Qixia Mountain (栖霞山, Glow Resting Mountain), located in Nanjing, China, is a picturesque and historically significant destination that captivates visitors with its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Rising majestically on the eastern outskirts of Nanjing, this mountainous retreat spans an area of approximately 80 square kilometers.
Qixia Mountain is renowned for its stunning landscapes, characterized by lush forests, serene lakes, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant flora. The mountain’s highest peak, named Qixia Peak, stands at 286 meters and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding region. Nature enthusiasts can explore its numerous scenic trails, which wind through dense forests and lead to hidden gems like Bamboo Valley and Water Curtain Cave.
The mountain also holds great cultural significance. Its history dates back over 1,500 years, and it is home to several prominent Buddhist temples. One of the most famous is Qixia Temple, originally built during the Eastern Jin Dynasty and reconstructed during the Tang Dynasty. The temple is renowned for its exquisite architecture, including the majestic Mahavira Hall and the intricately carved Thousand Buddha Cliff.
Qixia Mountain serves as a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists and a tranquil retreat for locals and tourists alike. Its natural beauty, combined with its cultural and historical significance, offers a unique and enriching experience. Visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquil ambiance, explore ancient temples, marvel at the breathtaking landscapes, or simply relax and rejuvenate amidst nature’s embrace.
Whether seeking spiritual solace, scenic wonders, or a respite from the bustling city, Qixia Mountain in Nanjing provides an enchanting escape that showcases the beauty and cultural heritage of the region.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Qixia Mountain
- Vlog about Qixia Mountain
- Recommended Routes
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Other Natural Sceneries in Nanjing
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | Over 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | 50 RMB in Spring, Summer, and Winter 80 RMB in Autumn |
| Opening Hours | 7.00 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-025-85761831 |
Location and Transportation
Qixia Mountain itself is nestled in the northeastern part of Nanjing, around 22 kilometers away from the city center. The mountain is geographically positioned between the Yangtze River to the west and the vast plains of Jiangsu Province to the east. To get there, you can choose the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 194, 195, 196, 197, 327, 344, or D21, and get off at Qixia Mountain Stop.
Metro: Unfortunately, there is no metro station near Qixia Mountain at the moment. But there is one called Qixiashan (栖霞山) under construction, and it is estimated to complete in 2024.
Highlights of Qixia Mountain
Qixia Temple
Qixia Temple, nestled within Qixia Mountain in Nanjing, is a renowned Buddhist temple with a history spanning over 1,500 years. This ancient temple showcases magnificent architecture and intricate artwork, including the Thousand Buddha Cliff, adorned with thousands of Buddha statues carved into the rock face. The temple’s centerpiece is the grand Mahavira Hall, housing a majestic statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. Qixia Temple is a spiritual haven that attracts visitors with its serene atmosphere, rich cultural heritage, and the opportunity to witness the beauty of Buddhist art and architecture in a stunning natural setting.
Breathtaking Scenery
Qixia Mountain in Nanjing offers breathtaking scenery that enchants visitors with its natural beauty. Lush forests, verdant hills, and picturesque landscapes create a tranquil and awe-inspiring environment. Serene lakes mirror the surrounding mountains, while cascading waterfalls create a soothing symphony of water. The mountain’s peaks provide panoramic views of the surrounding region, allowing visitors to marvel at the vastness of nature. The Bamboo Valley offers a serene retreat, while the Water Curtain Cave with its shimmering waterfall captivates the senses. Qixia Mountain’s breathtaking scenery is a feast for the eyes and a sanctuary for those seeking solace in nature’s embrace.
Qixia Peak
Qixia Peak, standing proudly in Qixia Mountain, is the highest peak in the area, reaching an elevation of 286 meters. This majestic summit offers visitors a mesmerizing panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. From its peak, one can witness the sprawling beauty of lush forests, meandering streams, and tranquil lakes that adorn the mountain. Qixia Peak provides a captivating vantage point to appreciate the grandeur of nature’s artistry. Whether basking in the golden hues of sunrise or marveling at the vibrant colors of sunset, Qixia Peak offers a breathtaking experience that leaves a lasting impression on all who ascend its heights.
Autumn Foliage
In autumn, Qixia Mountain transforms into a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colors as the foliage paints the landscape in vibrant hues. The mountain’s forests, adorned with a tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows, create a picturesque scene that attracts nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Walking along the scenic trails, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of the changing leaves, their rustling sounds accompanying every step. The reflection of the autumn foliage in the serene lakes adds an extra layer of enchantment.
Vlog about Qixia Mountain
Recommended Routes
Route 1:
- Hiking Distance: 3km
- Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
- Entrance: West Gate
- Qixia Ancient Temple ⇨ Hu Mountain Trail ⇨ Biyun Pavilion ⇨ Red Leaf Valley ⇨ Peach Blossom Lake ⇨ Peach Blossom Fan Pavilion ⇨ Rainbow Mirror ⇨ Hengha Hall ⇨ Exit
Route 2:
- Hiking Distance: 5km
- Estimated Time: 2-4 hours
- Entrance: West Gate
- Qixia Ancient Temple ⇨ Peach Blossom Lake ⇨ Red Leaf Valley ⇨ Emperor Qin’s Riverside ⇨ Taixu Pavilion ⇨ Tiankai Rock ⇨ Peach Blossom Lake ⇨ Rainbow Mirror ⇨ Hengha Hall ⇨ Exit
Route 3:
- Hiking Distance: 7km
- Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
- Entrance: South Gate
- Half Pavilion ⇨ Emperor Qin’s Riverside ⇨ Red Leaf Valley ⇨ Tiger Mountain ⇨ Deyun An ⇨ Qixia Ancient Temple ⇨ Thousand Buddha Rock ⇨ Exit from West Gate
Route 4:
- Hiking Distance: 10km
- Estimated Time: 3-5 hours
- Entrance: South Gate
- Half Pavilion ⇨ Emperor Qin’s Riverside ⇨ Red Leaf Valley ⇨ Tiger Mountain ⇨ Deyun An ⇨ Peach Blossom Stream ⇨ Chunyu Bridge ⇨ Thousand Buddha Rock ⇨ Qixia Ancient Temple ⇨ Exit
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Free Admission Hours: Entrance is free before 7 AM and after 5 PM. Staying near Xianlin University City or Wanda Plaza is convenient for early morning visits. Accommodations within the scenic area are possible but might be a bit remote.
Multiple Gates: There are two entrances to the park: West Gate and South Gate. The West Gate, particularly the main entrance, tends to be busier. The South Gate, a side entrance, has fewer visitors and is about 1 km away. Qixia Temple is located near the West Gate, where you can receive three incense sticks for prayers.
Vegetarian Food at Qixia Temple: Qixia Temple offers vegetarian food at around 20 yuan per meal, available from 11:30 AM daily.
Photography Tips: Visit on clear days for photography. The best times are before 9 AM or after 3 PM when the lighting is soft and conducive to beautiful shots. Capture breathtaking views by standing at elevated points overlooking the mountains or taking a stroll along forest paths.
Dress Suggestions: Wear light-colored clothing such as white, beige, or light yellow, which complements the natural surroundings. Enhance your attire with accessories like hats or scarves to add a touch of fashion.
Seasonal Highlights – Maple Leaves: Qixia Mountain’s maple leaves go through three phases:
- Early autumn with shades of yellow, light red, orange, and deep red in October.
- Mid-November showcases the mountain wrapped in vibrant red maple leaves, especially around Qixia Temple.
- In early December, the maple leaves gradually start to fall.
To be honest, by this time, most of the maple leaves have already fallen, and I couldn’t see the brilliant red scenery that I was hoping for. It would probably be better to visit around November. My friend and I spent so much time messing around on the road that we were starving while heading to the restaurant. I thought there wouldn’t be anything good to eat at the temple, but unexpectedly, when we ordered a bowl of vegetarian noodles… Read more »
After leaving Nanjing Normal University in the morning, I headed straight to Qixia Mountain Scenic Area. I rented a four-seater electric car at the west gate and spent over three hours exploring the area, although there were still many places I didn’t get to see. Most of the maple leaves had not yet turned red, but there were hints of autumn colors at the foot of the mountain.
Overall, the experience was quite nice. While climbing the mountain, I was sheltered from the sun, which made it pleasantly cool. It felt really enjoyable to feel the mountain breeze and take in the scenery.
For summer getaways, hiking is the best choice. Not only is the altitude high and the temperature low, but the shade from trees also enhances the experience. This time, I opted for Qixia Mountain. It was less crowded and truly beautiful, making for a very pleasant outing.
Additionally, at the foot of the mountain, there is an interesting ancient-style street that adds to the charm of the visit.
Climbing Qixia Mountain before 7 am allows you to enter for free. I entered from the South Gate and hiked along the outer perimeter to the West Gate. Qixia Mountain is best to visit in the autumn (October, November) when the mountains are covered with maple leaves, which is quite spectacular. I couldn’t resist and ended up climbing it in the summer. The hike takes about 3 hours, and on the mountain, there is a zoo with squirrels, ducklings, peacocks,… Read more »
I just found out that the Qixia Mountain is free after 5 pm. The scenery on the mountain is very beautiful, although the sunlight at 5 pm can be a bit dazzling. But when the sunlight shines in, everything will light up! It’s super beautiful! Sunscreen is definitely necessary. If you need to use the restroom, make sure to do so at the entrance before going in because the restrooms on the mountain are closed. There might be mosquitoes, so… Read more »
Mount Qixia has four hiking routes: 1. 3km hike, 2-3 hours: – Entrance at West Gate ⇨ Qixia Ancient Temple ⇨ Hu Mountain Plank Road ⇨ Biyun Pavilion ⇨ Hongye Valley ⇨ Peach Blossom Lake ⇨ Peach Blossom Fan Pavilion ⇨ Rainbow Mirror ⇨ Hengha Hall ⇨ Exit 2. 5km hike, 2-4 hours: – Entrance at West Gate ⇨ Qixia Ancient Temple ⇨ Peach Blossom Lake ⇨ Hongye Valley ⇨ Emperor Qin’s Riverside Place ⇨ Taixu Pavilion ⇨ Tiankai Rock… Read more »