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

Jiaoshan Park Zhenjiang

Jiaoshan (焦山), also known as Jiao Mountain, an island in the midst of the Yangtze River, stands tall at 70.7 meters with a circumference of over 2,000 meters. It’s a serene island that invites sightseers to explore its beauty, surrounded by water on all sides, forming part of the picturesque Zhenjiang Three Mountains Scenic Area along with Jinshan and Beigu Mountains. The name Jiaoshan originates from Jiao Guang, a hermit from the Eastern Han Dynasty who lived secluded in these mountains.

Enveloped by shimmering blue waters and lush greenery, the island boasts an abundance of natural beauty. Verdant forests, grassy meadows, and a wealth of hidden treasures await, including numerous stone carvings, ancient steles, and temples scattered throughout. Accessible via a ferry from the base of Xiangshan on the opposite bank, the journey to Jiaoshan takes just about 5 minutes. This island sanctuary presents an oasis of tranquility and cultural marvels, inviting visitors to delve into its rich history and natural splendor.


Table of Contents


Basic Information

Estimated Length of Tour2 hours
Ticket Price (including the ferry fee)65 RMB (1st April – 31st October)
50 RMB (1st November – 31st March)
Opening Hours8.00 – 17.00
Telephone Number0086-0511-88817103

Location and Transportation

Jiaoshan marks the singular island in the vast expanse of the Yangtze River, encircled by water on all sides and offering scenic vistas for visitors seeking tranquility and exploration. Its precise location is at 83 Dongwu Road, Jingkou District, Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province.

To get there, tourists can take bus 49, 76, 84, 104, 112, or 204 and get off at Jiaoshan Scenic Area Stop (焦山风景区站).


Highlights of Jiaoshan Park

Dinghui Temple

dinghui temple in jiaoshan park

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.


Dongling Spring

dongling spring in jiaoshan park zhenjiang

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.


Jiaoshan Stele Forest

jiaoshan stele forest in jiaoshan park zhenjiang

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.”


Cliffside Stone Carvings

cliffside stone carvings in jiaoshan park

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.


Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas

Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas in jiaoshan park

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.


Vlog about Jiaoshan Park


Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews

Rich Historical Significance: Jiaoshan Park boasts a rich historical background, spanning various historical periods from the Eastern Han, Six Dynasties, to the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. It is home to numerous stories of historical figures. Consider hiring a guide if your budget allows for a more in-depth exploration.

Interaction with Friendly Cats: Jiaoshan Park is home to many cats, particularly friendly white ones that approach visitors. Enjoy the company of these feline residents during your visit.

Two Entrance Gates: There are two entrances to Jiaoshan Park. If entering from the south (main entrance), you’ll need to take a ferry. However, the east entrance does not require a ferry ride.

Ferry Schedule: The ferry operates from early morning (8:00 AM) to late afternoon (5:30 PM) with a departure every 15 minutes. Plan your visit accordingly to catch the ferry if entering through the south gate.

Stunning River Views: Jiaoshan Park is surrounded by the river on all four sides, offering breathtaking views, especially during sunset. The silhouette of the park against the setting sun is particularly beautiful.


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