Plan at a glance
Expect a stair climb
Qingyan Temple is in Changxingdian Town, Beizhen. The visit covers the lower temple (下院), upper temple (上院), Nine Bends (九道弯), Waibo Laomu Cave (歪脖老母洞), Guanyin Hand (观音手) and Zhangying Terrace (障鹰台). The full climb has about 1,407 steps; even the shorter visit includes a sustained climb. The electric shuttle only avoids about 500 m of gentle slope near the entrance.
Tickets and entry window
The reference adult ticket is CNY 60. Students and visitors aged 60 or over may qualify for a discount; check the required ID and discount on site. Tickets are available online or at the entrance. Current hours are 07:30–16:00, with ticket sales and entry stopping at 15:00. For holidays or special events, call 0416-6813808 to confirm the day’s arrangements.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
The lower temple, upper temple and Waibo Laomu Cave
The lower temple is the starting point for the climb. Waibo Laomu Cave in the upper temple area is the main place of worship. Visitors come here to pray; the visit does not guarantee a particular outcome, and buying incense is optional.
Nine Bends, Guanyin Hand and Zhangying Terrace
Nine Bends climbs along the mountain. Guanyin Hand is a large copper-colored landmark beside the path, and Zhangying Terrace looks over the Beizhen area. If you mainly want the mountain views, turn back on an open upper path when you have had enough. Check which steps and viewing platforms are open that day.
Temple buildings and photo spots
The copper-colored Guanyin Hand, the steps winding along Nine Bends and the red walls of the upper temple are easy landmarks to recognize. Zhangying Terrace is higher up and offers mountain views; mist can reduce visibility and rain can affect the cliffside path.
Build your day
Short route: about 2–3 hours
From the gate, walk or take the CNY 5 electric shuttle along about 500 m of gentle slope, then climb the steps on the main scenic-area route to Waibo Laomu Cave. On the way down, pass Guanyin Hand and return to the gate. This shorter route still involves a continuous climb.
Longer route: about 4–5 hours
The longer route follows the lower temple, Nine Bends, Waibo Laomu Cave in the upper temple area and Zhangying Terrace, with about 1,407 steps. Nine Bends runs along the cliff, so take extra care when it is wet. If the upper temple area or Zhangying Terrace is closed, return the way you came, following the signs. Whether to continue to Zhangying Terrace depends on your fitness and the open route that day; leave enough time to descend.
Time your entry and departure
The listed closing time is 16:00, and entry stops at 15:00. Start early for the 4–5-hour route; some sections may close or clear earlier, so follow on-site notices.
Get there
Driving and parking
Set your map destination to “Qingyan Temple Scenic Area” (青岩寺风景区). There is a car park outside the main gate; the reference fee is CNY 20 per visit. Check the parking signs for space and holiday arrangements.
Goubangzi and Panjin North stations
From Goubangzi Railway Station (沟帮子站) or Panjin North Railway Station (盘锦北站), arrange a separate transfer to the entrance. Confirm the vehicle, fare and return service for the station you are using; arrange your pickup point and return trip before leaving the station.
Know before you go
Steps, knees and the electric shuttle
The full climb puts sustained demands on your knees and cardiovascular fitness. The electric shuttle covers only the gentle slope near the entrance; it does not reach the upper temple and is not step-free access. If you have knee or heart problems that make climbing unsuitable, limit the visit to open areas near the gate. Wear shoes with good grip, bring water and avoid unstable footwear on the long flights of steps. The descent also puts pressure on your knees, so take breaks when needed.
Temple offerings and photography
Follow the on-site instructions for incense and worship. Around Guanyin Hand, follow signs and staff directions when taking photos; do not touch the installation or cross barriers.
Food in Beizhen and nearby sights
Goubangzi juicy steamed buns (水馅包子) and smoked chicken are local food options; check shop hours separately. Qingyan Temple and Yiwulü Mountain have separate tickets and entrances, so arrange transport between them if visiting both in one day.