Maoshan Mountain Scenic Area (茅山景区) is nestled 20 kilometers southeast of Jurong City, extending in a north-south direction and covering an area of over 50 square kilometers. Comprising three peaks – Da Mao Feng (Great Maoshan Peak), Er Mao Feng (Second Maoshan Peak), and San Mao Feng (Third Maoshan Peak), the highest peak (main peak), Da Mao Feng, stands at an elevation of 372.5 meters. Originally known as Juqu Mountain, Maoshan is the birthplace of the Shangqing School of Daoism. Its current name was inspired by the three brothers – Mao Ying, Mao Gu, and Mao Zhong – from the Western Han Dynasty, who practiced Daoism here. Renowned figures such as Ge Hong from the Eastern Jin Dynasty and Tao Hongjing from the Southern Dynasties also pursued spiritual cultivation on Maoshan.
Scattered across the mountain are Daoist temples, though many have undergone modern reconstruction due to historical conflicts. The mountain serves as a boundary between Jurong City and Jintan City, with the Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace atop Da Mao Feng marking the division. To the west, the jurisdiction falls under Jurong, while the east is administered by Jintan. Despite the distinction between “Maoshan in Jurong” and “Maoshan in Jintan,” both refer to the same mountain.
Visitors can conveniently access various sites by taking a sightseeing car from the main entrance (west gate) of Maoshan, which transports them to the entrance of Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace atop Da Mao Feng. Private vehicles are not allowed within the scenic area, ensuring a tranquil and environmentally conscious experience for visitors exploring the cultural and natural wonders of Maoshan Mountain.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Maoshan Mountain
- Vlog about Maoshan Mountain
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Other Natural Scenery in Zhenjiang
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | A day |
| Ticket Price | 120 RMB (1st November – 31st January and 1st July – 30th September) 90 RMB (1st February – 30th June and 1st October – 31st October) |
| Shuttle Bus | 35 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 7.30 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.00 |
| Telephone Number | 4001089996 |
Location and Transportation
Maoshan Mountain is situated approximately 26 kilometers southeast of Jurong City, Jiangsu Province, within the jurisdiction of Zhenjiang City. It is located 48 kilometers from the city center of Zhenjiang and is nestled in the hinterland shared by Nanjing, Zhenjiang, and Changzhou.
Tourists from Nanjing can first take Metro Line S6 to reach Jurong Station. From there, transfer to the “Jurong → Maoshan” bus (i.e. the Jurong to Maoshan Express), with buses departing every 30 minutes.
Highlights of Maoshan Mountain
Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace (Top Palace)
Perched at the summit of Maoshan, Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace stands as the most significant Daoist temple, boasting over 2,100 years of history since its establishment during the Western Han Dynasty. Originally known as Shengyou Guan, it was later renamed Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace during the Ming Dynasty. This architectural marvel, facing south and symmetrically structured from east to west, showcases the influence of the Shangqing School of Daoism. Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace has weathered three significant challenges throughout history, occurring during the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, the anti-Japanese resistance, and the Cultural Revolution.
Yuanfu Wanning Palace (Yin Palace)
Founded in the fourth year of the Song Shaosheng era (1098 AD), Yuanfu Wanning Palace, also known as Yin Palace, received its name from Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty. Covering an area of over 3,000 square meters, this palace complex includes structures such as Dudao Star Square, Linguan Hall, Wanshou Terrace, San Tianmen Square, Mianzhai Daoist Institute, Taiji Square, Laozi Statue, Laozi Square, and a collection of twenty-four filial piety-themed buildings. The Yuanfu Wanning Palace serves as the location for the Prayer Ritual for the 5th International Daoist Forum.
Chongxi Wanshou Palace (Lower Palace)
Also known as the Red Temple, Chongxi Wanshou Palace is situated to the northwest of Da Mao Feng on Dingtou Mountain. Originally constructed during the Southern Dynasties as Qu Lin Guan, it was given its present name, Chongxi Wanshou Palace in the sixth year of the Yuan Dynasty’s Yuanfu era (1319 AD), . The main hall of the Chongxi Wanshou Palace is the focal point for ritual activities, while the side halls include the Dharma Hall and the Dharma Scripture Institute. The institute is the administrative office for activities related to the conferral of Daoist scriptures, and other facilities such as the Knowledge Hall and the Scripture Copying Hall serve as spaces for teaching, lectures, and quiet contemplation.
Xike Spring
Located to the northwest of the Maofeng Peak, Xike Spring stands as one of the more renowned ancient springs among the nineteen on Maoshan. This crystalline spring, known for its consistent temperature regardless of the season, boasts sweet and refreshing water that never dries up even during periods of drought. Xike Spring is famed for the peculiar “Three Wonders”:
- First Wonder: When visitors clap their hands on the spring’s edge, clusters of water bubbles emerge from the bottom, resembling swirling jade beads, creating an enchanting spectacle that led to the spring’s name, Xike, meaning “welcome guests.”
- Second Wonder: During moments of calm, a thin film appears on the water’s surface, followed by bubbles and ripples that seem to split and converge like oil and water, creating a mesmerizing display.
- Third Wonder: the water level in Xike Spring stands about 8 meters higher than the adjacent eastern water channel. However, contrary to gravitational expectations, the water flows into Xike Spring rather than the easter channel.
Anti-Japanese Victory Monument
Perched atop Maoshan’s northern foothills, the Su-Nan Anti-Japanese Victory Monument commemorates the heroic efforts of the New Fourth Army during the resistance against Japanese aggression. Built on the summit of Wangmu Mountain, this 36-meter-high monument was completed on September 1, 1995. Behind the monument, a 114-character inscription pays tribute to the sacrifices and triumphs of the New Fourth Army. The base of the monument, standing at 3.13 meters, symbolizes the 313,000 party members in Zhenjiang City. The main body, reaching 28 meters, represents the New Fourth Army’s two divisions from eight southern provinces. The 317 steps leading to the monument signify the 317th Division. The six sets of steps represent June, with the final 17 steps signifying the victory on June 17th in the Battle of Weigang (1938).
Vlog about Maoshan Mountain
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Use Scenic Area Transportation: The park provides transportation that takes visitors to the top temple first, followed by a descending tour of the various attractions. Since the distances between each spot are considerable, it’s recommended for those with average physical stamina to use the scenic area’s public transportation.
Purchase Separate Tickets for Different Sections: Maoshan Mountain consists of two sections – Jurong Maoshan Scenic Area and Jintan Maoshan. Purchase tickets separately for each section. Typically, most visitors go to the Jurong Maoshan section, which is also this article introduces.
Dining Tips: Food options on the mountain might not be very appetizing. It’s suggested not to try the vegetarian noodles, which are described as mediocre and priced at 35 yuan. Consider bringing your own snacks or having a meal before your visit.
Beware of Scams: Be cautious and don’t easily trust individuals approaching you, especially those offering services like fortune-telling. Some might be scammers, and it’s advisable to maintain a skeptical approach.
