Located 12 kilometers northwest of Ji County, which is about 100 kilometers north of Tianjin, Mount Panshan is covered with lavish plantations and has a rich historical heritage. Recently, the mountain has become the great escape for the city dwellers of Beijing and Tianjin.

The natural scenery of the mountain is covered in rocks, streams, pine trees and vast greenness.  More than 320 kinds of trees and shrubs have been found in the vicinity, these trees makes the mountain a natural botanical garden. The mountain  itself has many sheer and shudderingly attractive precipices and grotesquely shaped rocks and boulders. Its main peak, Moon hanging Peak (Guayue feng), although only 864-meters above sea level, rises sharply. It is claimed that the peak of the mountain commands a view of the Great Wall on the west and Mount Tai on the east.This highest peak also has, situated on its summit, the Dingguang Stupa that is alleged to contain a tooth of Buddha.

Just like other famous mountains in China, the quiet Panshan Mountain is also inhabited by monks. They have been through their fair share of historical troubles and strife: in World War II the Japanese came through this area successfully burning its 70 temples. Today 72 temples of all sizes and Buddhism schools can be found here, both restored and new. The temples still boast many rich cultural relics.

How to get there: There are two trains a day between Tianjin and Jixian, taking 3 hours. There are also regular buses from Tianjin's northeast bus station. Buses will take you on to Mount Panshan.

Source: CRIenglish.com