Qiushan (Qiu Mountain) Scenic Area is located in Lingshou County, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province, at the eastern foot of the Taihang Mountains. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area is characterized by "high mountains, dense forests, secluded valleys, and beautiful waters", and is particularly famous for its autumn landscape with mountains covered in red leaves, known as "the most beautiful autumn scenery in Yanzhao". The total area of the scenic area is approximately 8 square kilometers, with a forest coverage rate of over 95%, and the main peak is about 1088 meters above sea level. The area is equipped with complete tourist facilities, including an ecological trail with a total length of about 8 kilometers, 3 viewing platforms, and 2 mountain rest pavilions, providing visitors with a comfortable travel experience. The climate here is pleasant, with an average summer temperature 5-8℃ lower than that in urban areas, making it an ideal place for summer retreats and leisure. It is also a well-known destination for red leaf viewing and eco-tourism in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.
History and Culture
Lingshou County, where Qiushan is located, has a history dating back to the Warring States Period and was part of the ancient Zhongshan State, boasting a profound cultural heritage. There are many folk legends related to the Taihang Mountains circulating around the scenic area, among which the story of "Qiushan Red Leaves" is the most well-known. It is said that an immortal passing through this place was attracted by the beautiful scenery of the mountains and accidentally knocked over his colored ink, dyeing the forests all over the mountains red. This scene reappears every autumn, hence the name "Qiushan" (Autumn Mountain).
The scenic area also retains some cultural relics from the Ming and Qing dynasties. For example, the "Wangyue Pavilion" located on the mountainside, which is verified to be a place where literati of the Ming Dynasty climbed to enjoy the scenery. There were many inscriptions in the pavilion, and now a broken stele remains, recording the grand occasion of tourism at that time. In addition, the "Qiushan Red Leaf Festival" inherited by local villagers has a history of a hundred years. Held every autumn, it includes activities such as appreciating red leaves, tasting autumn fruits, and singing folk songs, showcasing profound regional cultural characteristics.
Main Attractions
Red Leaf Valley
Red Leaf Valley is the core scenic area of Qiushan Scenic Area, with a total length of about 2.5 kilometers. There are more than 20 species of colorful leaf trees such as Cotinus coggygria, Rhus typhina, and Acer mono in the valley. Every autumn (mid-October to early November), the coverage rate of red leaves in the valley reaches over 90%, with the mountains covered in red and layers of forests dyed, presenting an extremely spectacular scene. There are 3 viewing platforms in the valley, among which the highest "Hongyun Platform" is 920 meters above sea level, offering a panoramic view of the entire Red Leaf Valley. The gurgling streams in the valley complement the red leaves, making it an excellent shooting spot for photographers.
Qiushan Lake
Qiushan Lake is an artificial lake in the scenic area, built in 2005. It covers an area of about 12,000 square meters, with a maximum depth of 8 meters. The lake water is formed by the convergence of mountain springs, clear to the bottom, and surrounded by forests. The lake shoreline is winding, with wooden plank roads and water-side platforms. Visitors can walk along the plank roads to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery. Ornamental fish are released in the lake, and waterfowl often inhabit here in summer. An antique waterside pavilion is built on the west side of the lake, where visitors can rest, drink tea, and overlook the lake view.
Wangyue Peak
Wangyue Peak is the main peak of Qiushan, 1088 meters above sea level. To reach the summit, one needs to climb about 3 kilometers along the hiking trail, taking about 3 hours for a round trip. The peak has an open terrain, with a viewing pavilion "Zhaixing Pavilion" built on it. The pavilion is 6 meters high, with a hexagonal pointed roof structure. Standing in the pavilion, one can overlook the continuous peaks of the Taihang Mountains. On clear days, the outline of Shijiazhuang urban area 50 kilometers away can be seen. The words "Qiugao Qishuang" (clear and crisp autumn weather) are inscribed on the rocks at the peak, written by a contemporary calligrapher, with each character about 1 meter in diameter.
Water Curtain Cave
Water Curtain Cave is a natural karst cave located in the northeast of the scenic area. The entrance of the cave is about 5 meters wide and 3 meters high, named after the waterfall falling like a curtain above the entrance. The cave is about 30 meters deep, with a constant temperature of around 16℃ all year round. Stalactites are less developed, but there are many naturally formed patterns on the rock walls, resembling animals and figures, which are quite interesting to watch. The waterfall at the entrance has a drop of about 10 meters. When the water volume is abundant in the rainy season, the water curtain landscape is particularly obvious. Visitors can pass through the trail behind the waterfall to experience the wonderful feeling of "the water curtain opening".
Fairy Bridge
Fairy Bridge is a naturally formed stone arch bridge located upstream of Red Leaf Valley. The bridge deck is about 2 meters wide, 8 meters long, with a span of 5 meters, and the bridge deck is about 15 meters above the valley bottom. The bridge is made of granite, formed by geological movements about 120 million years ago. It is said that ancient fairies once stopped here, hence the name. The bridge deck is relatively flat, with safety guardrails on both sides. Visitors can walk on the bridge to enjoy the streams below and the surrounding forest scenery. A geological explanation board stands beside the bridge, introducing its formation principle.
Delicacies
Lingshou Salted Meat Noodles
Lingshou Salted Meat Noodles is one of the most distinctive delicacies around the scenic area, made from locally homemade salted meat and hand-rolled noodles. The salted meat is made from free-range pork in the mountains, pickled with salt, Sichuan pepper and other seasonings, then dried in the sun, with tight meat texture and a strong salty and fragrant flavor. The noodles are hand-rolled, with a chewy texture. When making, the salted meat is first stir-fried to release oil, then added with broth and boiled, and finally sprinkled with chopped green onions and coriander, served with locally produced chili oil, having a unique flavor. It is available in all farm stays in the scenic area, priced at about 15 yuan per bowl.
Stir-Fried Wild Vegetables with Meat
This dish is made by stir-frying wild vegetables picked from the mountains around the scenic area, such as shepherd's purse, purslane, bitter herbs, etc., with pork. The wild vegetables are picked in season to ensure freshness, and have the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying. It is cooked in a large farm iron pot, seasoned with green onions, ginger, garlic and a little bean paste, with a refreshing taste and the natural fragrance of wild vegetables. It is commonly available in farm stays in the scenic area, with prices ranging from 25 to 35 yuan per serving depending on the type of wild vegetables.
Braised Free-Range Chicken with Mushrooms
Braised Free-Range Chicken with Mushrooms uses locally free-range chickens (with a growth period of about 1 year) and wild hazel mushrooms. The free-range chicken has tight meat, and the hazel mushrooms are picked from Qiushan forests, with a delicious taste. It is simmered in a clay pot for more than 1.5 hours, seasoned with ginger slices, red dates, etc., without adding too many seasonings to retain the original flavor of the ingredients. The braised chicken soup is rich and mellow, and the chicken is tender and flavorful. It is a nourishing delicacy in local autumn and winter. The price in restaurants around the scenic area is about 80-100 yuan per serving, and it can be eaten with pancakes.
Qiushan Persimmon Cakes
Qiushan area is rich in persimmons. Local farmers make persimmon cakes by peeling fresh persimmons, drying them in the sun and pressing them. The persimmon cakes made by farmers around the scenic area use local "mill persimmons", with delicate flesh and high sugar content. No sucrose is added during the production process, and they taste soft, glutinous and sweet. Persimmon cakes can be eaten directly or after steaming. They are commonly sold at farm stalls at the entrance of the scenic area in autumn and winter, priced at about 20 yuan per catty, and are popular souvenirs.
Tickets
As of August 6, 2025, the ticket price is 50 yuan per person. No valid official WeChat public account has been found.
Opening Hours
The opening hours are adjusted according to the season: peak season (April 1 - October 31) is 7:30-18:00, among which it is extended to 18:30 during October 1 - October 31 (red leaf season); off-season (November 1 - March 31 of the next year) is 8:30-17:00. The scenic area is open all year round, including holidays. Ticket sales are from 30 minutes before opening to 1 hour before closing. Visitors need to buy tickets during this time period to enter the park.
Tour Route
Recommended one-day tour route: depart from the scenic area entrance at 8:00 a.m., walk about 1 kilometer along the main trail to Qiushan Lake, visit the lake view and take a boat tour (about 1 hour); depart from Qiushan Lake at 9:30 a.m., enter Red Leaf Valley (peak season) or head towards Water Curtain Cave (off-season) along the left trail, visit the entire Red Leaf Valley and the viewing platforms along the way, and arrive at the farm stay at the end of Red Leaf Valley for lunch at about 11:30 a.m. (about 1 hour); depart from the farm stay at 13:00 p.m., visit Fairy Bridge (about 40 minutes), then go to Wangyue Peak along the hiking trail, rest and enjoy the scenery after reaching the summit (about 2 hours); descend from Wangyue Peak at 15:30 p.m. and return to the scenic area entrance at 17:00 p.m. The total walking distance is about 10 kilometers, with a cumulative climb of about 600 meters, suitable for visitors with moderate physical strength. Those with weaker physical strength can take a battery car to the entrance of Red Leaf Valley, reducing the walking distance by 3 kilometers.
Transportation
- Self-driving: depart from downtown Shijiazhuang, take Beijing-Kunming Expressway (G5) and transfer to Xibaipo Expressway (S0711), get off at Lingshou Exit, drive north along S201 Provincial Road for about 35 kilometers, and reach the scenic area according to the road signs. The total distance is about 80 kilometers, and the driving time is about 1.5 hours; depart from Beijing, drive south along Beijing-Kunming Expressway (G5), get off at Lingshou Exit, and follow the same route as above. The total distance is about 280 kilometers, and the driving time is about 3.5 hours.
- Public transportation: Shijiazhuang North Passenger Station has 3 tourist buses to Qiushan Scenic Area in Lingshou County every day, departing at 7:00, 8:30 and 10:00 respectively, with a journey of about 2 hours and a ticket price of 25 yuan per person; Lingshou County Bus Station has 6 minibuses to the town where the scenic area is located every day, departing from 6:30 to 16:30, once an hour. After arriving at the town, you can take a local taxi (about 15 yuan) to the scenic area.
- Tourist special line: during the red leaf season (October), a tourist special line from downtown Shijiazhuang to Qiushan Scenic Area is opened, departing from the East Square of Shijiazhuang Railway Station at 8:00 every day, with a round-trip ticket price of 50 yuan per person, including the scenic area ticket. Reservation is required at the station ticket window one day in advance.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Red Leaf Valley: 2.5 kilometers long, with a red leaf coverage rate of over 90% in autumn. The best viewing period is from mid-October to early November. 3 viewing platforms allow a full view of the red leaf landscape, making it a landmark attraction of the scenic area.
- Wangyue Peak: 1088 meters above sea level, the main peak of the scenic area. Climbing to the summit offers a view of the Taihang Mountains. "Zhaixing Pavilion" is an excellent place to watch the sunrise and sea of clouds. The hiking trail has diverse scenery along the way, suitable for hiking enthusiasts.
- Qiushan Lake: the 12,000-square-meter lake forms a harmonious landscape with the surrounding forests. The wooden plank road is suitable for leisurely walks. In summer, you can cool off in the waterside pavilion; in autumn, the lake reflects the red leaves, presenting a picturesque scene.
- Fairy Bridge: a natural stone arch bridge with a span of 5 meters, formed 120 million years ago. It combines geological wonders and legendary stories. Walking on the bridge allows you to experience the fun of viewing the scenery in the air, making it a popular photo spot.
Travel Suggestions
- The best season to visit is autumn (mid-October to early November), when the red leaf landscape is the most beautiful; summer (July-August) is suitable for summer retreats, with an average temperature of about 22℃; spring (April-May) allows viewing of mountain flowers; winter (December-February) has fewer visitors, suitable for viewing snow.
- Most trails in the scenic area are stone steps. It is recommended to wear non-slip sports shoes and carry a hiking pole (available for rent at the scenic area entrance for 10 yuan each); the temperature difference between morning and evening is large in autumn, so you need to bring a coat. During the red leaf season, it is recommended to wear light-colored clothes to form a color contrast with the red leaves, resulting in better photo effects.
- For a one-day tour, it is recommended to bring simple meals and drinking water. The farm stays in the scenic area have moderate prices, and you can taste local specialties; if you plan to climb to Wangyue Peak, you need to reserve sufficient physical strength, and it is recommended to eat an appropriate amount of high-calorie food for breakfast.
- Photographers are advised to bring a telephoto lens. The sunrise and backlight shooting effects in Red Leaf Valley are the best, with the best shooting periods being before 9:00 a.m. and after 16:00 p.m.; Wangyue Peak is suitable for shooting panoramas and sunsets.
- There are 2 parking lots in the scenic area, with a parking fee of 10 yuan per day for small cars. There are many visitors during the red leaf season, so it is recommended to arrive before 8:00 a.m. to avoid parking space shortages; visitors taking public transportation can check the return bus schedule in advance to avoid missing the last bus.
Matters Needing Attention
- Some sections in the scenic area are steep, especially the hiking trail to Wangyue Peak. Pay attention to safety underfoot. The road is slippery on rainy days, so it is recommended to proceed with caution or give up climbing to the summit; do not leave the trail and enter undeveloped areas to prevent getting lost or encountering wild animals.
- Protect the ecological environment. Do not pick red leaves, mountain flowers or wild fruits, and do not litter. There are garbage sorting bins in the scenic area. Violators will be fined 50-200 yuan.
- There are many visitors during the autumn red leaf season. Take good care of your personal belongings, pay attention to avoiding others in crowded areas such as viewing platforms, and children and the elderly must be accompanied by family members.
- Using open flames is prohibited in the scenic area, and smoking is strictly forbidden. Smoking in forest areas will be subject to administrative penalties; if you need to have a picnic, it must be in the designated area (picnic area on the east side of Qiushan Lake).
- The weather in mountainous areas is changeable. It is recommended to bring rain gear; in summer, take sun protection measures, apply sunscreen and wear a sun hat.
- Respect local customs and habits. When dining or shopping at farm stays, you can ask about the price in advance; follow the organizers' instructions when participating in folk activities during the "Red Leaf Festival".