Day 1: Tanggangzi Hot Springs → Jade Buddha Garden Day 2: Qianshan Maitreya Buddha → Qianshan Mountain → Qianshan Hot Springs Day 3: Qianshan Hot Springs

In the morning, take a bus to Tanggangzi Hot Springs. Inside the resort stand guest houses and medical buildings including Dragon Palace, Jade Spring Hall, Full Mud Spa Hall and Yingbin Building, offering bathing, swimming and hot spring soaking services for tourists. The scenic area boasts an elegant environment dotted with delicate mini landscapes. However, the sanatorium is located in a remote area with few supporting facilities nearby, leaving little room for extra consumption. You can have lunch at Dragon Palace within the resort.

After lunch, take Bus No.13 from Tanggangzi to Anshan Railway Station. If time permits, stroll around downtown Anshan. In the afternoon, board Bus No.308 at the railway station bound for Jade Buddha Garden. The Jade Buddha Pavilion inside ranks among China’s tallest classical-style buildings. The giant jade Buddha enshrined there is carved from the King of Jade, unearthed in Xiuyan, the hometown of jade, in 1960. Weighing 260 tons with a volume of 100 cubic meters, it blends seven vibrant colors with gorgeous luster. For its grand scale, it has earned a Guinness World Record title. Stay near the scenic area for the night.

After breakfast, take Bus No.308 to Qianshan Mountain. Upon entering the gate, it is recommended to take the shuttle eco-bus inside the scenic zone, as the Giant Buddha is quite a distance away. The natural Maitreya Giant Buddha is formed entirely by an intact mountain mass. Standing 70 meters tall with shoulders spanning 46 meters, its head measures 9.9 meters in height and 11.8 meters in width, and ears stretch 4.8 meters long, with distinct facial features and complete limbs. Research confirms it took shape roughly 100 million years ago. You can descend the mountain via the original trail or by cable car.

Continue exploring Qianshan’s scenery afterward. Wuliangguan Scenic Area, a 15–20 minute walk from the main gate, is the most delightful spot in Qianshan. Must-see attractions here include the East Chamber and West Chamber of Wuliangguan Temple, plus Flat-Squeezed Rock, One-Step-to-Heaven, Heavenly Upper Realm, Narrow Sky, Rootless Rock and Wooden Fish Stone on the back mountain; sightseeing here takes about two hours. Have lunch inside the scenic area.

In the afternoon, carry on visiting mountain spots. The best route for a full panoramic view of Qianshan starts at the main gate, walks to Wuliangguan, then passes Flat-Squeezed Rock, Heavenly Upper Realm, Parrot Rock, Narrow Sky, Outer Heavenly Realm, Buddha Hand Peak, Green Snake Ridge, and finally Wufo Summit, taking around four hours in total. A path leading to Longquan Temple branches off at Outer Heavenly Realm, but this route goes straight downhill without access to Wufo Summit. After reaching Wufo Summit, take the cable car down for 30 RMB per person; queues are common during peak hours. At the foot of the mountain lies the Bird Forest, with the return shuttle bus stop opposite it. The trail crosses several mountain ridges with precipitous views, and walking along the mountain ridges delivers a unique experience. Overnight inside the scenic zone.

After breakfast, head to Qianshan Hot Springs by taking Bus No.8 at the Qianshan Mountain gate and alighting at the Qianshan Hot Springs stop. Located 15 kilometers south of the city, Qianshan Hot Springs is a famous hot spring resort in Northeast China. You will feel worn out after a full day’s mountain climbing, so soaking in hot springs is ideal for relaxation. Spend the whole day unwinding at the hot spring resort and stay there for another night.