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Qingliang Mountain

清凉山

Plan Qingliang Mountain in Yan'an with Wanfo Cave, journalism and publishing sites, glazed pagoda viewpoints, ticket cautions, and city-route pairing tips.

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Quick Facts
Ticket
CNY 40 adult ticket is commonly listed on current booking pages; discounted tickets may be available for eligible students or children.
Hours
Older public notices list 08:00-17:00; confirm same-day opening in the scenic-area or ticketing channel before going.
Transport
No metro. Use city buses or a taxi to Qingliang Mountain (清凉山) on Yanhe East Road.
Duration
1.5-2 hours
Best Time
Year-round; clear mornings or late afternoons are better for views and softer light
Visitors
All ages
Book Ticketsvia Trip.com
How to Visit
1

Treat it as a city culture stop

Qingliang Mountain works well after Baota Mountain and usually needs about 1.5-2 hours. It is not just a hill walk; think of it as a hillside museum combining grottoes, historic sites, and revolutionary-era journalism and publishing locations.

Tip:If you already have several former revolutionary sites on the same day, use Qingliang Mountain as a cultural complement rather than another rushed checklist stop.
2

Start with Wanfo Cave and the grotto area

Wanfo Cave is the most distinctive part of Qingliang Mountain. Slow down here to look at the carvings, figures, and cave spaces.

Tip:If your time is limited, prioritize this area over ordinary hill paths.
3

Continue to the journalism and publishing sites

After the grotto area, visit the former sites connected with Xinhua News Agency, Liberation Daily, the central printing facilities, and related institutions.

Tip:For overseas visitors, signs or a guide are especially helpful, because the cave dwellings can otherwise look like simple old rooms.
4

Finish at the glazed pagoda or viewpoint

The upper areas give views toward Baota Mountain, the Yanhe River, and central Yan'an. Qingliang Mountain faces Baota Mountain across the river, so visiting both on the same day gives two useful angles on the city.

Tip:Treat ticketing, opening status, and entry rules as same-day details to confirm through the official or scenic-area booking channel.
Highlights
  • Wanfo Cave is the core historical highlight of Qingliang Mountain.
  • The journalism and publishing sites explain why the mountain is linked with China's revolutionary press history.
  • The glazed pagoda and upper viewpoints give a different angle on Baota Mountain and the Yanhe River.
  • The walking effort is lighter than at a major mountain scenic area, so it fits well into a city half-day.
  • The atmosphere is usually quieter than Baota Mountain and rewards visitors who read the signs carefully.
Insider Tips

✦Confirm same-day opening, ticketing, and reservation rules before you go.

✦Do not use flash or touch carvings, walls, or old-site displays in the grotto and heritage areas.

✦Some cave, step, and hillside sections can be slippery, especially in rain or winter.

✦If time is short, focus on Wanfo Cave, the journalism sites, and one upper viewpoint.

✦Do not frame Qingliang Mountain as only a hiking stop; its value is mainly cultural.

More Yan'an Attractions
01Nature Escape

Shaanxi Hukou Waterfall of the Yellow River

陕西黄河壶口瀑布

All Ages

Admission

Shaanxi-side adult entry is commonly listed as CNY 80; scenic shuttle is usually purchased separately. Confirm same-day price and shuttle rules before travel.

Typical Visit

1.5-3 hours on site; allow most of a day from Yan'an with road time

02City Guide

Ganquan Grand Canyon

甘泉大峡谷

All Ages

Admission

Adult ticket plus scenic shuttle is commonly sold as a combined package around CNY 168 on ticketing platforms.

Typical Visit

3-5 hours

03Historic Walk

Yellow Emperor Mausoleum

黄帝陵

All Ages

Admission

Peak-season adult ticket is commonly CNY 75; off-season adult ticket is commonly CNY 50. Sightseeing vehicle and guiding services cost extra.

Typical Visit

About 3 hours for both Xuanyuan Temple and the mausoleum area

04Historic Walk

Xuanyuan Temple at Yellow Emperor Mausoleum

黄帝陵轩辕庙

All Ages

Admission

Usually covered by the Yellow Emperor Mausoleum main ticket: peak-season adult ticket commonly CNY 75 and off-season adult ticket commonly CNY 50.

Typical Visit

1-1.5 hours for the temple alone; about 3 hours with the mausoleum area

05Urban Landmark

Baota Mountain

宝塔山

All Ages

Admission

Free main scenic-area entry from Jan 1, 2026; pagoda climbing, sightseeing shuttle, and guiding services cost extra.

Typical Visit

1.5-2.5 hours

06Historic Walk

Yangjialing Revolutionary Site

杨家岭革命旧址

All Ages

Admission

Free entry; same-day reservation or ID checks may apply.

Typical Visit

1.5-2.5 hours