Once a quiet mountain retreat, Qian Shan, one of Dongbei's most accessible getaways, is slowly being taken over by hordes of tourists scrambling over the Song dynasty temples and zipping through the park on electric shuttle buses that charge ¥10 ($13) a ride. Getting off the main road, which twists through the national park, leads to a more serene and pleasant experience. Climbing is not highly favored by the teems of visitors, so it's quite easy to escape to a pleasant hike off the well-worn paths leading to sites and temples, though you have to climb quite a distance to get away from the karaoke bar speakers blasting homage to the gods on the northeastern slope.
The Bei Bu (Northern Ravine), with signs in English, can be seen in 1 day. Xianren Tai (Peak of the Immortals), site of the legendary Da'an Temple, requires an overnight trip. There are several affordable hotels in the area. Modest rooms are available in some of the Buddhist temples if you ask nicely.
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| Hours | Open 24 hr | |
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| Location | 17km (11 miles) south of An Shan, Outside Shenyang | |
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| Transportation | Bus: Catch large air-conditioned bus to An Shan (every 15 min; 2 hr., ¥22/$2.75, plus ¥1/15¢ mandatory insurance) near Wenhua Gong, 3 blocks southeast of Shenyang Zhan on Minzhu Lu; then take minibus from Jian Guo Nan Lu (40 min.; ¥2/25¢) to Qian Shan. Last bus back to Shenyang leaves An Shan at 7pm | |
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| Web site | www.qianshan.ln.cn | |
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| Prices | Admission at main gate ¥50 ($6), temples ¥5-¥20 ($1-$3) | |