Rising 864 meters above sea level, Pan Mountain (盘山) in Tianjin’s Jizhou District is a symphony of jagged peaks, ancient temples, and Qing Dynasty legends.
Known as the “First Mountain East of Beijing” and a UNESCO-noted gem, this 106 km² national park offers travelers a journey through China’s spiritual and imperial history, all wrapped in breathtaking scenery.
A Mountain Steeped in History
Pan Mountain’s story began over 2,000 years ago, but its golden era arrived under the Qing Dynasty. Emperor Qianlong visited 32 times, penning 1,366 poems and declaring, “Had I known Pan Mountain earlier, I’d never have journeyed to Jiangnan!”.
His passion birthed Jingji Villa, a sprawling imperial retreat whose ruins whisper of moonlit poetry sessions and royal banquets. Today, hikers discover over 300 carved steles and plaques left by emperors, poets, and monks along trails.
Nature’s Masterpiece: Five Peaks and Three Wonders
1.Five Legendary Peaks:
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- Guayue Peak (挂月峰): The summit offers sunrise views where mist swirls like ink on silk.
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- Ziwu Ridge: Named after the Purple Canopy, it’s famed for its sunset-lit quartz cliffs.
- Dance of Swords Peak: Legend says Tang general Li Jing practiced martial arts here.
2.Three Scenic Wonders:
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- Upper Pan: A pine forest where 1,000-year-old trees twist like calligraphy strokes.
- Middle Pan: A labyrinth of “Eight Bizarre Rocks,” including the gravity-defying Hanging Stone.
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- Lower Pan: Cascades like Xiangquan Spring, whose music inspired Ming poets.
Pan Mountain Cultural Treasures
- Jingji Villa Ruins: Explore terraced gardens and moon gates from Qianlong’s summer palace.
- Tiancheng Temple: A Tang-era Buddhist complex housing a 9-meter Song Dynasty Buddha statue.
- North Shaolin Temple: Founded in the 6th century, this martial arts hub predates its Henan counterpart.
Experiences for Every Traveler
- Hike the Imperial Trail: Follow Qianlong’s footsteps on the 10-km route from Yuanyang Stone to Guayue Peak.
- Cable Car Adventure: Glide above mist-shrouded valleys on Asia’s longest mountain-view gondola.
- Spring Blossom Festival (April): Fields of wild apricot and peach blooms transform the slopes into a Monet painting.
Pan Mountain Visitor Tips
- Best Time: April–June (blossoms) or September–October (golden foliage).
- Stay: Opt for Pan Mountain Holiday Hotel for sunrise views or a temple guesthouse for Zen tranquility.
- Eat: Try Jizhou Chestnut Cake, a sweet tribute to the mountain’s autumnal harvest.
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