Plan at a glance
Five peaks, caves and Daoist culture
Tieshashan (铁刹山), also known as Jiuding Tieshashan (九顶铁刹山), is one of the places where the Longmen branch of Daoism originated in Northeast China. The mountain has five peaks, the North and South Heavenly Gates (南北天门), several caves and cliff inscriptions. Babao Yunguang Cave (八宝云光洞) contains natural rock formations shaped like a tiger, a dragon and other objects.
How much time to allow
The visit involves both mountain walking and caves. How long it takes depends on which sections are open, how far you climb and how you return down the mountain. Before setting out, confirm the entrance, open cave areas and return arrangements for the day, then plan transport to and from Benxi County.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Visit Babao Yunguang Cave
Babao Yunguang Cave is about 30 metres long. Its natural rock formations include a tiger, dragon, Shouxing figure, toad, wooden fish, immortal’s bed, wind-calming pearl and lotus basin. If you have limited stamina, first find out which caves and temples are open that day and keep your visit to open sites near the entrance.
Continue uphill for peaks and inscriptions
The five peaks, North and South Heavenly Gates (南北天门), Qiankun Cave (乾坤洞) and cliff inscriptions—including one reading “May Heaven Grant Long Life” (与天同寿)—are spread across the mountain. If you want to continue hiking, find out the climb, stops along the route, exit and return transport for your chosen trail. Reaching a summit adds more uphill and downhill walking time.
Focus on temples and cultural sites
Daoist temples and cultural sites are located on the mountain. If you are interested in their history, visit the open areas and read the information on site. Temple access and activities follow the scenic area’s information for the day.
Build your day
Confirm the entrance and return first
Contact the scenic area before your visit to confirm the ticket entrance, trail starting point, open paths, shuttle stops and last return service. If you are driving, find out whether the trail exit returns to the same parking area. If you are not driving, arrange transport both ways before choosing how much of the mountain to explore.
A shorter cave visit
If the scenic area confirms that a cave or temple route near the entrance is open, make Babao Yunguang Cave and nearby open sites the focus of a shorter visit, then return along the confirmed trail. If you have limited stamina, stay near the cave area and open sites by the entrance. Reaching a summit or crossing between entrance areas requires a separate route and transfer plan.
Hike to the peaks
Before climbing, obtain the current route information from the scenic area, including the starting point, order of stops, downhill exit area and return transport. If a vehicle has not been arranged, choose a route that allows you to return along the same path; do not take a one-way hike between entrance areas.
Get there
Navigation and driving
Search for “铁刹山风景区” or “九顶铁刹山” (“Tieshashan Scenic Area” or “Jiuding Tieshashan”) in your navigation app. The scenic area is in Xiaozhangbao Village (小张堡村), Tieshashan Village (铁刹山村), Tianshifu Town (田师付镇), Benxi County (本溪县). Follow signs to the entrance and parking area. Before hiking, confirm which entrance area you parked at and where you will finish the descent.
Getting there and back without a car
The scenic area information number is 024-46152999. If you are not driving, arrange transport both ways from Benxi Railway Station (本溪站) or Tianshifu Town (田师付镇) to the scenic area before setting out. Confirm the last service back to the county town after your hike. If there is no scheduled service that works for you, book a return vehicle.
Know before you go
Mountain trails and caves
Tieshashan has uphill trails and cave passages. Wear shoes with good grip and bring water; stone steps can be slippery after rain. Stay on trails open that day and do not enter closed caves or unopened side paths.
Tickets, etiquette and seasons
Plan around the day’s ticketing information for admission, discounts, reservations and the last entry time. Protect the inscriptions and follow on-site rules in temples and caves. Autumn brings foliage, but the leaves and cloud seas depend on the weather.
Before travelling, call the scenic area to confirm which sites are open, transport between entrance areas and return arrangements. International visitors using a passport as ID should check which documents are accepted, what payment methods are available and how tickets are verified on arrival.