Jinshan Mountain, situated in the northwest of Zhenjiang City, stands at an elevation of 43.7 meters and is a mere 3 kilometers from the city center. It was once an island in the center of the Yangtze River, but as the river shifted northward, Jinshan Mountain became connected to the southern landmass by the end of the Guangxu period in the Qing Dynasty. The scenic area is bifurcated into two main sections: Jinshan Temple to the east and Zhongleng Spring to the west, separated by Yiquan Road.
Jinshan Temple, the primary attraction, is steeped in legends such as the tale of Lady White Snake flooding the mountain and Liang Hongyu drumming for battle. Also known as Jiangtian Chan Temple, it was established during the Daxing period of Emperor Yuan of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, around 320 AD. The temple’s halls and towers are constructed against the mountain, creating an illusion where only the temple is visible from a distance, earning the saying, “the mountain is wrapped by Jinshan Temple.” The temple’s mountain gate faces west, with the main structures aligned east-west, and visiting the temple entails a climb up the mountain.
The main hall, adorned with intricate white stone railings and golden glazed tiles, exudes grandeur. Ascending the steps behind the hall leads to Miaogaotai, the site of Liang Hongyu’s legendary drumming. Two vantage points on Jinshan Mountain offer sweeping views: Cishou Pagoda, a seven-story structure built during the Southern Dynasties and rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty, and Liuyun Pavilion, also known as Jiangtian Yilan Pavilion, at the mountain’s peak. The pavilion’s stone tablet bears the inscription “Jiangtian Yilan,” a replica of Emperor Kangxi’s writing from his visit. From these spots, one can survey the panorama of Jinshan Temple and gaze into the distance of Zhenjiang City, with Jinshan Lake to the north evoking the scene of Lady White Snake’s flood.
Near Cishou Pagoda lies Fahai Cave, a natural stone cavern where the historical figure Fahai, the founding patriarch of Jinshan Temple, practiced asceticism. Despite the negative portrayal of Fahai in “The Legend of the White Snake,” he is highly revered. At the northern base of Jinshan Mountain, Bailong Cave features a slender, deep stone crevice, believed to be the escape route of Lady White Snake. The modern imperial dock, once visited by Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong, is located lakeside at the mountain’s foot.
Adjacent to Jinshan Temple are Guo Pu’s Tomb to the west, Qifeng Pavilion commemorating Yue Fei to the northwest, and Wenzong Pavilion to the east, housing a handwritten copy of the ‘Complete Library in Four Branches.’ Nearby, the Jinshan Cultural Expo Park showcases the history and legends of Jinshan Temple. Southeast of Zhongleng Spring on the west side of Jinshan Mountain is Baihuazhou Park, while Zhongleng Spring Park is to the northwest, separated by a lake. Access to Zhongleng Spring Park can be by a wooden plank road or via a cruise ship from a dock 200 meters inside Jinshan Mountain’s gate, passing under Yiquan Road’s bridge.
Zhongleng Spring, once in the Yangtze River and now referred to as Nanleng Spring due to its location, was rated the best in the world by Liu Bochu in the Tang Dynasty. Despite its once pristine waters, now marred by pollution, one can still see bubbles rising, indicating its liveliness. The surrounding tea houses, like Furong Tower, have fallen into disuse. Annually on December 31, a grand bell-striking blessing event takes place in the Buddhist square in front of Jinshan Temple, accompanied by artistic performances.**Jinshan Mountain Scenic Area Information**
**At Midnight Bell Ceremony:**
The bronze bell at Jinshan Mountain will be struck at midnight, marking a significant event.
**Annual Lotus Flower Exhibition:**
From June to August, Jinshan Mountain hosts a spectacular lotus flower exhibition, attracting visitors from far and wide.
**Free Lotus Viewing:**
A 200-meter pedestrian path from the entrance of Jinshan Mountain towards Changjiang Road offers free viewing of lotus flowers.
**Jinshan Lake Park:**
North of Jinshan Temple, a park surrounds Jinshan Lake. Although it is not part of the main scenic area, it is worth a visit due to its proximity.
**Lake Activities:**
– **Boating:** Enjoy boating on Jinshan Lake.
– **Cruise Ship Terminal:** Located in the east of the lake, the cruise ship terminal offers scenic lake tours.
– **Amusement Park:** For children, an amusement park is situated in the west of the lake.
– **Water Golf:** In the northwest, water golf is also available on Jinshan Lake.
**Reflections on Jinshan Lake:**
The lake’s surface reflects the images of Jinshan Temple and Cishou Pagoda, creating a captivating sight.
**Dining Options:**
– **Foyinju Vegetarian Restaurant:** In front of Jinshan Temple’s mountain gate, this restaurant offers vegetarian dishes. The ordering process is straightforward: order and pay downstairs, then enjoy your meal upstairs.
– **Local Restaurants:** Numerous local characteristic restaurants around Jinshan Mountain offer Zhenjiang’s ‘three wonders’: cured meat, aromatic vinegar, and pot cover noodles.
**Opening Hours:**
Jinshan Mountain is open all year round from 08:00 to 18:00.
**Preferential Policies:**
– **Children:** Under 6 years old or under 1.4 meters in height enter free with valid certificates; aged 6 to 18 enjoy half price with valid certificates.
– **Elderly:** Aged 70 and above enter free with valid ID; aged 60 to 69 enjoy half price with valid ID.
– **Students:** College, middle, and primary school students enjoy half price with student IDs or valid certificates (excluding graduate student IDs).
– **Disabled People:** Enter free with disability certificates.
– **Veterans and Dependents:** Free entry with the Preferential Certificate for Veterans and the Preferential Certificate for Dependents of Martyrs, Servicemen Died on Duty, and Servicemen Died of Illnesses of the People’s Republic of China.
– **Retired Cadres:** Enter free with valid certificates.
**Supplementary Note:**
The provided information is for reference only. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, please refer to the information disclosed at Zhenjiang Jinshan Park on the day of your visit. Discount tickets must be purchased on site with relevant certificates.
**Service Facilities:**
– **Parking Lot:** [Parking Lot of Zhenjiang Jinshan Park] is available at ¥5 per time, located at No. 62 Jinshan Road, Zhenjiang City, with 130 parking spaces.
– **WIFI:** Full coverage with the account aWiFi_zj; no password required.
– **Mobile Phone Charging:** Charging power sockets are available at the tourist center.
– **Scenic Area Interpretation:** Manual interpretation services are provided within the scenic area.
**Admission Fee:**
The admission fee is 100 yuan per visit.
**Operating Hours:**
The operating hours are from 08:30 to 16:30.
**Stroller Rental:**
Strollers are available for free, with a deposit of 500 yuan, at the Tourist Center.
**Restrooms:**
There are 7 well-marked restrooms near the facilities.
**Nursing Room:**
The nursing room is located at the Golden Hill Tourist Center.
**Dining:**
A vegetarian restaurant is available in the main scenic area.
**Vending Machines:**
Vending machines line the main road, supporting WeChat Pay and Alipay.
**Convenience Stores:**
Approximately 8 operating merchants are found along the main road.
