Park of China
Overview
| Designation | National Park of China (third batch) |
| Province | Liaoning |
| Location | Near Dandong, south-east Liaoning |
| Latitude, longitude | 40.4, 124.1 Google Maps |
| Highlights | Precipitous peaks, sheer cliffs |
| Top sights | Old Ox Back, Tianxiajue |
| Area | 216 km² |
| Highest point | 836 m |
| Nearby cities | Fengcheng (Liaoning), Dandong, Anshan, Shenyang |
| Nearby sites | Yalu River 49km, Benxi Water Cave 99km, Qianshan 107km, Qingshangou 116km, Mukden Palace, Shenyang 163km Search nearby |
| Themes | Mountain, Hill, Peak, Cliff, Hiking & climbing |
About
Phoenix Mountain lies 3 km south-east of Fengcheng and 50 km north-west of Dandong, Liaoning, an outlier of the Changbai range; the main peak, Zanyun, is 836 m. With Mount Yiwulü, Qianshan and Yaowangshan it is one of the four famous mountains of Liaoning.
It has four parts: the West Mountain, East Mountain, Miaogou and the Old Town. The West Mountain has the Old Ox Back, Tianxiajue and the Arrow Eye, and the Ming and Qing Ziyang Temple, Doumu Palace and Guanyin Pavilion. The East Mountain has the Phoenix Villa with lodging and entertainment.
It is in the third batch of national parks of China (national scenic areas) named by the State Council in 1994.
Main sights
Fenghuangshan Mountain City: on the east side of the mountain, the Goguryeo fortress of Wugu, with walls about 16 km round; a national key cultural relic site.
Travel tips
Getting there: Mount Phoenix lies about 3 km southeast of Fengcheng. The Shenyang-Dandong high-speed line has Fengcheng East station; you can also take a bus from Dandong or Shenyang to Fengcheng and a taxi to the foot of the mountain.
Areas: the main areas are the West Mountain, East Mountain and the old fort; most visitors see the West Mountain.
West Mountain route: steps and walkways climb from the gate past the Ziyang Temple, the Doumu Palace and the Guanyin Pavilion to the exposed spots of the Ox Back, Tianxia Jue and Jianyan.
Dangerous sections: the Ox Back is a narrow ridge with steep sides, and Tianxia Jue is a cliff walkway; those afraid of heights should skip them.
Time: the West Mountain loop takes half a day; a day is comfortable with the East Mountain.
Season: autumn colour is the main season; summer is rainy, and winter is cold with snow and icy paths.
Where to stay: Fengcheng town is easiest; the Phoenix Mountain Villa on the East Mountain also takes guests.
Caution: several sections have steep steps, so use the handrails; do not climb in rain or snow.
Photo credits: Peaks of Fenghuang Mountain, Fengcheng, Liaoning: rheins (CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons)
Nearby
| World Heritage | Wunv Shancheng 153km, Yongling Tomb of the Qing 157km, Mukden Palace, Shenyang 163km, Fuling Tomb of the Qing 164km |
| National parks | Yalu River 49km, Benxi Water Cave 99km, Qianshan 107km, Qingshangou 116km |
| AAAAA attractions | Wunüshan Scenic Area 154km, Shenyang Botanical Garden 166km, Red Beach Scenic Corridor 196km, Goguryeo Heritage Tourist Area, Ji'an 199km |
| AAAA attractions | Fengcheng Dalishu Ecological Agriculture Sightseeing Tourism Area 11km, Resist America Aid Korea Memorial Hall 41km, Qingliangshan 44km |
| Historical sites | Fenghuang Mountain City 4km, Dongshan Large Capstone Tomb 16km |
| National geoparks | Benxi National Geopark 86km |
| Nature reserves | Baishilazi National Nature Reserve 86km, Xianrendong National Nature Reserve 105km |