Thousand Buddha Mountain

One of Jinan's three great scenic spots, approx. 285 m above sea level and famed for Sui-dynasty cliff carvings. The core sights are the Thousand Buddha Cliff sculptures in Xingguo Chan Temple and the Ten Thousand Buddha Cave (which distills the essence of China's four great grottoes); Yilan Pavilion at the summit commands a panoramic view of the whole spring city. The temple fair on the third day of the third lunar month and the Double Ninth mountain fair are the liveliest times. According to records, over a thousand Buddha figures were carved into the mountain during the Sui Kaihuang reign, giving it its name; the legend of Emperor Shun plowing at Lishan is also tied to this place, hence its other name, Shun Mountain. The Qianfoshan temple fair is listed as provincial-level intangible cultural heritage, and the mountain is Jinan's main venue for Double Ninth Festival climbing.

Getting there: Bus, Qianfoshan stop