Lishan Mountain scenic area

Shunwangping in Lishan Mountain Scenic Area is the highest mountaintop grassland in North China. [Photo by Yao Pujun for China Daily]

Summer is the best season for Lishan Mountain Scenic Area in Yuanqu county in the south of Shanxi province, when it welcomes tourists with variety of blossoming flowers.

The temperature there is more than 10 degrees Celsius lower than its surrounding areas.

Covering more than 300 hectares, Shunwangping at the scenic area is the highest mountaintop grassland in North China. Standing at an altitude of 2,358 meters above sea level, it is also the main peak of Lishan Mountain.

Shunwangping is so named because legends have it that it was the place where Emperor Shun, a leader of the Chinese nation some 3,000 years ago, farmed and herded cattle.

The second-highest peak of the area is the 2,143-meter Huangguman. Its landscape is in contrast to Shunwangping as 98 percent of it is forested.

Mihouyuan Valley is the largest wild monkey habitat in North China. [Photo by Yao Pujun for China Daily]

Another major attraction of the area is the 10-square-kilometer Mihouyuan Valley. The valley is said to be the largest wild monkey habitat in North China, with more than 1,000 such animals discovered. Rare amphibians like giant salamanders were also spotted in streams in the valley.

Because of its healthy environment and the excellent air quality as a result of its high forest and grass coverage, the scenic area was listed as a national recreational destination in June by the State's tourism authorities.

Address: Lishan town, Yuanqu county, Yuncheng city, Shanxi province

Best travel period: May to October

Opening hours: 7:00-17:00

Ticket price:

Shunwangping – 60 yuan per person (tourist season); 48 yuan per person (off season)

Mihouyuan Valley – 35 yuan per person (tourist season); 28 yuan per person (off season)

Huangguman Peak – 45 yuan per person (tourist season); 36 yuan per person (off season)

Tel: 0359-6011128/6022344/6026249