▲ Tianping Mountain is located 15 km west of downtown Suzhou, serving as the burial site of Fan Zhongyan's ancestors. The cultural attractions related to the Fan family are mainly concentrated at the mountain's base. With an elevation of 201 meters, Tianping Mountain isn't particularly high but offers some rugged terrain, making the climb quite exhilarating. During the Red Maple Festival from October to December each year, its vibrant autumn scenery always attracts countless photography enthusiasts.
▲ At the foot of Tianping Mountain, there are several ponds, making it resemble a large park. Children can enjoy pedal boats and rowboats, while families can have picnics on stone benches or the lawn. After passing the "Worry Before the World, Enjoy After the World" memorial archway at the mountain's base, you'll find structures like the Fan Wenzheng Ancestral Hall and the Fan Zhongyan Memorial Hall, which showcase the life and works of Fan Zhongyan, a prominent figure from the Northern Song Dynasty. It's just a few minutes' walk from the attraction's entrance to this area. After visiting, you can proceed to hike along the nearby mountain trail.
▲ Heading upwards to Yunquan Retreat, you'll find the Baiyun Spring channeled through bamboo pipes into a stone bowl beneath the retreat's cliff. Further up is the narrow "Thread of Sky" passage that only allows single-file passage. Tianping Mountain boasts numerous peculiar rock formations, creating unique structures like the Thread of Sky and Flying Rock. Don't worry - these scattered boulders are far from wilderness hiking difficulty. The moderate intensity allows visitors to enjoy some climbing fun. As long as you're not elderly with mobility issues or exceptionally frail, everyone can reach the summit, which takes about an hour at a leisurely pace.
