A hidden gem in Shandong: Fulaishan Mountain in Ju County – From afar, it looks crowded with people, but inside, it's completely deserted!
I stumbled upon Fulaishan, a hidden gem among the lesser-known 4A-level scenic spots in Ju County, Rizhao. The first time I stood at the foot of the mountain and looked out over Luohan Slope, I was truly awestruck. The entire hillside was covered with five hundred painted clay Luohan statues, densely packed together from a distance, looking like a throng of tourists—the atmosphere was somewhat eerie and unsettling. But as I followed the trail into the forest, I discovered that the entire mountain was almost deserted, with only the sounds of the wind, birdsong, and ancient trees for company. I could enjoy the tranquility of the entire mountain all to myself; a dream come true for those who are socially awkward or prefer solitude.
At an altitude of only 299 meters, the entire trail is gentle with no steep slopes, requiring no strenuous climbing. It offers the opportunity to see the largest open-air Luohan group in China, explore a 4000-year-old ginkgo tree, and visit an ancient temple from the Wei and Jin dynasties. Combining cultural heritage with a sense of off-the-beaten-path adventure, it's the perfect weekend getaway.
1⃣️ Core Experience of the Scenic Area | The Contrast of Five Hundred Arhats
The most unique spot on the entire trip, and the source of the description "seemingly crowded, yet actually deserted."
Five hundred painted Arhat sculptures are scattered along the mountainside, each with a different expression—sitting, lying, laughing, or angry—and vibrant, ancient colors. Standing at the foot of the slope and looking out, the entire forest appears as a sea of sculptures, creating a visually bustling scene; but actually walking among the Arhats, the surroundings are quiet and spacious, free from tour groups. Every angle offers a stunning, serene photo opportunity, perfect for both dark documentary and ancient Zen-like styles.
Early morning or a weekday is the best time to visit, allowing you to have the entire Arhat forest to yourself, without having to dodge passersby, and fully immerse yourself in this secluded paradise.
2⃣️ Four Must-Visit Core Attractions
① The World's First Ginkgo Tree (Dinglin Temple)
A landmark of Fulaishan Mountain, this nearly 4000-year-old tree requires eight adults holding hands to encircle its trunk, and its canopy covers nearly 1000 square meters.
In spring and summer, its lush foliage provides ample shade; from late October to mid-November each year, golden leaves carpet the ground, creating a stunning contrast between the red walls of the ancient temple and the golden ginkgo, perfect for those dressed in Hanfu or traditional Chinese clothing. Red ribbons hang beneath the tree for blessings; sitting quietly for a while, the ancient tree exudes a gentle, calming power.
② Dinglin Temple + Jiaojing Building (Liu Xie's Former Residence)
A long-established Wei-Jin dynasty temple in Shandong, the place where Liu Xie, author of *Wenxin Diaolong*, spent his later years collating and refining scriptures. With its red walls, black tiles, and numerous ancient steles, the courtyard houses a large number of replicas of ancient books, showcasing a rich cultural heritage. The temple is quiet and sparsely populated, offering a tranquil retreat where the sound of the wind whispers through the air, making for a truly healing experience. The stone walls of the scripture hall are covered in ivy, making every snapshot a retro and artistic masterpiece.
③ Three Teachings Hall + Chaoyang Temple at the Summit
A rare sight in Shandong, this temple integrates Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, showcasing these three cultural architectural traditions on a single mountain – a truly unique experience. Climbing the gentle mountain path to the summit of Chaoyang Temple offers panoramic views overlooking the entire mountain forest and the villages below. With a bit of luck in the early morning, you might even encounter a light mist, creating a truly ethereal atmosphere.
④ Chinese Roots Museum
This museum houses a Guinness World Record-holding 8000-year-old root carving, along with other stunning examples of giant ancient tree root carvings. A must-see for anyone who appreciates unique cultural artifacts and unusual stones.
3⃣️ Lazy Person's No-Backtrack Route (3-4 Hour Full Version)
Main Entrance → Five Hundred Arhats (Photo Highlight) → Guanyin Pavilion → Dinglin Temple (Ginkgo King + Scripture Study Building) → Three Teaching Hall → Gentle Mountain Trail to Chaoyang Temple → Chinese Roots-Seeking Hall → Return Exit
The entire route has a very gentle slope, making it easy for the elderly, children, and people with mobility issues to complete. No hiking poles are needed; it's a purely leisurely stroll.
4⃣️ Travel Tips | Tickets + Transportation + Opening Hours
📍Address: No. 1001, Fulai West Road, Ju County, Rizhao City
⏰Opening Hours: 08:00-17:30 (Last entry at 16:30). It is recommended to enter before 8:00 AM for less crowds and softer lighting.
🎫Tickets: Adults 55 RMB; Free for seniors over 60 and active duty military personnel with valid ID; Half price for full-time students.
🚗Driving (Preferred): 1 hour drive from Rizhao city center, 2 hours from Qingdao. Take the Rizhao-Lanzhou Expressway to the Xiazhuang/Ju County exit. It's a 10-minute drive to the scenic area. There is a large, affordable parking lot at the entrance with ample spaces.
🚌Public Transportation: Take bus routes 1 or 6 from Ju County town directly to the scenic area entrance; or take a taxi from Rizhao West Railway Station/Ju County High-Speed Railway Station (15 minutes).
Electric shuttle buses within the scenic area cost 15 RMB per person. You can use them if you prefer not to walk.
5⃣️ Best Shooting Spots & Outfit Guide
1. Low-lying view at Luohanpo: Capture the contrast of "mountain full of people," a wide-angle lens works best.
2. Second-floor window of the Ginkgo King: Overlooking the entire expanse of golden ancient trees, avoiding crowds.
3. Green ivy and stone wall of Xiaojing Building: Retro and artistic portraits.
4. Chaoyang Viewpoint: Panoramic mountain views.
Outfit suggestions: Plain white, khaki, and light gray Zen-inspired clothing; Hanfu (traditional Han clothing) pairs well with ancient temples and ginkgo trees. The entire route is on stone steps; be sure to wear comfortable, non-slip sneakers. Be careful on rainy days when the mountain path is covered in moss.
6⃣️ Avoid Pitfalls & Pre-Trip Checklist
⚠️ Pitfall Reminders
1. During the peak ginkgo season (November), weekends see a slight increase in visitors. For a more secluded experience, weekdays are preferable.
2. Shops are extremely limited inside the scenic area. Bring your own drinking water, snacks, and tissues.
3. Avoid unlicensed guides on the roadside. Independent exploration is perfectly feasible with the simple routes.
4. Do not touch or carve on the Arhat statues or ancient temple artifacts. Please be a respectful visitor.
✅ Essentials: Sun hat, sunscreen, bottled water, a few snacks, mosquito repellent (there are many mosquitoes in the forest), camera
7⃣️ Local Food & Accommodation Recommendations
Several Juxian farmhouse restaurants are located near the scenic area entrance. Must-try dishes include the local specialty whole lamb soup, mackerel roll pancakes, and wild mountain vegetables. For accommodation, consider hotels in Juxian city, about 8 kilometers from the scenic area. These offer better value and have convenient dining options.
8⃣️Trip Summary
Fulai Mountain is a rare, less-visited mountain scenic area in Shandong that combines a sense of adventure with rich cultural heritage, avoiding the crowds and noise of popular tourist destinations. The group of five hundred Arhats offers a unique visual contrast, while the thousand-year-old ginkgo trees and ancient temples exude a gentle, timeless charm. The entire trip is easy and relaxing, and can be fully explored in half a day. It's perfect for a weekend escape from the city, a solo getaway, Hanfu photoshoots, or a family hike. Don't miss this hidden gem in the mountains when visiting Ju County, Rizhao.