Thousand-Buddha Mountain

Introducing Thousand-Buddha Mountain
The Far East often fascinates Westerners because of its exotic culture and long philosophical traditions. Buddhist thought is, of course, an integral part of these traditions, and one of the religion's most crucial centres is Qianfoshan. So important is eastern religion to Qianfoshan, it's called "Thousand Buddha Mountain". Originally called Lishan, the mountain was built during the Sui Dynasty (581-618 AD). The mountain's flora and fauna is a draw, but most people go there to see and learn about the Buddhas.

Thousand-Buddha Mountain Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Qianfo Shan 千佛山
• Best Time to Visit: September to November
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 2 to 3 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Hiking, Buddhism
• Opening Hours: 08:00-17:00
• Entrance Fee: ¥30; ¥5 for Thousand-Buddha Temple; ¥15 for Wanfo Cave
• Address: No.18 Jingshiyi Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong Province

What to expect at Thousand-Buddha Mountain

Everywhere you look on Qianfoshan, you see Buddha. From the Qianfo Shi temple at the foot of the mountain to the sleeping Buddha temple, via Guan Yin – also venerated by Taoists – Qianfoshan scratches every religious itch Buddhists can expect to experience. Here's the run-down on Qianfoshan's main Buddhist shrines:

Xingguo Chan: Dedicated to the National Development (Xingguo), this temple was built during the reign of emperor Taizhong, the second monarch of the Tang dynasty (618-907).

Bouddha Maitreya: One of the more recent constructions on Qianfoshan, Boudha Matreya was built in 2000. The park even includes the largest buddha statue in Northern China, 20 metres high and 30 metres diameter.

The sleeping buddha: Built in 1996, it is one of the most beautiful Buddhas in Qianfoshan. With a (religious, not ideological) swastika on his chest, this horizontal Buddha is almost 10 metres long and weigh 50 tons.

Wanfo Dong, the cavern of a myriad of Buddhas: 28,000 representations of Buddha can be found in Wanfo Dong cavern. The biggest one is a gigantic, 28-metre long horizontal Buddha.

Guan Yin Temple: Qianfoshan's must-see temple. This sanctuary is dedicated to Guan Yin, one of the most popular deities in China, which is unsurpsing really, as her name means "the one who answers all calls". In some ways her veneration resembles that of the Virgin Mary within Catholicism, with Taoists also worshipping.

How to get to Thousand-Buddha Mountain
• Take Bus No. 152, K152 or K64 and get off at Qianfoshan Fengjingqu Station.
• Take Bus No. 137, K137, 169, K169, or K170 and get off at Qianfoshan Nanmen Station.
• Take Bus No. K85 and get off at Qianfoshan Xilu Station.

Additional travel advice on Thousand-Buddha Mountain
• Please wear comfortable hiking shoes.
• To prevent mosquito bites, please prepare mosquito repellent in summer.