Plan at a glance
Area and tickets
Simen Pagoda Scenic Area, also called the Shentong Temple Ruins, has one main entrance at 55 Sujiazhuang, Liubu Subdistrict, Licheng District. Adult admission is CNY 30 and students pay half price; the ticket covers the historic buildings and Yongquan Bamboo Forest. In the peak season, 1 May–15 October, hours are 07:30–17:30; in the off-season, 16 October–30 April, they are 08:00–17:00. Last entry is one hour before closing in each period.
Who it suits
Allow 1.5–2 hours for the main ruins or 3–4 hours for the buildings and Yongquan Bamboo Forest. It suits visitors who like ancient pagodas, stone carvings, bamboo, and quiet walks. The grounds rise and fall but the overall walking effort is moderate.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
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Simen Pagoda and Qianfo Cliff
Simen Pagoda was built in the seventh year of Daye in the Sui dynasty (AD 611) and is an important surviving example of a single-storey Sui stone pagoda. Qianfo Cliff contains Tang-dynasty cliff carvings; the Pagoda Forest, Small Song Pagoda, and Shentong Temple ruins add depth to the historic route.
Yongquan Bamboo Forest and cats
Yongquan lies deep in the bamboo forest, and a small waterfall may appear after rain or during periods of high water. The forest suits a quiet walk and stream photography. Stray cats live in the scenic area; observe them without treating interaction or feeding as a guaranteed activity, and take care to avoid scratches.
Build your day
1.5–2-hour historic route
From the only entrance, see Simen Pagoda and the Jiuding Pine first, then continue to the Pagoda Forest and Qianfo Cliff before returning to the exit. This focuses on the main historic sights and suits visitors with limited time or those arriving by bus.
3–4-hour full route
Visit Simen Pagoda, Small Song Pagoda, the Pagoda Forest, and Qianfo Cliff in order, then continue to Yongquan Bamboo Forest and the Shentong Temple ruins before leaving. The section from Qianfo Cliff to the bamboo forest may require an out-and-back walk; decide whether to extend after checking the day’s paths and your energy.
Get there
Arrival and local transport
Driving is easiest. Navigate to Simen Pagoda Scenic Area Car Park; parking is listed at CNY 10 per visit. Buses 67, 812, and 815 stop at Simen Pagoda, about a 5-minute walk away, but a one-way journey can take around 1 hour 50 minutes. There is no direct metro access.
There is only one main entrance, so search directly for Simen Pagoda Scenic Area. Jiudingta is about 3.7 kilometres away and can be combined by car, but the two attractions have separate ticket and route systems.
Know before you go
Practical considerations
Peak- and off-season last-entry times differ. If you arrive late, shorten the route and prioritize the main historic sights. Yongquan Bamboo Forest may require a return walk, and both stone steps and woodland paths can be affected by rain.
Stray cats may scratch, so be cautious about touching or feeding them. A farmhouse restaurant about 800 metres east of the scenic area serves dishes such as chicken with matsutake; food is not included in the admission ticket.