Maling Mountain is a low mountain and hill range that stretches for dozens of kilometers. The Battle of Maling, where Sun Bin of the Qi state defeated Pang Juan of the Wei state during the Warring States period, took place in Beimaling Mountain in Tancheng County, Linyi City (North Maling). The Maling Mountain referred to here (South Maling) is located in the southern suburbs of Xinyi City. Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty once passed through this area during his southern tour.
The Maling Mountain in Xinyi is characterized by Danxia landform, presenting a light red mountain body and numerous caves. It boasts extensive bamboo forests, scattered hills and lakes, and paid boat rides on the lakes, making it a picturesque spot suitable for weekend leisure and hiking. The mountain is not tall, requiring the ascent of several small hills, with relics related to Qianlong scattered along the mountain paths. The scenic area has many branching paths, each marked with signs. Upon entering the scenic area through the eastern gate, at the ‘First Landscape of the World’ inscription, a fork in the road presents itself. Turning right (north) leads to the Cangbing Cave, while turning left (south) leads to the Sanxian Cave and Sanxian Lake. Heading right (north) along the ancient Maling Mountain path, passing the remains of the Quanchao Lu Yuan and the Shanyin Temple, another fork appears. It is recommended to take the direction towards the Cangbing Cave, which is an interesting spot in Maling Mountain. The Cangbing Cave is 1.2 kilometers long and 5 meters high, constructed during the 20th century’s ‘dig deep holes and store more grain’ period. Inside, it is dark, with large caves containing several smaller ones, giving a sense of adventure. Even in summer, it remains cool. Proceeding southward, one reaches the Sanxian Cave, a natural stone cave where the command post was set during the Subei Great Battle, with the Qizhen Cave adjacent to it. Crossing the Sanxian Bridge, one can enjoy the views of Sanxian Lake, with its green waters and the reflection of verdant hills. A mountain path from the lake leads to the Subei Great Battle Memorial. For those with good physical strength, it is possible to climb further to the Tiger’s Nest, a Danxia rock wall. If hiking is not preferred, there is a teahouse surrounded by trees and bamboo forests by the Sanxian Lake, making for a pleasant tea-drinking experience. Opening hours are from 08:30 to 16:30 all year round.Preferential policies: Children: Free for those aged 6 (inclusive) or under or with a height of 1.4 meters (inclusive) or below. Minors/Students: Half price for minors over 1.4 meters and full-time university undergraduate students and below, with a student ID (purchased at the scenic area’s customer service center). Elderly: Free for those aged 60 (inclusive) or above, with a personal ID or ‘Jiangsu Province Elderly Preferential Certificate’.
Active-duty military personnel: Free with a valid certificate. Disabled military personnel: Free with a military disability certificate. Veterans: Free with a veteran’s preferential certificate. Police: Free with a police certificate. Journalists: Free with a press certificate. Photographers: Free with a photography certificate. Firefighters: Free with a firefighting certificate. Disabled individuals: Free with a disability certificate. Holders of Xinyi City Talent Card: Free with the Talent Card. Jiangsu Province unpaid blood donors: Free with the ‘Three Exemptions Card’ (Jiangsu Province Unpaid Blood Donation Honor Certificate).
Service facilities: Parking lot: [Maling Mountain Scenic Area Parking Lot] Reference price: ¥15 per time; Address: At the foot of the scenic area; Spaces: 300.
Essential tips: Catering and accommodation in the scenic area are not convenient, so it is recommended to bring your own food and set off early. If overnight stay is needed, one can stay in Xinyi City.
