Qianzhangyan Waterfall (千丈岩) and Maitreya Sanctuary (弥勒圣坛)
Xuedou Mountain (雪窦山) is one of the five sacred Buddhist mountains of China, located 200 km from Shanghai. The tour combines natural and spiritual attractions, introducing Chinese Buddhism and mountain landscapes.
The route is conveniently designed: we start from the upper point of Sanyintan Canyon (三隐潭) and walk downhill, saving energy. You will see the Qianzhangyan Waterfall (千丈岩) with a height of 186 m, the ancient Xuedou Temple (雪窦寺) (1700 years, one of the main temples of the Chan school), and the Maitreya Sanctuary (弥勒圣坛) — a modern Buddhist complex.
Sacred Mountain (雪窦山)
186 m Waterfall (千丈岩)
8-10 hours
Cable car
1700-year-old Temple (雪窦寺)
Attractions along the route
What to expect
- Pickup and transfer — we will pick you up from Xinzhuang metro station and drive to Xuedou Mountain (雪窦山) by car (about 3 hours).
- Sanyintan Canyon (三隐潭) — a walk through the picturesque canyon with three pools, waterfalls, and ancient bridges. We go from top to bottom, the entire path is downhill (about 2–2.5 hours).
- Qianzhangyan Waterfall (千丈岩) — viewing one of the highest waterfalls in China (186 m) from observation platforms.
- Lunch at a mountain restaurant — traditional dishes, including vegetarian options (upon request). Lunch time is after the waterfall, so you don't walk hungry.
- Walk to Xuedou Temple (雪窦寺) — along a comfortable downhill trail to the ancient Buddhist temple (1700 years).
- Xuedou Temple (雪窦寺) and Maitreya Statue (弥勒佛) — visit one of the main centers of the Chan school, an opportunity to "touch the Buddha's feet" for good luck.
- Maitreya Sanctuary (弥勒圣坛) — explore the modern grand complex dedicated to the future Buddha (by bus from the temple).
- Cable car and shuttles — ascent by cable car for panoramic views and comfortable descent by shuttles (instead of the temporarily non-operating "Happy Express").
- Return to Shanghai — drop-off at Xinzhuang metro station around 21:00.
Sample tour day schedule from Shanghai
*The itinerary is designed for a car trip. Times may be adjusted depending on weather and the group's physical fitness.
| Time | Program stage | Details and important notes |
|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | Departure from Shanghai by car with guide. | Meeting at Xinzhuang metro station. The drive to the foot of the mountain takes ~3 hours. |
| ~10:00 | Arrival in Xikou, ticket purchase. | We buy a combined ticket that includes internal shuttle rides. Tip: with a Ningbo Tourism Card (宁波文旅卡) you can get a discount and fast-track entry. |
| 10:30–13:00 | Walk through Sanyintan Canyon (三隐潭) (descent). | Picturesque trail along the river, three pools, waterfalls. The longest hiking section (about 2.5 hours). We go from top to bottom, which saves energy. |
| 13:00–13:30 | Transfer to the waterfall. | By shuttle to Qianzhangyan Waterfall (千丈岩). |
| 13:30–14:30 | Viewing Qianzhangyan Waterfall (千丈岩). | The famous 186-meter waterfall. View from observation platforms. |
| 14:30–15:00 | Lunch (snack). | At a local cafe or lunch boxes. Optimal time after the walk and waterfall. |
| 15:00–15:45 | Walk to Xuedou Temple (雪窦寺) (downhill). | Along a comfortable trail we descend to the ancient temple, enjoying mountain views. |
| 15:45–16:30 | Xuedou Temple (雪窦寺) and Maitreya Statue (弥勒佛). | Visit the ancient temple (1700 years) and the huge bronze statue. |
| 16:30–17:00 | Maitreya Sanctuary (弥勒圣坛). | Modern complex with unique architecture (by bus from the temple). |
| 17:00–17:30 | Cable car and shuttle. | Ascent by cable car for panoramic views, then shuttle descent to the parking lot (instead of the "Happy Express"). |
| 17:30–18:00 | Descent to the parking lot. | By shuttle or on foot (15 min). |
| 18:00–21:00 | Return trip to Shanghai. | Arrival at Xinzhuang metro station, taking into account possible traffic jams. |
💡 Important notes:
- Optimal route: we walk downhill all day, which is much easier than climbing.
- Comfortable shoes are a must: the hiking sections total about 5–6 km.
- Xufuyan Waterfall (徐凫岩) and the glass trail are not included: they are located in another part of the park and would require an additional 2.5–3 hours.
- We recommend bringing a light snack and water — there are cafes along the route, but it's better to have a supply.
- The "Happy Express" is temporarily out of service (maintenance in 2026), instead shuttles are running, included in the ticket.
Price and conditions
Tour price
Train + taxi
EconomyGuide services, help with ticket purchase, accompaniment. Transfer to the station on your own.
$350
per group of 1–3 people
Transport, entrance tickets, meals – separate
By car
ComfortGuide services + sedan rental (up to 3 people) for the whole day, including transfer from Shanghai.
$450
per group of 1–3 people
Entrance tickets, meals – separate
Additional expenses per person
- Combined ticket (mountain+temple shuttles)150¥ (~$22)
- Cable car50¥ (~$8)
- Ticket to Maitreya Sanctuary (弥勒圣坛)60¥ (~$13)
- Lunch at mountain restaurant80-120¥ (~$11-17)
- Train tickets Shanghai–Ningbo (round trip)~240¥ (~$34)
*Prices are approximate. Exchange rate may change. Russians free entry. Discount for those born in the Year of the Horse.
💡 Save with Ningbo Tourism Card (宁波文旅卡): gives discounts on entrance tickets and speeds up entry to popular zones.
Duration
8-10 hours
from departure from Shanghai to return
Additional services
Minivan rental
+$60
Overnight arrangement in Fenghua
+$120
Transfer to/from Shanghai airport
+$100
Photo session
+$50
📍
Other nearby attractions
Xufuyan Waterfall (徐凫岩)
Part of Xuedou Mountain (雪窦山), glass trail and one of the highest waterfalls (15 km).
Siming Mountain (四明山)
Picturesque mountain range with waterfalls, bamboo forests, and ancient temples (30 km).
Frequently asked questions
Is the route difficult for children and elderly people?
The route is suitable for children from 10 years old and people with normal physical fitness. There are hiking sections (about 5 km per day), but the trails are equipped and there are rest areas.
What should I bring on the tour?
We recommend: comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen/sunglasses (in summer), raincoat/umbrella (in case of rain), passport (for buying tickets), a small amount of yuan, camera.
Is there vegetarian food available?
Yes, the mountain restaurant offers vegetarian dishes (Buddhist cuisine). Please inform the guide in advance when booking.
Which transport option is better?
Economy (train+taxi): cheaper but less flexible schedule. Comfort (car): more expensive but allows you to depart at a convenient time and stop for photos. For families with children, we recommend the car.
Can I customize the itinerary to my interests?
Yes, the program is flexible. You can spend more time at temples or, conversely, on natural attractions. Discuss this with the guide when booking.
What if the weather is bad?
The tour runs in any weather. In the rain, the waterfall is especially impressive! If the weather is dangerous (typhoon, thunderstorm), we reschedule the tour to another day or refund the payment.
Important information
The indicated prices are valid for 2026 for private individuals. The cost may vary depending on the season and holidays. Booking requires 100% prepayment (PayPal, card, bank transfer). The conversion rate is according to the Central Bank rate on the payment date.
Cancellation 48+ hours before the tour - full refund. Less than 48 hours - 50% refund (train tickets are bought in advance). Less than 24 hours - 0% refund.
In case of bad weather, national holidays, or closure of facilities, the organizer may change the program or reschedule the tour. Safety is a priority.
