Qianling Park: A Nature Classroom for Family with Kids

Qianling Mountain Park is located in the heart of Guiyang, only about 3 kilometers from the landmark Jiaxiu Pavilion. It is a true "urban forest park." You can explore the park's mountains, forests, lakes, caves, temples, and zoo after just a few minutes' drive.

Here, you can also encounter free-roaming macaques and visit giant pandas (there are currently two). It is especially suitable for families with children aged 3 to 8. If you're in Guiyang looking for a natural classroom where kids can get close to nature and observe animals, Qianling Mountain is definitely worth a visit.

I have also taken my child to Qianling Mountain Park. In this guide, I'll share a time-saving and energy-efficient route, point out the best spots to linger, and offer tips on how to avoid crowds.

How to Visit Qianling Park

Qianling Mountain Park is quite large (over two million square meters), with many forked paths. Visiting without a plan can easily waste time and energy, and you might even miss the main attractions. Based on my experience, setting aside 3-4 hours for a visit with kids is just right. It's enough time to see the key sights without overtiring the children.

Choosing Your Entrance

Qianling Mountain Park has three main entrances: the South Gate, the North Gate, and the East Gate.

• Recommended Entry (South Gate): I strongly recommend entering through the South Gate. This is the only entrance close to the cableway (5 minutes' walk). Riding the cable car up through the dense forest will excite the kids with this "aerial journey." It also saves energy on the uphill climb. You can then walk down the mountain, which is an easier downhill stroll and a good chance to encounter macaques.
• For Hiking Enthusiasts: If you enjoy hiking, you can enter from any of the three gates, but be prepared for an approximately one-hour uphill walk on mostly stone steps with a gentle slope.

Recommended Route & Timeline

Below is the route I took on my last visit to Qianling Mountain Park, along with the approximate time spent at each location. The total suggested time is 3-4 hours.

South Gate (Entrance) → Cable Car Uphill (5 mins) → Kanzhu Pavilion (10 mins) → Hongfu Temple (30 mins) → Walk Downhill (30 mins) → Qianling Lake (30 mins) → Zoo (40 mins) → Panda House (30 mins) → Qilin Cave (20 mins)→ South Gate (Exit)

The advantage of this order is that it progresses from cultural sights (Hongfu Temple) to natural scenery (Qianling Lake), and finally to animals (Zoo + Panda House), aligning well with a child's increasing interest.

5 Experiences You Shouldn't Miss in Qianling Park

1. Enjoy Serenity in Hongfu Temple

Hongfu Temple

Hongfu Temple represents the cultural heart of Qianling Mountain. Stepping into the Main Hall, you will be surrounded by the faint scent of sandalwood and the soft murmur of sutra chanting. It will naturally make yourself slowing down.

Here, you could experience a temple vegetarian meal with your child. The light and flavorful dishes offer a unique taste experience, quite different from everyday food.

Timing Tip: The temple's vegetarian lunch is usually served between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM. If you'd like to try it, be sure to plan your time accordingly.

2. Encounter the Wild Monkeys

Monkeys in Qianling Park

The section of the stone steps leading downhill from Hongfu Temple is the most likely place to encounter monkeys. As you walk along the forest path, you might suddenly spot these creatures by the roadside or perched on branches.

These little ones are quite clever: they may eye your plastic bags or even attempt to “raid” your snacks. Last time, we had a plastic bag with bread in it and almost had it snatched by a monkey.

• Safety Tip: Keep food and plastic bags securely stored and maintain a safe distance.
• For Kids: This is a real “wildlife observation lesson.” Teach your children not to feed or touch the monkeys, learning to respect the living space of wild animals.

3. Relax by Boating on Qianling Lake

Qianling Lake

After walking downhill, you'll arrive at Qianling Lake. The lake is calm, surrounded by lush green mountains, with waterbirds occasionally skimming the surface.

You can rent a boat and go boating on the lake. Kids will enjoy the feeling of rowing, while you can sit at the stern, watching the ripples on the water and savoring this rare leisurely moment.

Fun Activity: You can bring some bread to feed the small fish in the lake. Last time, our child loved feeding the fish in the lake the most.

4. See Pandas and Wild Animals in the Zoo

Pandas in Qianling Park

The zoo is the most popular family attraction in the park. The biggest surprise is getting to see giant pandas up close. As they lazily munch on bamboo or roll around on the ground, their adorable antics will captivate your children.

In addition to pandas, the zoo also houses birds, bears, tigers, and other animals. While the scale is modest, it offers plenty for children to explore.

Our Tip: 9–11 AM is when the animals are most active. Visiting during this time means you're more likely to see the pandas eating, which makes for a more engaging experience.

5. Explore the Mysterious Underground World in Qilin Cave

Qilin cave

This is a karst cave with over 500 years of history. Inside, you'll see stalactites of various shapes hanging from the ceiling, resembling qilins (mythical creatures). This is how the cave got its name.

For Kids: It's recommended to bring a flashlight or buy one (around $1) at the shop near the cave entrance. Let your child "discover" the fascinating rock formations themselves. It’s a mini adventure and a vivid geography lesson all in one.

How to Avoid Crowds

To steer clear of crowds and enjoy a more comfortable visit, I recommend avoiding China’s national holidays (such as Oct. 1-7, May 1-5) and weekends. During these times, Qianling Mountain Park is a popular destination for local Guiyang residents bringing their children, exercising, or relaxing, resulting in peak visitor numbers.

A better option is to enter the park early in the morning (before 9 AM) on a weekday (Monday to Friday). Not only are there fewer visitors at this time, but the air is also exceptionally fresh. Additionally, you’re more likely to encounter active animals at the zoo.

Explore Guizhou with China Highlights

Whether you have half a day in Guiyang and aren't sure where to go, or you'd like to take your children to Qianling Mountain Park, China Highlights can tailor a private itinerary based on your needs and select a scenic route with fewer crowds. Contact us now to start planning your Guizhou trip!