Jinshan Hill Scenic Area (金山景区) is situated in the northwest of Zhenjiang City, with an elevation of 43.7 meters. Originally an island in the center of the Yangtze River, it became connected to the southern land as the river shifted northward during the late Qing Dynasty. The scenic area is divided into two major sections: the eastern Jinshan Temple and the western Zhongleng Spring, separated by a road. Numerous iconic tales, such as the flooding of Jinshan by White Snake Lady and the legendary battle of Liang Hongyu, have unfolded within these picturesque surroundings.
In front of the mountain gate of Jinshan Temple, there is a Buddhist square where a grand bell-striking ceremony is held every December 31st, featuring cultural performances leading up to the striking of the bronze bell at midnight. Moreover, from June to August each year, Jinshan Hill hosts a lotus flower exhibition. A approximately 200-meter pedestrian pathway towards the Changjiang Road offers a free and enchanting view of the lotus flowers. Surrounding Jinshan, there are numerous local specialty restaurants where visitors can savor Zhenjiang’s “Three Wonders”: Yaorou (smoked pork), Xiangcu (fragrant vinegar), and Guogai noodles, showcasing the unique flavors of the region.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Jinshan Hill
- Vlog about Jinshan Hill Scenic Area
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Attractions near Jinshan hill
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 – 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | 65 RMB (1st March – 31st May and 1st September – 30th November) 50 RMB (1st December – 28th February and 1st June – 31st August) |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.30 (1st January – 24th March) 8.00 – 18.00; Last admission: 17.30 (25th March – 31st December) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0511-85512992 0086-0511-85512780 |
Location and Transportation
Jinshan Hill Scenic Area is situated in the northwest of Zhenjiang City, boasting an elevation of 44 meters and a circumference of 520 meters. Its precise address is 62, Jinshan Road, Runzhou District, Zhengjiang, Jiangsu Province.
To get there, tourists can take bus 17, 40, 49, 102, 115, 133, or 216, and get off at Jinshan Park Stop (金山公园站).
Highlights of Jinshan Hill
Jinshan Temple: Architectural Grandeur
Established during the Eastern Jin era, Jinshan Temple stands as a testament to centuries of devotion and cultural evolution. At its zenith, the temple hosted over three thousand monks, drawing tens of thousands of devout followers seeking enlightenment through meditation. Renowned as one of China’s distinguished ancient temples, Jinshan Temple, during the Qing Dynasty, earned its place among the country’s “Four Great Temples,” alongside Putuo Temple, Wenshu Temple, and Daming Temple.
What sets Jinshan Temple apart is its distinctive architectural style. Unlike the conventional alignment of halls along a central axis, Jinshan Temple is built harmoniously into the natural contours of the hill. Halls, pavilions, and towers cascade down the slopes, creating a seamless integration of the mountain and the temple. This unique architectural approach has inspired structures like the “Buddha Incense Pavilion” in Beijing’s Summer Palace, the “Golden Mountain Pavilion” in Chengde’s Mountain Resort, and the “Little Jinshan” in Yangzhou’s Slender West Lake.
Fa Hai Cave: The Cave of Spiritual Endeavor
Located on the western slope below Jinshan Pagoda, Fa Hai Cave, also known as Pei Gong Cave, clings to the cliffs, serving as a testament to the austere spiritual pursuits of Monk Fa Hai. Legend has it that Fa Hai, originally the son of Tang Dynasty prime minister Pei Xiu, embarked on a Buddhist path at his father’s behest and assumed the monastic name Fa Hai. After rigorous training on Mount Lu in Jiangxi, he journeyed eastward along the Yangtze, eventually reaching the desolate and overgrown Jinshan.
The cave, perched on a cliff, became Fa Hai’s place of rigorous meditation. It is said that Fa Hai, in a symbolic battle, defeated a white python that inhabited the cave, banishing it to the sea. Fa Hai’s dedication extended beyond spiritual pursuits, as he undertook the daunting task of cultivating the land and revitalizing the dilapidated temple. His efforts laid the foundation for the establishment of Jinshan Temple, and he remains revered as the founding patriarch, leaving an indelible mark on the temple’s history.
Zhong Ling Quan: The Essence of Pure Springs
Situated 500 meters west of Jinshan Temple, Zhong Ling Quan, or Middle Spring, is a crystalline water source renowned for its pure and refreshing qualities. During the Tang Dynasty, when tea connoisseur Lu Yu evaluated springs nationwide, Zhong Ling Quan secured the seventh spot among China’s best springs. Following in Lu Yu’s footsteps, the renowned Tang poet Liu Bochu categorized springs into seven levels based on their water quality for tea brewing. Zhong Ling Quan, with its exceptional taste and suitability for tea, claimed the highest rank, earning the esteemed title of “The Best Spring Under Heaven.”
The water from Zhong Ling Quan is celebrated for its clarity and richness, making it ideal for brewing tea. It is said that when the water is poured into a cup, it can fill above the rim without overflowing. Placing a coin on the water’s surface, it remains suspended without sinking. Such characteristics have elevated Zhong Ling Quan to the status of the premier spring, symbolizing purity and perfection.
Vlog about Jinshan Hill Scenic Area
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Morning Visit Recommendations: For a visit in the morning around 8-9 am, it’s suggested to start by exploring the temple first and then proceed to tour the park for scenic views. The temple is less crowded early in the morning, making it an ideal time to visit.
Afternoon Visit Strategy: If entering the park after 3 pm, it’s advised to start by touring the park and leave the visit to Jiangtian Zen Temple for last. The later hours can offer a quieter experience as the closing time approaches.
Convenient Taxi Ride from High-Speed Rail Station: For convenience, consider taking a taxi directly from the high-speed rail station to Jinshan Hill. The taxi ride is reasonably priced at around 10 yuan.
Dining Recommendation: Chen Ji Noodle House:
After exiting the main gate and turning right, there’s a recommended eatery, Chen Ji Noodle House (陈记面馆), famous for being featured in “A Bite of China.” It’s suggested to try their noodles, with prices ranging from approximately 12 to 20 yuan per bowl.
