Hello!My name is Lily Xia. I am a travel industry professional with over 2 years of experience in crafting detailed travel guides and itineraries for destinations across China. Having visited countless cultural and historical sites, I provide practical, first-hand information to help travelers plan their trips efficiently. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to the NiuShan Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone.
Introduction to NiuShou Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone
The NiuShou Mountain (Niushoushan) Cultural Tourism Zone is a large-scale scenic area located in the Jiangning District of Nanjing, China. Covering an extensive area of approximately 5 square kilometers, it is a significant site that seamlessly blends stunning modern architecture with profound Buddhist culture and natural beauty. Its history is deeply intertwined with Buddhism; the mountain is traditionally considered one of the birthplaces of the Buddhist Niutou (Ox-Head) school.This sacred relic is now enshrined in the grand Usnisa Palace, making the mountain a major pilgrimage and cultural destination.
Tickets & Opening Hours
Opening Hours: The park is generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Last entry is usually at 4:30 PM. However, it is crucial to check the official website or reliable travel apps for any seasonal adjustments or special holiday hours before your visit.
Ticket Prices:
Standard Adult Ticket: Approximately 98 RMB (covers entrance to the scenic area and the Usnisa Palace).
Half-price Ticket: Approximately 49 RMB for children between 1.4m-1.5m in height, seniors aged 60-69 (with ID), and full-time university students (with student ID).
Free Ticket: Children under 1.4m (or 6 years old) and seniors aged 70 and above (with ID). A small insurance fee may be required.
Main Attractions
Grand Usnisa Palace: .The Foding Palace Interior is the core part of the Grand Usnisa Palace in Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Area, featuring magnificent architecture and precious Buddhist relics.This is the absolute centerpiece of the zone.
Usnisa Pagoda: This majestic 88-meter tall Tang-style pagoda stands as a landmark visible from much of the area. Visitors can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the entire NiuShou Mountain landscape.
Zhenghe Square: The area near the main entrance features a beautiful lake, lush gardens, and sculptures. It’s a peaceful place to walk and take in the initial views of the palace and pagoda from a distance.
NiuShou Mountain Zen Culture Resort: Beyond the main monuments, the mountain itself offers forested paths, historical sites like the Hongjue Temple ruins, and the remains of ancient fortifications.
Transportation: How to Get There
Getting to NiuShou Mountain from central Nanjing is straightforward.
By Metro + Taxi/Ride-Hailing:Take Metro Line 1 to the Tianlongsi Station.From there, exit the station and take a taxi or a ride-hailing service (Didi). The ride to the West Gate of NiuShou Mountain takes about 15-20 minutes and costs approximately 15-20 RMB.
By Public Bus:From the city center, you can take bus 712 to the NiuShou Shan Feng Jing Qu stop.Alternatively, take the Metro Line S1 to Heyunli Station, then transfer to bus 754 to the scenic area.Bus fare is typically 2 RMB.
Tourist Shuttle:During holidays and weekends, official tourist shuttle buses may operate from major transport hubs. Inquire at your hotel or the tourist information center for the latest routes and schedules.
Experiences & Activities
Marvel at the Architecture: Spend significant time exploring the Usnisa Palace. Admire the grand exterior and the incredibly detailed, lavish interior decorations.
View the Sacred Relic: Pay respects to the enshrined Buddha relic, a deeply spiritual experience for many visitors.
Climb the Pagoda: Hike up the Usnisa Pagoda for spectacular elevated views of the entire complex and the surrounding mountains.
Explore the Historical Paths: For those interested in nature and history, walking the trails to see the Hongjue Temple ruins and other historical spots provides a different perspective.
Food Guide
There is a vegetarian restaurant inside the Usnisa Palace, reflecting the Buddhist nature of the site. Outside the scenic area, options are limited. It is highly recommended to return to the city center for meals.
Nanjing Salted Duck: A famous local dish, less fatty than Peking duck, known for its tender and savory flavor.
Duck Blood and Vermicelli Soup: A beloved Nanjing snack soup made with duck blood, intestines, and vermicelli in a rich broth.
Soup Dumplings: Steamed dumplings filled with juicy pork and hot soup.
Q&A
Q: How much time should I allocate for a visit?
A: A full half-day is the minimum. To thoroughly explore the palace, pagoda, and gardens at a relaxed pace, plan for 5-6 hours.
Q: Is the site suitable for young children and the elderly?
A: The shuttle buses help, but the sheer scale and amount of walking can be tiring. The palace is accessible, but the pagoda requires climbing many stairs. Strollers might be cumbersome in crowded areas inside the palace.
Q: What is the best time to visit?
A: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-November) offer the most pleasant weather. Avoid Chinese national holidays (e.g., October 1st week) if possible, as the site can become extremely crowded.
Lily Xia
She is Lily Xia,a 25 years old gilr.
For over ten years, she’ve been traveling with her camera,
and her greatest passion is capturing the beautiful moments,
places, and especially the people she meet along the way.