Mt Gao'er takes about half an hour at a decent pace to reach the top point. From the base there are steps up to various Buddhist shrines, all very beautiful, and the pagoda. These stairs are lit up in the evening which is very beautiful. Beyond the pagoda are paths across the mountain, with huts and benches and outdoor gyms along the way, and also music through outdoor speakers (Bon Jovi playing last time I visited..). The concrete paths will take you about ten minutes from the top then its just tracks but it is easy to navigate to the top! Note that only the base lights up, and although it is easy to find your way down if you're not good at navigating allow yourself time to get down before sunset! There are streetlamps on all the paths but they don't always come on so don't rely on them! The tracks stretch for miles and you can hike a long way on them.At the base is more outdoor gyms, grassy areas and a man made lake. It is a very relaxing place to go. A great day trip or after work hike.
flyboy1320
On the approach along the base of the mountain, you may note large sealed tunnel entrances, these tunnels were made and used by the Japanese during WWII. If with a local person, like me, you can have a leisurely climb up the side starting at a point about 1.5km away, at the crest are many pine trees and the local people have areas for stretching and exercise. The site is a wonderful cultural and religious place with active prayer and incense offerings. The art along the stone stairway down is worth seeing, but I am glad we took a different root up. Open and collecting a small maintenance fee from 7:30-4pm. There is a lot to see even if you do not go in the paid entry area.