Plan at a glance
Location and how to get in
Lingtong Mountain is in Daxi Town, Pinghe County, Zhangzhou. It is not on Dongshan Island, and the drive between the two is about 1.5-2 hours. The official main entrance is the Qingyun Temple parking lot, from which the climb is the easiest. The mountain has a hanging temple, a waterfall, and a main peak, and it is a separate full-day trip; do not squeeze it into a Dongshan Island route.
Tickets and opening hours
The entrance ticket costs CNY 20 per adult and CNY 10 for students, with exemptions for certain groups according to the scenic area rules; parking costs CNY 10 per vehicle. The shuttle bus costs CNY 30 round trip and saves about 1,700 steps. Opening hours are about 6:30-18:00, the last uphill entry is at 16:30, clearing starts at 18:00, and there are no lights on the mountain.
How much time you need
The quick route takes about 2-3 hours and suits visitors short on time or travelling with older people or children. The classic route takes about 4-5 hours and includes the main peak, with some sections needing hands as well as feet. The challenge route takes about 5-6 hours and has a longer distance and more climbing. If your fitness is average, choose the quick route and do not fill the day too full.
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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Lingtong Rock hanging temple
Lingtong Rock is an old temple built into a recess in a cliff about 100 metres high. Its main body is supported by 13 wooden pillars, and its red walls sit against the cliff. A waterfall runs in front of the temple and is more visible in the rainy season; the exact water flow follows the season and the day's weather.
Bead Curtain Rain and the main peak
Bead Curtain Rain is the waterfall in front of the temple; after rain the water is fuller and more like a curtain. Whether a rainbow appears on a sunny day depends on the light and mist, so it cannot be guaranteed. The main peak is 1,287.4 metres above sea level, and from the top you can see the surrounding mountains; clouds, sunrise, and sunset all depend on the weather and should not be treated as fixed scenery.
Who it suits
Lingtong Mountain suits visitors who enjoy mountain scenery, light hiking, and old architecture, as well as older family members on the quick route. The stone steps stay damp and slippery through the year. If your fitness is limited or the weather is poor, do not force the main peak; a visit to the Lingtong Rock area and back is still a complete plan.
Build your day
Quick route (about 2-3 hours)
Start from the Qingyun Temple parking lot, pass Qingyun Temple and Tongtian Platform to Lingtong Rock, see the hanging temple and Bead Curtain Rain, then return the same way. The slope on this route is relatively gentle and suits visitors short on time or travelling with older people or children.
Classic route (about 4-5 hours)
See Lingtong Rock first, then climb Qingtian Peak, and descend in the direction of Lion Peak. Some sections are steep and need hands as well as feet; confirm your fitness, footwear, and the time of day before setting out, and do not take risks to keep up a schedule.
Challenge route (about 5-6 hours)
From Qingyun Temple, go through Lingtong Rock, Qingtian Peak, Tiantang Temple, and Lion Peak, then return to Qingyun Temple. The full route is about 10 km and suits experienced hikers only. Before starting, calculate the last shuttle bus time and the full descent time.
Get there
Driving
Driving is the most recommended option. Navigate to "Lingtong Mountain Qingyun Temple Parking Lot"; parking costs CNY 10 per day. The last 11 km is mountain road with many bends and narrow sections, so drive slowly if you are not used to it, and prepare in advance if you get motion sickness.
High-speed rail and private transfers
After high-speed rail to Yunxiao Station, a chartered car or taxi to the scenic area takes about 40 minutes and costs about CNY 100-120. Taxis are hard to find after about 16:00, so book the return car before setting out.
Public transport
From Zhangzhou Passenger West Station, a long-distance bus reaches Daxi Town, then you need a taxi or shuttle up the mountain. The journey is long and the service is sparse, so it is not recommended as the main transport option.
Know before you go
Time and clearing
The last uphill entry is at 16:30, clearing starts at 18:00, and there are no lights on the mountain, so leave enough time to descend and do not walk the mountain roads after dark. Arrive early; getting on the mountain before 8:00 helps you avoid the busiest period.
Weather and gear
The scenery depends heavily on the weather; after rain you are more likely to see cloud seas and a fuller waterfall, but they cannot be guaranteed. The stone steps are damp and slippery through the year, so wear anti-slip hiking shoes and bring a trekking pole and a light jacket; the summit is windy and can be cool.
Supplies and the shuttle bus
There are few shops on the mountain and prices are higher, so bring enough water and dry food. The shuttle bus is voluntary; do not let local people pressure you into buying a ticket, and you do not need it to reach the upper area.
Parking and safety
Use the official Qingyun Temple parking lot and do not follow roadside people who try to direct you to a private lot. The mountain road has many bends; anyone prone to motion sickness should prepare medicine. Do not climb over guardrails or get close to cliff edges on steep sections.