Places in Yantai for mountain climbing in spring: Part Ⅰ

Kunyu Mountain

Kunyu Mountain, sitting in the east of Yantai, was recognized as a national nature reserve in 2008. With a forest coverage rate of more than 82 percent, the mountain enjoys biological diversity, with 2,234 species of wild animals and plants.

The mountain is the only natural habitat of red pine in the country and has the first ecosystem research station for detrimental bio-organism control and prevention. It is also the source of the Muzhu, Huanglei, Han and Qinshui rivers, contributing to several large and medium-sized reservoirs.

It is said that the mountain was the birthplace of the Quanzhen School of Taoism, with the reputation of the "father of maritime mountains". Emperor Qingshihuang during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) visited the mountain three times to seek an elixir of life.

A forest park, named Kunyu Mountain National Forest Park, was built in 1992 based on the mountain, covering an area of some 72,000 mu (4,800 hectares).

Kunyu Mountain is enveloped in mist, creating a mysterious and attractive scene. [Photo by Song Qinghua/official WeChat account of Yantai municipal bureau of culture and tourism]

Location: No 1 Kunyu Road, Mouping district, Yantai, Shandong province

Ticket price: 10 yuan for Yuegu Hall, 30 yuan for Yanxia Hole, 40 yuan for Jiulong Pool, and 50 yuan for Wuran Temple in the forest park

Service tel: +86-535-4693307

Opening hours: 7:00-17:30 from May to October

                           7:00-17:00 from November to the following April