Jiunu Peak in Tai’an, a poetic and distant place hidden in the mountains
Tired of the hustle and bustle of the city and longing for a gentle encounter with nature? Then come to Jiunu Peak in Tai’an! Here, the mountains roll and clouds linger, like a slowly unfolding landscape painting. Every scene tells a story of tranquility and beauty, making it the perfect escape to relax your body and mind. Next, follow this guide to start your dreamy journey to Jiunu Peak.
1. Preparation
1. Documents: Bring your ID card for ticket purchase and check-in. If you have a student ID, senior citizen card, or military officer ID, bring them as well, as some attractions offer discounts.
2. Clothing: The mountain area is cooler, so even in summer, it’s recommended to bring a long-sleeve jacket; in spring and autumn, a thicker windbreaker is advisable; in winter, down jackets and thermal pants are necessary. Also, prepare comfortable sports shoes for hiking.
3. Items: A power bank to keep your devices charged; sun protection (sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses) to avoid sunburn; rain gear in case of sudden weather changes; snacks and drinking water to replenish energy.
2. Transportation Guide
1. Self-driving: From Tai’an city center, head west along Huanshan Road to Daolang Town, then follow signs to the scenic area. The drive takes about 40 minutes. The scenery along the way is beautiful, and you can stop anytime for photos, but the mountain roads have many curves and steep slopes, so drive carefully. The scenic area has free parking, but spaces are limited during holidays, so arriving early is recommended.
2. Public Transport: Take a bus from Tai’an city to Daolang Town, then take a taxi to the scenic area, which is somewhat inconvenient. You can also check for direct shuttle bus information, such as the route from Hongmen to Tianwaicun to Jiunu Peak immersive scenic area operating Fridays to Sundays at 13:30, and the return route from Jiunu Peak immersive scenic area to Tianwaicun to Hongmen operating Fridays to Sundays at 18:30.
3. High-speed Rail + Taxi: If coming from out of town, arrive at Tai’an Station, then take a taxi for about 30 minutes to the scenic area. If you are prone to motion sickness, remember to bring medication in advance.
3. Tickets and Opening Hours
1. Tickets: Regular tickets cost 120 RMB per person and include attractions like the Study Room and Grand Canyon. Current high school and college entrance exam candidates can enter free with their exam admission ticket and can also grab a graduation season package for 50 RMB (including the Hometown Moon performance, via ferrata climbing, and Study Room drinks)—a great deal for students!
2. Opening Hours: Open year-round from 08:30 to 18:00 (ticket sales stop at 17:30). The Hometown Moon immersive performance is at 11:00 and 16:00 (closed on Mondays outside holidays). Plan your trip accordingly to not miss the wonderful show.
4. Suggested Routes
One-day tour
Morning: Upon arrival, head straight to Jiunu Peak Study Room, check in at the “cloud” shaped building, overlook the mountains from the suspended terrace, and enjoy a Taishan Polygonatum latte by the window while reading leisurely.
Noon: Dine at the Zhuochun Restaurant inside the scenic area, savoring a seasonal wild vegetable feast. Don’t miss the fragrant toona scrambled eggs and mint mixed with fresh bamboo shoots.
Afternoon: Visit Shenlong Grand Canyon, wander among streams, strange rocks, and forests, marvel at nature’s craftsmanship, use slow shutter speed to capture silky waterfalls and pools, freezing stunning moments. Then watch the Hometown Moon immersive performance with 360-degree surround screens, main stage gauze curtains, and ground projections, taking you across millennia to experience the moon’s many charms.
Two-day tour
Day 1: Arrive in the morning, check in at the high-end wild luxury resort Hometown Cloud or the Wild Courtyard guesthouse, rest briefly, then visit Jiunu Peak Study Room for sightseeing, photography, and reading. In the evening, enjoy camping and tea by the fire at the Maple Moon Boundless camping leisure area while watching the sunset.
Day 2: Wake early to watch the sea of clouds, have breakfast, then head to the Pink Volcano, stroll through the pink and white flower sea, and take romantic photos. Next, try via ferrata climbing to challenge yourself. In the afternoon, visit the Starry Sky Post Office to send a letter to your future self, then return home with wonderful memories.
5. Must-visit Spots
1. Jiunu Peak Study Room: One of China’s top ten most beautiful study rooms, hanging like a cloud among the mountains. Take low-angle shots from the suspended terrace to blend the study room roof with the blue sky; look out the window at the mountain from the side of the desk for a full atmosphere; shoot the spiral staircase from above in diagonal composition, twirling in a light-colored dress for highly photogenic results!
2. Hometown Moon immersive performance: Combines the half-moon art space with digital interpretation, stage lighting, and theatrical performance. Arrive 30 minutes early to get front-row center seats. Take photos of the moon installation outside the theater at dusk during the blue hour with flash on for a fairy-like effect; during the interactive segment, capture moments of closed eyes feeling the “moonlight” for a deeply storytelling vibe.
3. Pink Volcano: Surrounded by a pink and white flower sea, it’s a dream come true for girly hearts. Shoot panoramic flower sea views from the volcano top, run in a white dress for lively, flowing shots; walk sideways along the flower path, hold your phone low and shoot upward to create the effect of being immersed in flowers.
4. Shenlong Grand Canyon: Formed in the Paleozoic era, about 1314 meters long and 160 meters deep, with steep cliffs on both sides and many pools and waterfalls. Use slow shutter speed to capture silky waterfall water; find sunlight filtering through tree gaps in the forest for backlit silhouette shots where even hair shines.
5. Starry Sky Post Office: Located between “Cloud and Moon,” featuring a starry sky café. Take photos of the post office’s warm yellow lights at dusk with filters for a Japanese-style fresh look; hold a postcard, smile looking down, focus on the mailbox with a blurred background for a romantic atmosphere.
6. Food Recommendations
1. Inside the scenic area: Zhuochun Restaurant’s seasonal wild vegetable feast with fresh ingredients full of mountain flavors; the café offers desserts and light meals to recharge during your visit.
2. Outside the scenic area: After descending, visit Mongtai Style Garden for Inner Mongolian-style shaomai and milk tea; the lamb skewers are bigger than your face and delicious when hot. You can also go to Yang Family Courtyard to try freshly slaughtered free-range chicken made Taishan fried chicken paired with baked flatbread—so fragrant you can’t stop eating.
7. Accommodation Suggestions
1. Hometown Cloud High-end Wild Luxury Resort: Converted from villagers’ idle courtyards, blending with the forest, with simple and high-end design; some rooms have private hot spring pools.
2. Wild Courtyard Guesthouse: Located atop Jiunu Peak, quiet and serene.
3. Springtime Resort Hotel: Budget-friendly with various room types to meet different needs.
8. Notes
1. Food: You can bring your own dry food.
2. Activities: Shoe covers for the glass plank road are self-paid and not very cost-effective; via ferrata climbing requires sports shoes, rental available on-site but bringing your own is recommended.
3. Accommodation: Scenic area guesthouses are relatively expensive; for better value, stay in Tai’an city at places like Home Inn Select and taxi to and from the scenic area.
4. Others: Some areas in the scenic spot have weak signal; enjoy the “offline” time but inform family of your itinerary in advance; mountain temperature varies greatly, dress warmly; protect the environment and do not litter.
Jiunu Peak in Tai’an, a place full of poetry and romance, awaits you to unveil its mysterious veil and gain an unforgettable travel experience!