Jiaoshan Park, Zhenjiang – Ticket, Opening Hours, Location, and Highlights

Dinghui Temple, originally known as Puji Zen Temple, traces its roots back to the Eastern Han Dynasty, making it over 1,800 years old. Founded during the Xingping era, the temple underwent several name changes, eventually being renamed Jiaoshan Temple during the Yuan Dynasty. Unfortunately, it faced destruction by fire. In the Ming Dynasty, Monk Jue Chu initiated its reconstruction during the Xuande era. During the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Kangxi, on his southern tour, bestowed the name Dinghui Temple, a name retained to this day. The temple retains the architectural style from the Ming Dynasty. The grand hall, adorned with intricately carved wooden roofs depicting dragons and phoenixes, stands as a masterpiece. Remarkably, not a single nail was used in its construction, with all components crafted from small square wooden blocks, showcasing exquisite artistry. The hall is further embellished with eaves, brackets, and three resplendent golden Buddhas, exuding an imposing and majestic ambiance. Flanking the hall are two ancient ginkgo trees, standing for over four centuries.

Located on the west side of the original Haiyun Hall’s courtyard, Dongling Spring is more than just a well; it is a testament to the legends of alchemy. Believed to be the place where Jiao Guang, a hermit, gathered water for alchemical practices, it’s also known as the Alchemy Well. In reality, it wasn’t a natural spring but a well meticulously carved by the monks of Jiaoshan, inspired by a similar spring in Jinshan Temple. Named “Dongling Spring” because Jiaoshan is to the east of Jinshan (Dong means east in Chinese), this historical site represents the friendly competition between monks from these two places. Such rivalries manifested in imitating each other’s features.

The Jiaoshan Stele Forest traces its origins back to the sites of the former Ziran Monastery, Xianglin Monastery, Yufeng Monastery, and Haiyun Monastery. Within this forest of steles are more than 400 inscriptions from various dynasties, making it the second-largest in China after Xi’an Stele Forest Museum. These inscriptions are embedded in the corridors and pavilions, encompassing calligraphy, art, historical records, tombstone inscriptions from different eras. Among these treasures is the Wei Fashi Stele from the second year of Yifeng during the Tang Dynasty (677), hailed as a “masterpiece of early Tang” with its complete inscription, neat and vigorous script, and rarity in the realm of Tang steles. The collection within the Jiaoshan Stele Forest holds high historical and calligraphic value, gaining recognition internationally and earning Jiaoshan the title of the “Mountain of Calligraphy.”

Scattered along the western foothills of Jiaoshan along the Yangtze River are cliffside stone carvings, capturing the poetic inscriptions of renowned figures across the centuries. Spanning from the Six Dynasties, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, to Qing dynasties, these carvings showcase a diverse range of calligraphy styles including regular, cursive, clerical, and seal scripts. The content is rich and varied, creating a natural exhibition of ancient calligraphy, a sight to behold with its abundance and beauty. Upon reaching Fuyu Rock, visitors encounter the bold and elegant characters of the phrase “浮玉(Floating Jade, which is a nickname of Jiaoshan),” created by the Song calligrapher Zhao Mengkui. Adjacent to it, the attention-grabbing inscriptions left by the poet Lu You and other travelers seeking the “Stele of Buried Cranes” make for a compelling spectacle.

Crowning the summit of Jiaoshan at an altitude of 70.4 meters, the Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas stands at a towering height of 42 meters, covering an area of 583 square meters. This Ming-Qing style pagoda, showcasing elements of Jiangnan architecture, features seven tiers with eight sides, topped by a celestial palace and grounded by an earthly one. Dual staircases within the pagoda facilitate separate ascents and descents. Each level boasts a connecting corridor with panoramic views on all eight sides, offering a breathtaking vista of the river and sky. At night, the pagoda emits eight beams of light, serving as a guiding beacon for passing boats.

Xijin Ferry – a cluster of cultural relics and historic sites

Beigushan Hill – rugged terrain and imposing stone cliffs

Jinshan Hill Scenic Area – A place where iconic tales happen

Zhenjiang Museum – House to over 30,000 artifacts