Plan at a glance
Main entrance and visit length
Zhang Guolao Mountain, also called Xianweng Mountain, is a national 3A-rated scenic area in Xindu District, Xingtai. Navigate to the main entrance marked “Zhang Guolao Mountain,” where a red stone inscription bears the mountain’s name. The short route takes about one hour; allow about two hours for the full climb to the summit viewpoint.
Opening hours may change by season. Confirm the day’s ticket sales and last entry time before setting out.
Tickets and on-site purchase
The reference adult ticket price is CNY 30. Tickets can be bought at the ticket office without an online reservation.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Qixia Taoist Temple (栖霞观) and Taoist heritage
Qixia Taoist Temple, the imperial edict stele inside, and the mountain’s cliff inscriptions are the main cultural sights. Tradition says the temple was built by imperial order under Emperor Xuanzong of Tang. The scenic area draws on local legends about Zhang Guolao, one of the Eight Immortals. The red inscription at the mountain gate and the golden gourd by the Taoist temple entrance are photo stops.
Xianweng Cave and old trees
Xianweng Cave is the main cave on the route; visitors can walk through its more than 300 m length. The Bitter-Dream Tree and Twisted Cypress grow near the mountain path. The cypress trunk has a spiral shape.
Views over Xingtai
Visitors interested in Taoist culture, local legends, and hiking can allow about half a day. The full summit route takes about two hours, roughly one hour longer than the entrance-area short route. From the main gate, walk past Qixia Taoist Temple and through Xianweng Cave, then climb the marked scenic-area trail to the summit viewpoint for views over Xingtai. If time is limited or you prefer less walking, take the roughly one-hour short route and return after the temple and cave.
Build your day
The roughly 1-hour entrance-area route
Enter through the main gate, visit Qixia Taoist Temple and the imperial edict stele, then walk through Xianweng Cave. After the cave, follow the main path past the Bitter-Dream Tree and Twisted Cypress, then return the way you came. This route covers the temple, cave, and old trees, and suits visitors short on time or stamina. There is still an uphill section beyond the cave; keep an eye on children.
The roughly 2-hour summit route
Enter through the main gate and visit Qixia Taoist Temple first. Walk through Xianweng Cave, then follow the marked mountain trail uphill to the summit viewpoint for panoramic views of Xingtai. Return to the main entrance along the same route. The informal trail on the back of the mountain has few reliable signs and can be slippery in winter or after snow, with a risk of getting lost or falling. Stay on the open scenic-area route.
Photo stops
The red lettering at the mountain gate works for an entrance photo; the golden gourd by the temple is suited to a close-up, and the summit viewpoint frames the city and mountains. During temple fairs and public holidays, entrance procedures and parking may take longer. Allow enough time if you plan to reach the summit.
Get there
Driving and parking
The scenic area is about 15–20 km from downtown Xingtai, roughly a 40-minute drive. Navigate to the main entrance of “Zhang Guolao Mountain.” Parking is about CNY 10 per day. Parking is limited during the temple fair on the eighth day of the third lunar month; follow staff directions.
Bus and final connection
Take Bus 10 to Fujiagou (付家沟) or Zhongzhuang stop, then walk or arrange a local transfer to the main entrance. These stops are not at the trailhead. The last leg from the stop is inconvenient, so arrange both the outbound and return trips in advance. Do not use the informal trails from the back of the mountain.
Know before you go
Temple fair and parking
The temple fair on the eighth day of the third lunar month can cause road congestion and limited parking. Arrive early if driving and follow on-site parking directions. If spaces are full, staff may direct vehicles to a more distant area outside the village; allow time to walk to the entrance.
Steps, water, and food in town
Some mountain sections are steep; wear hiking shoes with good grip. Supplies on the mountain are limited, so bring drinking water. Back in the city, local options include Nangong xuncai (南宫熏菜), a smoked local specialty; Wei County bingjuanrou (威县饼卷肉), a meat-filled flatbread; Wushi shaoji (武氏烧鸡), local roast chicken; jidan budai (鸡蛋布袋), an egg-filled pastry; doufunao (豆腐脑), savory tofu pudding; and suanzao zhi (酸枣汁), wild jujube juice.
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