Qipan Mountain (棋盘山) is part of the Changbai Mountain range and is known for its unique name, which translates to “Chessboard Mountain.” This name originates from a stone on the mountain that is engraved with a chessboard pattern. At the entrance of the scenic area, visitors can find statues depicting the legendary figures Tieguai Li and Lü Dongbin engaged in a lively chess match, adding a cultural touch to the site.
As the largest natural scenic area in Shenyang, Qipan Mountain features stunning landscapes where mountains and water harmoniously coexist, surrounded by lush greenery. In the summer, the area is renowned for its beautiful lotus flowers, while autumn brings vibrant red and orange hues from the maple leaves, making it a picturesque spot for photography. During winter, the “Qipan Mountain Ice and Snow World” transforms the area into a winter wonderland, featuring impressive ice sculptures and opportunities for snow activities like skiing and snow sliding.
The mountain is equipped with a cable car and a slide, making the ascent and descent a convenient 20-minute experience. At the summit, visitors can find the Wanghu Pavilion (Pavilion for Viewing the Lake), which offers panoramic views of the surrounding scenery.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Qipan Mountain
- Other Attractions in Shenyang Eastern Suburbs
Basic Information
Estimated Length of Tour | Half a day |
Ticket Price | 20 RMB |
Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
Telephone Number | 0086-024-88050626 |
Location and Transportation
Qipan Mountain is located in Mantang Township, Hunnan District, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, China. To get there, you can take bus 168, 384, or Sightseeing Line 1 and get off at Qipan Mountain Main Gate Stop (棋盘山正门站).
Highlights of Qipan Mountain

Hui Mountain (辉山): Standing at an elevation of 265.9 meters, Hui Mountain is the highest peak in the area. Its rocky ridges, with exposed gray-white stones, resemble snow-capped summits from a distance. This stunning sight has led to the recognition of “Hui Mountain’s Clear Snow” as one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Shenyang.
Bird Forest (鸟林): Covering an area of 4,000 square meters, the Bird Forest is one of the largest bird parks in Asia. It serves as a sanctuary for various bird species, offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe and appreciate avian life in a natural setting.
Xiu Lake (秀湖): With an area of 50,000 square meters, Xiu Lake is the largest scenic area within the Qipan Mountain International Scenic Tourism Development Zone. The lake’s shape, formed by the surrounding landscape, resembles the character “秀” (meaning “elegant”), hence its name.

Fairy Cave (仙人洞): This natural limestone cave, located at the foot of Qipan Mountain, reaches a depth of approximately 200 meters. According to local legend, it was once inhabited by a fairy, and it has now been developed into a mystical exploration site for adventurous visitors.
Xiangyang Temple (向阳寺): Originally established in 1575, Xiangyang Temple is affiliated with the Exoteric Buddhism sect and holds significant historical importance in the Liao-Shen region. After being rebuilt, the temple now sits on the southern shore of Xiu Lake, covering an area of 9,999 square meters.
Ice and Snow World (冰雪大世界): Nestled along the picturesque shores of Xiu Lake within the Qipan Mountain scenic area, the Ice and Snow World boasts an excellent location. It features a spacious and well-lit visitor center and a snow gear hall, ensuring that skiers have ample support. The area is surrounded by numerous hotels and restaurants, providing a range of accommodations and dining options for visitors. The activities here are known for their diversity, entertainment, and accessibility. In addition to skiing, guests can enjoy thrilling experiences like ice motorcycles, go-karting, sledding, and ice skating.

Goguryeo Mountain Fortress (高句丽山城): Located on the northern bank of Xiu Lake, near the former Shitai Village, the Goguryeo Mountain Fortress features the remnants of ancient stone walls that reflect its long and rich history. This historical site offers visitors a glimpse into the past, showcasing the architectural styles and cultural significance of the Goguryeo Kingdom.
Tianyuanding (Sky Edge Peak) (天缘顶): Tianyuanding, established in 1991, has undergone significant renovations and expansions to enhance its appeal. Alongside the original Sunny Snow Pavilion, this area now includes various attractions such as Tianyu Stone, Tianyu Corridor, the Divine Turtle Stone Carving, Nine Dragon Pillar, and Bodhi Tree. Visitors can take a scenic 743-meter-long cable car ride to reach the summit, which takes about 10 minutes. The breathtaking views from the top provide a stunning panorama of the surrounding landscape, making it a perfect spot for photography and relaxation.
Dianjiang Platform (点将台): The Han Wang Dianjiang Platform, located on the eastern side of Xiu Lake, is a large stone platform standing one meter high and covering over 20 square meters. It is said to be the site where Nurhaci, the founding leader of the Later Jin dynasty (which later became the Qing dynasty), strategized his military campaigns.