Juewei Mountain Detailed Travel Guide: Experience the Beauty of Nature and Culture

Located northwest of Taiyuan, there is a charming mountain—Juewei Mountain. It is not only a popular leisure spot for Taiyuan residents but also attracts many tourists who come to enjoy its unique natural scenery and rich historical heritage. Here is a comprehensive travel guide to Juewei Mountain, helping you easily explore this "city backyard garden." 1. Overview of the Scenic Area Juewei Mountain is situated west of Huyan Village, Chaicun Town, Jiancaoping District, Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province. It runs north to south with an elevation of about 1,400 meters. To the south lies Qingfeng Peak, and to the north, Feiyun Peak. The two peaks face each other with a deep east-west gorge in between. From the summit, the surrounding mountains resemble waves forming a huge vortex, which is how Juewei Mountain got its name. The mountain has been covered with birch and cypress forests since ancient times, especially stunning in autumn when the hills are blanketed with red leaves. It ranks first among the Eight Ancient Scenic Spots of Jinyang and is known as the "Little Fragrant Hills." Its unique geography also creates the special "Pine to the South, Cypress to the North" landscape, with sunny southern slopes covered in green pines and shaded northern slopes shaded by ancient cypresses. 2. Opening Hours and Tickets • Opening Hours: Peak season (April 1 - October 31) from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, ticket sales stop at 5:00 PM; off-season (November 1 - March 31) from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, ticket sales stop at 4:30 PM. Visitors wishing to see the red leaves are advised to visit from late September to early November when the foliage is most spectacular. • Tickets: Entry to Juewei Mountain Scenic Area is free. However, attractions such as Duofu Temple, Dou Dafu Shrine, and Tutang Jingyin Temple require separate tickets. Duofu Temple tickets cost 20 RMB/person in peak season and 15 RMB/person in off-season; Dou Dafu Shrine tickets are 20 RMB/person in peak season and 15 RMB/person in off-season; Tutang Jingyin Temple tickets are 18 RMB/person in peak season and 13 RMB/person in off-season. Certain groups enjoy free or half-price admission, such as children aged 6 and under or under 1.2 meters tall, seniors aged 60 and above, and active military personnel who are free; minors aged over 6 up to 18, and full-time university students with undergraduate or lower education levels enjoy half-price discounts. 3. Transportation Guide • Self-driving: From downtown Taiyuan, head north along Binhe West Road, turn right at Chaicun Bridge onto Chaihua Road, and follow navigation signs. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the Juewei Mountain Scenic Area parking lot, with a parking fee of 10 RMB per visit. Along the way, you can enjoy the scenery along both banks of the Fen River, making for a pleasant drive. • Public Transport: Take bus line 835 branch from Shengliqiao East bus stop, about a 1-hour ride, though buses may be crowded; check bus schedules in advance. Alternatively, take bus line 12 branch or line 326 from Xiayuan Bus Terminal to Huyan Village, then walk 1 km uphill to the hiking trail entrance. 4. Must-Visit Attractions • Duofu Temple: Located on Juewei Mountain, founded in the second year of the Tang Zhenyuan era (786 AD). The Tang general Li Keyong and his son, Later Tang Emperor Li Cunxu, once worshipped here. The temple houses a stone stele from the 43rd year of the Ming Wanli era (1615) inscribed with "The building surpasses Han and Tang," and is a key municipal cultural relic protection unit. The murals in the main hall are especially exquisite, vividly colored and lifelike, with high artistic value. • Seven-Story Relic Pagoda: Situated on the mountain top southeast of Duofu Temple, originally a Song Dynasty structure. The base and platform are made of brick and stone, about 17 meters wide east to west and 21 meters long north to south. The pagoda is 25 meters tall with seven stories, hexagonal in shape, and exquisitely crafted. From the base looking east, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Taiyuan city, which is refreshing and uplifting. • Red Leaf Scenery: Autumn is the most beautiful season on Juewei Mountain, when the hills are covered with blazing yellow reeds and maple leaves. From a distance, the entire mountain looks as if it is painted with brilliant colors, picturesque and perfect for photography. 5. Recommended Routes • Leisure Route (suitable for family outings): Take the sightseeing bus (if available) from the entrance to Duofu Temple, visit the temple buildings and murals to feel the historical and cultural atmosphere; then stroll to the Seven-Story Relic Pagoda, enjoying the natural scenery along the way; rest at the nearby viewing platform to admire the Taiyuan cityscape, and finally take the sightseeing bus down the mountain. This route is easy and pleasant, allowing you to appreciate Juewei Mountain’s cultural sites without getting too tired. • Hiking and Fitness Route (suitable for physically fit visitors): Start hiking from the trailhead, passing natural sights like the "Tiankeng" sinkhole and various vegetation; upon reaching the summit, visit the Seven-Story Relic Pagoda and Duofu Temple; descend via the winding mountain road on the back side, which is longer but offers different scenic views and passes some farmhouses where you can taste local delicacies. This route provides both exercise and a comprehensive experience of Juewei Mountain’s beauty. Wear comfortable sports shoes and prepare your stamina. 6. Nearby Attractions • Dou Dafu Shrine: Not far from Juewei Mountain, located 20 km northwest of Taiyuan in Shanglan Village, on the left side of the Fen River Gorge. The existing mountain gate, offering pavilion, and main hall were mostly rebuilt in the third year of the Yuan Zhizheng era (1343), with some parts retaining Song and Jin dynasty styles. A clear spring known as "Cold Spring" flows beside the shrine, complementing the ancient architecture and making it worth a visit. • Tutang Jingyin Temple: Also known as Dafosi (Great Buddha Temple), located 8 km east of Juewei Mountain in Tutang Village, built against the mountain and facing the Fen River to the east, surrounded by towering ancient cypresses and mixed trees. The temple was originally built in the Northern Qi period, rebuilt in the fifth year of Jin Taihe era (1205), and underwent multiple repairs during the Ming Dynasty. The grand Buddha statues inside are solemn and majestic, making it a great place to learn about Buddhist culture and ancient architectural art. 7. Travel Tips • Check the weather forecast in advance and choose clear, low-wind days for better sightseeing and photography. • Wear comfortable sports or hiking shoes, bring enough drinking water and high-energy snacks like chocolate or beef jerky to replenish energy in time. • Protect the environment by not littering or picking flowers and plants, keeping the scenic area clean and beautiful. • When visiting temples and historical sites, follow the rules, avoid loud noises, and respect religious beliefs and cultural heritage. Juewei Mountain, a tourist destination combining natural scenery, historical culture, and leisure fitness, awaits you to explore every beautiful corner. Pack your bags and start this unforgettable journey to Juewei Mountain!