Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
If you decide to catch a ride, the
main cable car
( kongzhong suodao; one
way/return ¥80/140; 7.30am-6.30pm 16 Apr-15 Oct, 8.30am-5pm 16
Oct-15 Apr)
is near the Midway Gate to Heaven. Be warned: peak season and
weekend queues can take two hours.
Ting) and then finally reach the arduous
Path of 18 Bends
Offline map
Google map
( Shibapan), a 400-metre near vertical ascent to the mountain's
false summit; climbing it is performed in slow motion as legs turn to lead.
The final stretch takes you to the
South Gate to Heaven
Offline map
Google map
( Nan Tian Men), the third celestial gate, which marks the begin-
ning of the summit area. Bear right along Tian Jie, the main strip, and pass
through the gate to reach the sublimely perched
Azure Clouds Temple
Offline map
Google map
( Bixia Ci; admission ¥5; morning to 5:15pm)
.
fore the fog- and cloud-swathed
Jade Emperor Temple
Offline map
Google map
( Yuhuang Ding), which stands at the Jade Emperor Summit
(1545m).
The main sunrise vantage point is the
North Pointing Rock
Offline map
Google map
( Gongbei Shi); if you're lucky, visibility extends more than 200km
to the coast.
Western Route
The most popular way to descend the mountain is by bus (¥30) via the west-
ern route. If you walk, the poorly marked footpath and road often intercept or
coincide.
The western route treats you to a variety of scenic orchards and pools. The
main attraction along this route is
Black Dragon Pool
( Heilong Tan), just be-
low
Longevity Bridge
( Changshou Qiao).
At the mountain's base,
Pervading Light Temple
( Puzhao Si; admission
¥5; 8am-5.30pm)
a Buddhist temple dating from the Southern and Northern
dynasties (420-589) offers a serene end to the hike.
