One Day of Natural Adventure and Cultural History at Suzhou's Qionglong Mountain

As an expert in outdoor adventures, I planned a packed day trip to Suzhou with numerous attractions. Suzhou Garden Expo Park, Qionglong Mountain, Shihu Lake, and Shangfang Mountain are all at their best in spring. I underestimated Qionglong Mountain - entering from the north gate and exiting from the south, we explored Emperor Qianlong's Imperial Path, bamboo forests, lake views from the peak, prayers at Shangzhen Temple, the lesser-known reclining Buddha at Ningbang Temple, tea tasting in the mountains, the birthplace of The Art of War, and the museum. The lush mountains and lake scenery made this day trip full of natural beauty and cultural heritage. 🔥Highlights ✔️Birthplace of The Art of War, featuring Sun Wu Garden and Sun Wu Cultural Park showcasing Sun Tzu's life and military philosophy ✔️Emperor Qianlong visited six times, leaving behind the Imperial Path, palace ruins, and other royal heritage sites ✔️Shangzhen Temple (founded in Eastern Han Dynasty) and Ningbang Temple (from Liang Dynasty) showcase rich religious culture ✔️Lake-viewing Pavilion offers spectacular views of Lake Tai ✔️Mountain covered in bamboo forests - refresh your eyes and take deep breaths in nature ✔️12 km mountain road connects all attractions. Alternative routes like the Heart Trail are available from Two Steps. 🌈Detailed Itinerary (North to South Gate, 5 hours, >20,000 steps) 👉Take a 15-minute taxi from Lingyan Mountain subway station to Qionglong Mountain's north gate. 👉Start climbing at 11:00, reaching Emperor Qianlong's Imperial Path entrance in about 10 minutes. The path is lined with tall, lush bamboo forests - a refreshing sight for eyes and mind. Despite broadcast warnings, some visitors were digging for bamboo shoots in the forest. 👉Arrive at Shangzhen Temple's Cave Heaven Gate at 11:30, a stone-brick gateway amidst trees with classical charm. Small purple flowers dot the grass, highlighting spring's vitality. 👉Continue uphill, reaching Shangzhen Temple's main mountain gate at 11:45, dedicated to Wang Lingguan. 👉Instead of entering, we took a side path to Lake-viewing Garden and Tower. The garden is a hilltop retreat where Emperor Qianlong viewed Lake Tai during his six southern tours. 👉Early April brings double-petal cherry blossoms to the peak, with vibrant red branches. From the viewing platform - Emperor Qianlong's blessing terrace - see mountain ranges stretching into distance. Walking along the corridor to the quieter Lake-viewing Tower platform, observe mountains, lakes, the Art of War Museum's classical buildings, and Sacred Lake below. Further out, enjoy panoramic views of Lake Tai. 👉Return to Shangzhen Temple path for a 20-yuan vegetarian noodle lunch at the dining hall. The temple complex is grand and solemn, featuring Three Mao Hall, Three Qing Pavilion, Golden Bell Tower, Heaven-facing Gate, Lake-viewing Pavilion, and Emperor Qianlong's poetry inscriptions. Interestingly, hikers with walking sticks emerged from behind Tianxiang Pavilion from unknown trails. 👉Leave Shangzhen Temple at 1:15 PM, walk 20 minutes to Liang Dynasty's Ningbang Temple. Notable for its reclining Buddha carved into the mountainside, with multiple halls accessible via stone steps. 👉Moon-viewing Platform is nearby but time was limited. Begin descent toward Sun Wu Garden, heading to south gate. 👉Reach Sun Wu Garden at 2:30 PM. Located in Maopeng Valley, it combines historical culture, natural scenery, and ecological protection. Sun Tzu lived here 2,500+ years ago, writing The Art of War. Features include Sun Tzu's thatched cottage, military strategy inscription corridor, sage statue and hall, Zhu Maichen's reading platform, and Sun Tzu historical sites. 👉Proceed to Sun Wu Cultural Park, a vast natural cultural park. Mountains on both sides display varying shades of green, dotted with classical buildings. Various exhibition halls feature topics like traditional Chinese medicine, plus children's facilities. 👉Around 3 PM, visit The Art of War Museum, a four-hall complex resembling Hengdian World Studios. Sacred Lake spreads before it, banks adorned with spring flowers. Enjoy tea by the lake or explore the museum. 👉Leave through south gate around 4 PM, take taxi to next destination.