Gujianshan Scenic Area (古剑山景区), also known as Gujian Mountain Scenic Area, is a revered destination located in the Qijiang District of Chongqing, in the southwestern region of China. Over the centuries, it has earned a distinguished reputation as a center of Buddhism, attracting the devout and the curious alike. During the reign of Emperor Yongzheng in the Qing Dynasty, it had already become a sacred mountain held in high esteem by both Buddhist practitioners and the general public. At the heart of this magnificent landscape, the resplendent Jingyin Temple, nestled atop the mountain’s summit, continues to draw in a constant stream of devotees and visitors. Gujianshan is often likened to a “Little Emei Mountain” of Eastern Sichuan, and it’s easy to understand why given the sheer natural beauty and spiritual significance it embodies.
Covering an expansive area of approximately 100 square kilometers, Gujianshan Scenic Area boasts a diverse range of attractions. Its highest peak, Jigongzui, stands at an elevation of 1,300 meters, and the region has been designated as a National Geopark due to its unique geological formations. Within the park, you will encounter rare Danxia landforms, high mountain gorges, a variety of nationally protected wildlife, and ancient, pristine forests. However, it’s not just nature that defines Gujianshan; the area is also enriched with a rich cultural heritage, including the thousand-year-old Jingyin Temple, the Artists’ Village, Leigushi (Drum-Beating Stone), and several other natural and cultural landmarks.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Gujianshan
- Vlog about Gujianshan Scenic Area
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Other Natural Sceneries in the Suburb
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | Half a day |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
Location and Transportation
Gujianshan Scenic Area is situated in the northwestern part of Qijiang District in Chongqing, China, approximately 10 kilometers away from the center of Qijiang District.
To reach Gujianshan Scenic Area, you have several transportation options:
A. By Car:
- You can take a high-speed bus from various locations in Chongqing, including Nanping Long-Distance Bus Station, Jiangbei Airport, Longtousi Train Station, Chenjiaping, and Shapingba Long-Distance Bus Station, heading to Qijiang. The bus fare is around 26 RMB, and the journey takes about 1 hour.
- Upon arriving at Qijiang Passenger Transportation Center, take Bus 103 to Nanzhou Park Station, and then transfer to the Qijiang-Gujianshan minibus to reach Gujianshan Tourist Resort. The minibus covers a distance of 9 kilometers, costs approximately 3 RMB, and takes around 20 minutes.
B. By Train:
- Visitors can take a train from various starting stations, including Chongqing, Guiyang, Zunyi, Kunming, Xi’an, Guangzhou, Zhanjiang, Nanning, Chengdu, Zhaoqing, Haikou, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Ningbo, to arrive at Qijiang Railway Station. From there, you can take a taxi (fixed fare of 50 RMB) to reach Gujianshan Tourist Resort.
- Alternatively, you can take a city bus to Nanzhou Park Station and then transfer to the Qijiang-Gujianshan minibus to reach Gujianshan Tourist Resort.
Highlights of Gujianshan
Jingyin Temple: A Thousand Years of Spiritual Legacy
Originally known as Gujianshan Temple, Jingyin Temple was first established during the Northern Song Dynasty, between the years 960 and 1127. With over a millennium of history, this temple has been a spiritual anchor for countless generations. Perched on the southeastern edge of Gujianshan, overlooking the picturesque Qingxi River Scenic Area, it stands in proximity to the Yangqiao region, surrounded by sheer cliffs rising tens to hundreds of meters. The temple is accessed by a breathtaking stone staircase carved into a massive boulder, creating a truly majestic entrance to this sacred site.
Gujianshan Art Village: Where Art Meets Nature
Gujianshan Art Village, nestled in the picturesque village of Shangchang, Yongxin Town, spans an area of approximately 200 acres. The village draws upon the surrounding mountainous terrain and agrarian culture, combining these elements with the unique folk art of Qijiang, famous for its farmer paintings. It has become a hub for renowned artists from both within China and around the world, boasting artist studios, national and regional art galleries, university student field study bases, printmaking workshops, art exhibition and sales centers, printmaking academic hubs, and training facilities – all in one pristine, ecologically oriented art village. As of today, 80 distinguished artists have signed agreements to establish their creative homes in this vibrant artistic community.
Gujianshan Little Town: A Mountain Retreat of Unparalleled Luxury
Gujianshan Xiaozhen, often referred to as “Shanli China,” is a comprehensive upscale mountain retreat hotel that seamlessly blends tourism, leisure, business, entertainment, and wellness into a single, harmonious experience. Located in close proximity to Gujianshan’s Leigushi (Drum-Beating Stone), and just 600 meters from the Art Village, this mountain retreat complements the artistic ambiance of the region, offering a higher level of service for visitors exploring the cultural and natural splendors of Gujianshan. Each building in the retreat is meticulously renovated and designed in harmony with the surrounding landscapes, making use of the unique scenic features to create an architectural style that is both tasteful and exquisite. With every suite opening up to breathtaking mountain views, guests can relax indoors or in their private courtyards, immersing themselves in the natural beauty of Gujianshan.
Gujianshan Changtian Forest Park: A Verdant Oasis
Gujianshan Changtian Forest Park is situated in the southwestern part of Gujianshan Scenic Area, where the mountain range extends for over 70 kilometers. With over 90% forest cover, it has been designated as a provincial-level forest park. These forests have not been logged for over a century, making it one of the most well-preserved repositories of plant life in the Chongqing region. It is often hailed as one of the top ten most beautiful “forest oxygen bars” in Chongqing. Nestled amidst the rugged mountains and hills, Changtian Forest Park boasts ninety-nine peaks, each contributing to a unique and magnificent topography. Features like the Bamboo Sea, the Pearl Waterfall, ancient pine trees, fragrant camellias, and the three serene mountain ponds create a paradise for those who seek tranquility and natural beauty.
Gujianshan Sea of Clouds: An Enchanting Spectacle
Gujianshan is renowned for its mesmerizing sunrise, accompanied by an even more alluring sea of clouds. The interplay of mist and mountain peaks creates a myriad of enchanting scenes. As summer approaches, Gujianshan often witnesses the formation of expansive, high-altitude stratocumulus cloud formations, presenting a breathtaking sea of clouds. Perched at an altitude of over 1,000 meters, these clouds dance and transform, constantly reshaping the landscape and captivating observers with their ever-changing beauty.
Vlog about Gujianshan Scenic Area
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Hiking and Exploring: The mountain is not exceptionally high, with approximately 700 steps leading to the summit. Visitors typically spend around two hours to ascend, descend, and explore the area. It’s a manageable hike suitable for individuals of varying fitness levels.
Lunch Options at Jingyin Temple: For lunch, it’s recommended to try the vegetarian meals offered at Jingyin Temple. These meals, known as “zhai fan” or vegetarian rice, are priced at 10 yuan per serving. Visitors should be mindful not to waste food and only take what they can finish.
Visit to Jingyin Temple: Jingyin Temple is divided into two sections: the Upper Temple (Shangyuan) located at the mountaintop and the Lower Temple (Xiayuan) situated at the entrance of the scenic area.
