Qianling Mountain Park

黔灵山公园

Known as the “Number One Mountain of Qiannan” and right in the city center, it is home to over a thousand wild macaques that interact with visitors on the mountain trails. Hongfu Temple, Qianling Lake, and Qilin Cave make it a favorite spot for Guiyang locals to exercise in the morning and take their kids out.

Qianling Mountain Park lies northwest of central Guiyang. Covering about 4 square kilometers, it is one of the few large mountain parks in China located right in the city center. Its main peak rises about 1,300 meters above sea level and is known as the “Number One Mountain of Qiannan.” Admission costs just 5 yuan.

The park's biggest draw is its colony of wild Tibetan macaques, more than a thousand strong. They roam freely along the stone steps of the Jiuqu Trail and around Hongfu Temple. The monkeys are unafraid of people, will beg for food, and even snatch bags, making them Guiyang's most famous “internet celebrities.”

Main attractions:

- Hongfu Temple: Founded during the Kangxi reign of the Qing dynasty by the monk Chisong, it is one of Guizhou's largest Buddhist temples. Its front terrace offers views over central Guiyang.

- Qianling Lake: An artificial lake at the foot of the mountain where you can go boating. A monument commemorating the liberation of Guizhou stands on its shore.

- Qilin Cave: A rock cave where Zhang Xueliang and Yang Hucheng were placed under house arrest.

- The zoo and the Sanling Bay macaque viewing area.

How to climb: Walk from the main gate up the Jiuqu Trail for about 40 minutes to reach Hongfu Temple, or take the cable car (about 20 yuan one way) up and walk down.

Suggested route: Main gate → Qianling Lake → Jiuqu Trail (to see the monkeys) → Hongfu Temple → cable car down. This takes about 3 hours. Early morning is the coolest and busiest with locals, giving a authentic taste of everyday life.

Getting there: Get off at Qianling Mountain Park Station on Metro Line 3. It is about a 20-minute walk from Penshuichi.

Tips: The macaques will snatch plastic bags and food. Before entering the park, put snacks away in your bag and do not hold food in your hand. Do not stare at or provoke the monkeys. If you are scratched or bitten, go to the on-site clinic right away. The stone steps on the mountain trails are slippery. The cable car queue is long on public holidays. Feeding the animals is prohibited in the park.

Qianling Mountain Park

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby