Qianlingshan Park and Hongfu Temple

Qianlingshan Park is a forested hill park on the north-west side of Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou, at 12 Binhe Road in Yunyan District. The park covers a wooded ridge above Qianling Lake and is known for its population of free-roaming Tibetan macaques, which live along the paths and are often seen near the temple stairs and the summit. At the top stands Hongfu Temple, a Buddhist monastery founded in 1672 during the early Qing dynasty, with halls arranged up the hillside, a bell and drum tower and a sizeable Buddhist community. The temple is an active place of worship and draws local worshippers on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month. Winding paths and stairs climb through broadleaf and cypress forest, passing a pavilion, a small botanical area and several viewpoints that look over the city's skyline and the Qianling Lake below. Local residents use the park for morning exercise, singing, tai chi and walks, which gives it a lively atmosphere in the early hours. A visit takes two to three hours, with the climb to the temple taking about 30 to 45 minutes at a leisurely pace. Early morning is the best time, as the macaques are active, the air is cool and crowds are small. At weekends and holidays the paths become busy with families. Visitors are advised not to feed the macaques or carry food openly, as the animals can grab bags and snacks. The entrance fee is low, and the temple charges a small extra fee, so the park is among the most affordable attractions in Guiyang. Buses and taxis reach the main gate easily from the city centre.