Qianfo Mountain, one of the major places of interest in Jinan, is located about 2.5 kilometers southeast of the city, 285 meters above sea level. During the early years of the Sui Dynasty (581-618), Buddhism became popular in the area and Buddhist disciples built many temples and carved numerous Buddhist statues on the rocks of the mountain, which is how the mountain acquired its present name. The mountain, overgrown with grass and plants of various kinds including ancient pine and cypress trees, at a distance appears like a giant wearing a huge green dotted gown of pavilions, towers and terraces. The most famous is Xingguo Temple built in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). On the south side of the temple is Qianfo Cliff, carved with more than 60 Buddhist statues. The largest ones are over 3 meters high and the smallest ones are only 20 centimeters. The mountain is now a park rich in both natural beauty and historical relics of China's ancient civilization.