direct to Liangfei Pagoda (shortcut) → View from pagoda or peak → Descend. · ⚠️ 【Tips】Key Points! Must-Read! 🚫 Don’t miss golden hour! "Sunset Glow" is the highlight! Check sunset time and start hiking at least 1 hour prior (summer: 4:30-5:00 PM). Overcast days disappoint! 🚫 Avoid impractical footwear! Though not steep, stone paths/stairs demand comfy sneakers/flats, especially downhill. 🚫 Liangfei Pagoda caution! Narrow, steep stairs—take care when crowded. Not advised for those with mobility issues/acrophobia. 🚫 Limited summit snacks: Bring water/snacks. Vendors at entrance. 🚫 Parking: Arrive early during peak/sunset hours. · 😋 【Food】Feast in the County Town! 🏔️ On Mountain: Only basic snacks (tea eggs, corn) at entrance/midway. No meals—eat downtown! 🏙️ Downtown Picks: Just minutes from Chicheng! Must-try Tiantai snacks: Jiaobingtong (stuffed pancakes), Hulatai (savory crepes), wheat cakes (abundant on Laodong/Feihe Roads). Local dishes: Bamboo shoots, stream fish, free-range chicken. Ji Gong-themed: Some restaurants offer "Monk Ji Vegetarian Banquet" (e.g., Luohan Zhai). · 🏨 【Stay】Downtown = Best Base! No lodging on Chicheng! Half-day visit—stay downtown or near Guoqing Temple. 🏙️ Downtown Tiantai (Top Choice): Pros: Tons of options! Budget chains (Hanting, Home Inn), mid-range (Landison Vega), luxury available. Easy dining/shopping/transit (to rail/attractions). Closest to Chicheng. Area recs: Near Laodong/Feihe Roads, Shifeng New Town. 🏯 Guoqing Temple Area: Pros: Serene, Zen ambiance. Boutique hotels (Lucid Tiantai, Tiantai Hotel) & B&Bs (Flower Villa). Cons: Requires short drive to downtown. Pricier. · 📌 【Notes】Happy Trip Checklist 🌤️ Weather is key: Sunny days ONLY! Overcast ruins the glow/Danxia colors. Check forecasts. 🎫 Cheap tickets: ~¥15-30 (confirm latest price). On-site purchase—no advance booking needed. 💧 Hydrate! Especially in summer. Limited water on mountain. 🧴 Sunscreen/bug spray: Summer essentials. Mosquitoes in wooded areas. 📿 Respect sites: Quiet/appropriate attire at Yujing Cave/Ji Gong Temple. 📶 Good signal: Reliable coverage near urban area. 🚮 Pack out trash. · ✨ Closing: Chicheng Mountain is Tiantai’s gentlest yet most vibrant brushstroke. No arduous trek or exhaustion needed—just stand atop Liangfei Pagoda to see city lights and layered peaks unfold below, or witness the mountain gilded in surreal purple-gold at dusk. Where Ji Gong’s legend began, this effortless-yet-stunning stop in your Tiantai journey promises a sunset rendezvous you’ll never forget—a romance exclusive to Tiantai! 💜

📍 Location: Tiantai County, Taizhou, Zhejiang (National 5A Scenic Area, birthplace of the Tiantai Buddhist Sect) 🚗 Transportation: ▫️ High-speed Rail: Tiantai Station now has direct trains to Hangzhou East (G7736, 1 hour) and Guangzhou East; 20-minute taxi ride from station to Guoqing Temple ▫️ Self-driving: About 2 hours from Hangzhou/Ningbo; navigate to "Guoqing Scenic Area parking lot" (some sections within the scenic area require shuttle buses) ▫️ Within the Scenic Area: Sightseeing bus 20 yuan/person (covers main attractions), or rent electric vehicles (60 yuan/day) 🍂 Best Seasons: ▫️ Spring (Mar-May): Rapeseed flowers at Guoqing Temple + Redbud flower sea at Chicheng Mountain (March), Huading azaleas in full bloom (late April-May) ▫️ Summer (Jun-Aug): Tiantai Mountain Waterfall water activities + Hanshan Lake to escape the heat, night firefly watching ▫️ Fall (Sep-Nov): Red leaves at Shiliang Flying Waterfall + Shifeng Lake night tour, Buddha's birthday blessings on September 28 ▫️ Winter (Dec-Feb): Ice waterfalls at Qiongtai Fairy Valley + snow scenes at Guoqing Temple, fewer visitors and peaceful 🎫 Tickets: ▫️ Free: Guoqing Temple, Chicheng Mountain (reservation required) ▫️ Paid: Tiantai Mountain Waterfall + Qiongtai Fairy Valley combo ticket 138 yuan, Shiliang Flying Waterfall 60 yuan, Huading Forest Park 50 yuan ▫️ Discounts: Half-price for students/seniors over 60, free for model workers (until December 31, 2025) 🌟 Must-visit Attractions: 1️⃣ Guoqing Temple (Thousand-year Ancient Temple) • Highlights: Sui Dynasty plum tree (1,400 years old), Tang Dynasty stone Buddha, Three Sages Hall (Hanshan/Shide/Fenggan) • Hidden experiences: Vegetarian meal (10:30-11:30, 2 yuan/serving), "Thich Nhat Hanh Pagoda" behind the temple overlooking rice fields 2️⃣ Tiantai Mountain Waterfall (China's Highest Waterfall) • Activities: Ride the Qiongtai Sky Elevator (36 seconds to the top) → Glass viewing platform → Nine-level waterfall hiking trail • Photo spots: "Water Curtain Cave" at the waterfall base, take ancient-style photos in Hanfu 3️⃣ Shiliang Flying Waterfall (World's First Wonder) • Highlights: Natural granite bridge (7 meters long), Xu Xiake's inscriptions, Fangguang Temple with 500 Arhat statues • Best time: Largest water volume after rain, spectacular ice waterfall in winter 4️⃣ Huading National Forest Park (Alpine Azalea Secret Paradise) • Highlights: Over 1,000 acres of azalea forest (blooming in May), thousand-year-old tea gardens, summer retreat • Activities: Hike the ancient "Scripture Worship Platform" trail, view sea of clouds and sunrise from the summit 🏡 Recommended Accommodations: ▫️ Lujing Tiantai Resort Hotel (next to Guoqing Temple, Zen design + hot springs, 800-1,200 yuan/night) ▫️ Hostel Shanju (at Qiongtai Fairy Valley entrance, mountain view pool + Tiantai cuisine, 500-800 yuan/night) ▫️ Guoqing Temple area guesthouses (like "Hidden Spring Mountain House," 200-400 yuan/night, 5-minute walk to ancient temple) 🍲 Food Map: • Must-try: Jiaobingtong (breakfast stalls), Hulata (Chicheng Road), flatbread with braised pork • Recommended restaurants: Guoqing Temple Vegetarian Restaurant (Arhat vegetarian feast), Tiantai Mountain Snack City (night market) • Avoid: Scenic area restaurants are overpriced; farm-style meals at guesthouses recommended ⚠️ Notes: 1️⃣ Free incense available at Guoqing Temple entrance; outside incense prohibited 2️⃣ Shiliang Flying Waterfall path is slippery; wear non-slip shoes 3️⃣ Huading Mountain road has many curves; drive carefully and slowly 4️⃣ Hanshan Lake ferry (reopens in March) requires reservation 1 day in advance; limited departures 📸 Photography Tips: • Guoqing Temple: Frame the Sui Dynasty pagoda with the ancient plum tree; best lighting in early morning • Great Waterfall: Use telephoto lens to compress waterfall layers; wear solid-color long dresses to contrast with the blue water • Chicheng Mountain: Compose shots with Liangfei Tower against redbud flowers (March) or green trees (April) 🎁 Nearby Attractions: ▫️ Hanshan Lake (15km, lakeside hiking + ferry, reopens in March) ▫️ Ji Gong's Former Residence (in town, Southern Song Dynasty architecture + Ji Gong cultural exhibition) ▫️ Shifeng Lake Night Tour (immersive light show, starts at 7:30pm daily) 💡 Tips: • 2-day itinerary: Day 1 Guoqing Temple → Chicheng Mountain → Shifeng Lake; Day 2 Great Waterfall → Shiliang Flying Waterfall → Return

📍Zhejiang · Taizhou Tiantai Mountain ✨"If the temple thrives, the country will be peaceful"—Guoqing Temple, this underrated Sui Dynasty temple, is truly the pinnacle of Buddhist temples! ✅ Visit this temple with 1,400 years of living history for free. See the Sui Pagoda, Sui Plum, and Sui Dynasty Temple. Every brick and tile whispers tales of a glorious past, yet it remains humble enough to offer free admission (free in 2023!).

### Guoqing Temple **Recommended Reasons:** Located in Tiantai Mountain, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, Guoqing Temple is the birthplace of the Tiantai school of Chinese Buddhism. With a long history and rich cultural heritage, the temple, nestled against the mountain, offers a serene environment with towering ancient trees, making it an ideal place for quiet contemplation and spiritual practice. Whether you are a Buddhist follower or a general visitor, you can experience tranquility and peace here. **Suitable for:** - Buddhist culture enthusiasts - History and ancient architecture enthusiasts - Travelers seeking inner peace - Nature lovers **Recommended Season:** Suitable for all seasons, spring and autumn are the best. The blooming flowers in spring and the colorful foliage in autumn offer particularly enchanting scenery. --- ### History of Guoqing Temple Guoqing Temple was founded in the 18th year of the Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty (598 AD) by Master Zhiyi, boasting a history of over 1,400 years. It is the ancestral temple of the Tiantai school of Chinese Buddhism and is renowned as one of the "Four Great Temples of Chinese Buddhism" alongside Qixia Temple in Nanjing, Lingyan Temple in Jinan, and Yuquan Temple in Jingzhou. Guoqing Temple is not only a sacred Buddhist site but also an important link for Buddhist cultural exchange between China, Japan, and Korea. The eminent Tang Dynasty monk Jianzhen resided here before his eastward journey to Japan, and the founding patriarch of the Japanese Tendai school, Saicho, also came here to seek Buddhist teachings. Therefore, Guoqing Temple holds a significant position in East Asian Buddhist culture. The temple's architectural style is simple and elegant, preserving a large number of precious cultural relics and Buddhist scriptures, such as the Sui Dynasty pagoda and Tang Dynasty stone inscriptions, making it an important site for the study of ancient Chinese Buddhist culture. --- ### Incense Burning at Guoqing Temple Guoqing Temple enjoys flourishing incense burning, with believers from all over China and even the world coming to worship year-round. During Buddhist festivals, such as Buddha's Birthday and Guanyin's Birthday, the temple is especially crowded with worshippers. Several incense burners are set up inside the temple for believers to offer incense and pray for blessings. The burning of incense not only symbolizes the believers' piety but also embodies people's wishes for peace, health, and happiness. The incense-burning culture of Guoqing Temple complements its long history and profound Buddhist heritage, becoming a major feature of the temple. --- ### Travel Tips - **Opening Hours:** 8:00-16:30 - **Tickets:** Free (some special attractions may charge a fee) - **Transportation:** Take a bus or drive from Taizhou city center, the journey takes about 1 hour. - **Precautions:** Please keep quiet inside the temple, respect Buddhist etiquette, and do not take photos of Buddha statues at will. Guoqing Temple is not only a sacred Buddhist site but also a tourist destination that blends natural beauty with cultural history. Whether you are here for blessings, meditation, or simply to admire the ancient architecture and natural scenery, this place will meet your expectations.

Hey guys! You must come to Chicheng Mountain - Ziyun Cave! 😎 Chicheng Mountain, also known as Shaoshan, is the south gate of Tiantai Mountain. It is named after the red rocks on the mountain that look like a city wall and glow like clouds. Chicheng Mountain is the only Danxia landform in Tiantai Mountain. There are 12 caves on the mountain, with Ziyun Cave and Yujing Cave being the most famous. Walking into Ziyun Cave is like entering a mysterious world. There are several buildings built along the rock inside the cave. The top of the cave is engraved with the words "Chichengxia" in regular script, which was inscribed during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty. There is a small cave next to the cave, which was originally a place for the Dunhuang monk Tanyou to meditate. Here, you can feel the magic of nature. In the southeast direction of Chicheng Mountain, there are 18 caves with warm sunshine, including Yujing, Ziyun, Canxia, Huayang, and Ruixia caves, which have been built since the Tang and Song Dynasties. The cultural heritage of Chicheng Mountain is divided into Buddhist culture, Jigong culture, and Taoist culture from bottom to top. The lower layer of Ziyun Cave is a famous nunnery in the southeast coastal area, the middle layer is the Jigong Temple where the young Jigong studied, and the upper layer is the sixth cave of Taoism, Yujing Cave. Come to Chicheng Mountain - Ziyun Cave and start a Danxia journey! 💖

Traveling in Tiantai | Chicheng Mountain is unlike any other mountain, daring to rise a thousand feet from the ground —Ming•Shi Lingrui Chicheng Mountain is located to the north of Tiantai County, and is the southern gateway to Tiantai Mountain. It is also a landmark mountain in Taizhou, so Taizhou was known as "Chizhou" in ancient times. Chicheng Mountain is the only Danxia landform in Tiantai Mountain. It stands alone, with all the stones being red, resembling clouds and mist. It looks like a city from a distance, hence the name. On the mountain, "the red glow is brilliant, originally from the Taiji Dan furnace; the black clothes are graceful, perhaps it is the return of the madman from the green fall." There are scenic spots such as Yujing Cave, the sixth cave of Taoism, Jigong Temple, Liangfei Tower, and Chicheng Qixia. It is a harmonious sacred mountain where Buddhism and Taoism coexist, and celebrities and anecdotes are gathered. Travel tips for Chicheng Mountain: 1. Free tickets and no reservation required, but parking fees apply; 2. About 2 kilometers from Guoqing Temple, it is recommended to visit Guoqing Temple first and then Chicheng Mountain; 3. West Jigong Temple is closed for maintenance, and East Temple is open as usual; 4. There are no electric cars or cable cars, but the mountain is not high. Recommended visiting time: I personally recommend the evening, because other scenic spots in Tiantai Mountain have opening hours, but Chicheng Mountain does not. If you go up the mountain in the late afternoon, you may be lucky enough to enjoy the sunset glow. The setting sun and the colorful clouds reflect the tower. After all, "Chicheng Qixia" is one of the eight major scenic spots in Tiantai Mountain!

Three days and two nights, about 700 per person! ! ! This can be considered as a budget trip for college students, hahaha; the next part is the experience sharing, please quickly save it if you need it🥳 🏯About Taizhou When I was in high school, I saw the recommendation of Dingdu in the National Geographic China and I wanted to go there very much😍. ⛩️Taizhou is the birthplace of Tiantai Buddhism and Southern Taoism; a Jiangnan water town. It is also relatively close to Shanghai. It has many natural scenic spots and is far away from the hustle and bustle of the city◉‿◉ 🌟Attractions 🚡Tiantai Mountain Waterfall Scenic Area The waterfall is very beautiful💦The scenic area revolves around the theme of Shixiandao, and you can experience a lot of things. Finally, you can get rid of the rush of tourism hahahaha🤩 ⛰️Akagi Mountain The red Danxia landform mobilizes the DNA of geographers, "the Five Mountains are so majestic that they cover Chicheng", which is the scenery in the book📖 🏞️Shenxianju "Guanyin Tathagata Tianmu Peak, sea of ​​clouds and waterfalls", the ecological environment can be said to be very superior 🔅The scenic area is connected by cableways, cable bridges, and plank roads. It is very suitable for taking photos. The weather was very good when we went there, so there is no need to Photoshop the pictures hahaha🌿 🌲Xianju Greenway There is Nanfeng Temple along the way, and the wind in Linting is very cool🛕 It gives people a sense of mystery hahahaha. I really like the villages along the way. They have a very down-to-earth feel. 🌟Route day1｜Shanghai🚄Taizhou—Lunch🍽️—Tiantai Mountain⛰️ day2｜Akagi Mountain—Shenxianju🛕 day3｜Xianju Greenway-Taizhou 🚄Shanghai 🌟Accommodation This time I chose a chain hotel for accommodation, and most of the itinerary requires hiking and a good rest. The room was clean and large, very comfortable; the hotel we chose for the second night was close to the greenway, so we could sleep well😎 🌟Delicious I tried vegetarian food on the first day, and I have to say it was delicious hahaha 😳. Osmanthus cake is delicious. I really like the red beans below. Babies who like sticky food are in luck~ 🌟Tips Because this trip is mainly about getting closer to nature🏞️, it is suitable for babies with the same needs. Remember to choose comfortable shoes for more hiking🧐 About the cost: The tour group I signed up with my bestie cost 700 per person, including accommodation tickets and transportation costs; the main purpose is to save time and worry😇 Of course, I haven’t been to many places, but I will definitely visit them all when I have the chance! Everyone is welcome to add more places that reflect the cultural atmosphere of Taizhou, and we will come again next time! 🥰

Spring has arrived, and Linhai is already a garden full of spring colors. Still missing a guide to flower appreciation? Here it is! 🎉🎉🎉 ✨ Linghu Scenic Area: Plum blossoms, Magnolias, February Orchids, Tulips, Cherry Blossoms The plum blossoms, magnolias, tulips, and cherry blossoms here compete to bloom in spring, bringing a visual feast to visitors. 🤩 Besides enjoying the flowers, don't forget to check out the gift shop at the entrance of Linghu, where you can find affordable gifts and cultural and creative products unique to Linhai! 🎁 ✨ Taizhou Prefecture City: Rapeseed Flowers, Cherry Blossoms By April, the ancient Taizhou Prefecture City becomes a city of cherry blossoms. At the same time, the rapeseed flowers on the south bank of the Ling River are in full bloom, and you can also see the silhouette of Jinshan in the distance. 😊 In the Prefecture City, don't forget to stroll along Ziyang Street, where Jiangnan Zan Cultural and Creative Gift Shop offers a variety of small gifts and creative products. Don't miss out if you like them! 🎁 ✨ Taozhu Scenic Area: Rapeseed Flowers Linhai Taozhu, with its thirteen river islets and thousands of acres of rapeseed flowers, is as beautiful as a poem. 😍 ✨ Guoqing Scenic Area: Rapeseed Flowers, Bauhinia Flowers The golden rapeseed flower fields are backed by the Sui Pagoda, and a few bauhinia flowers add a fresh and Zen touch to Guoqing Temple. 😍 Additionally, you can also go to Tiantai Chicheng Mountain to enjoy the bauhinia flowers! 😉

The Bauhinia in Chicheng Mountain has been opened again. When it came last week, it was all flower buds. This week, it has all bloomed again. The red fire is open to the middle of the mountain, and the road up the mountain is surrounded by this purple flower. It is very romantic. As a symbol of the rooftops, Chicheng Mountain is a good place for people to relax and exercise. Spring can not be disappointing. Don't miss the beauty of this spring day. #TATO#

Chicheng Mountain is the only Danxia Mountain in Tiantai Mountain

The original plan was to go to Qiongtai Xiangu to watch the sunset, then climb the Chicheng Mountain in the morning to watch the sunrise, call the visitor center, and drive to the Qiongtai Singu at 4 o'clock. There is no more, so I have to change the itinerary temporarily and go to Chicheng Mountain to watch the sunset. It is also possible that few people in the world are easy. I dont know how many examples of grandchildren are dependent. Chicheng Mountain is also known as Shaoshan Mountain. It is 2 kilometers away from Tiantai County and Guoqing Temple. When you come here in the evening, you dont need to buy tickets. Climb Chicheng. Mountain is not so easy, the steps in front of me are going to climb up, is it scared? The highest point on the top of the mountain is the Liangzhu Tower, which stands on the top of Chicheng, on all sides and seven levels, like a sword to stab the sky. , Ang Rang and Yun Xia are both swallowed and spectacular. Under the Liangzhu Tower, you can see all the scenery in a few dozen miles. The Guoqing Temple in the east is close at hand, and the tower is towering; the Tiantai City in the south is at the foot, the ancient city is in the new city, and the beginning of the mountain; The north of the Tiantai Mountain is covered with mountains and greenery.

Local friends at Tiantai said

There is a Chicheng Mountain in Tiantai County, Zhejiang Province, which is known as the southern gate of Tiantai County. Chicheng Mountain is the only Danxia Mountain in the Tiantai Mountain. The mountain is reddish-brown. This mountain is only over 300 meters. It is a place where local people like to enjoy the scenery. Mountains are lush, and you can see red-red rocks. The top of the mountain is a symbol of the mountain, with a history of nearly 1,500 years. There are more than ten caves on the mountain, all of which are Buddhist and Taoist sites. Buddhism and Taoism are co-existing on this mountain and are rare in the country. In the cave, Ziyun Cave and Yujing Cave are the most famous. The history of Ziyun Cave is quite long. During the Jinxing Ning Dynasty (363-365), the Dunhuang Gaochun is not far from Wanliyun. Here, the Zhongyan Temple was built in the cave, and it has been 1600 years old. Jin Sunbiao's "You Tiantai Mountain Fu" has the famous saying "Chicheng Xiaqi to build the standard". Beijing Summer Palace Chengshuang Zhainan City Tower, still hanging high in the ancient plaque "Chicheng Xiaqi", it can be seen that Chicheng Mountain has long been famous in Beijing. Ziyun Cave is engraved with the words "Chicheng Xia", with a diameter of 80 cm, which is the ink of the Ming Dynasty. The caves on the mountain often have the words "cloud" or "Xia", such as Ziyun Cave, Baiyun Cave, Xiangyun Cave, Qixia Cave, Ruixia Cave, and Dining Cave. The steps up the mountain, the mountain is not steep, and it is easy to go up the mountain in more than an hour. The sights are all distributed along the road up the mountain.