Maoshan Mountain Scenic Area

The Maoshan Mountain Scenic Area is located 20 km southeast of Jurong city, with the three main peaks - Damao Peak, Ermao Peak, and Sanmao Peak - arranged from south to north. The highest peak (main peak), Damao Peak, has an elevation of 372.5 m. The Maoshan Mountain Scenic Area is the birthplace of the Shangqing sect of Taoism. Originally named Juqu Mountain, it was renamed after the three Mao brothers from Shaanxi during the Western Han Dynasty - Mao Ying, Mao Gu, and Mao Zhong - who practiced Taoism here.MaoshanDuring the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Ge Hong and Tao Hongjing of the Southern Dynasties resided here.MaoshanPracticed cultivation here. The mountain is dotted with Taoist temples, which, despite their long history, have suffered repeated war damages. Most of what we see today are modern reconstructions, with the Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace and Yuanfu Wanning Palace being the most famous, collectively known as the "Maoshan Mountain Scenic Area - Maoshan Taoist Temple".

The Maoshan Mountain Scenic Area is located at the border of Jurong City and Jintan City, with the Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace at the peak of Damao Mountain serving as the boundary. The western part is under the jurisdiction of Jurong, while the eastern part is managed by Jintan. In fact, the so-called Jurong Maoshan Mountain Scenic Area and Jintan Maoshan refer to the same Maoshan Mountain Scenic Area. The main attractions of the Maoshan Mountain Scenic Area, including the Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace, belong to Jurong and are concentrated at the peak and northern slope of Damao Mountain. At the main entrance of the Maoshan Mountain Scenic Area (Maoshan West Gate), there are sightseeing vehicles that transport visitors to the entrance of the Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace at the peak, with stops at other attractions. It is recommended to take the sightseeing vehicle as the attraction is quite large, and hiking to the peak of Damao Mountain may take 1-2 hours. Private vehicles are not allowed to enter the attraction.

The Jintan Maoshan area is primarily for hiking, with some Taoist temples scattered around. Hiking from the Jinniuling cableway (Maoshan east gate) to the Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace at the peak takes 1-2 hours. Alternatively, you can take the cableway directly to Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace. Note that if you wish to visit the attractions on the Jurong Maoshan Mountain Scenic Area side after reaching the peak, you will need to purchase an admission ticket for the Maoshan Mountain Scenic Area separately. Tickets for the Maoshan Mountain Scenic Area are not sold at the foot of Jintan Mountain and must be purchased at the peak.

The first stop can be Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace, also known as the top palace, built after the three Mao immortals ascended to heaven in the Western Han Dynasty. In the 26th year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1598 AD), the emperor bestowed it the name "Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace". The red exterior walls of the Taoist temple are very eye-catching. Inside the temple, there is a three-gate stone archway on the ascension platform, which is the highest point of the Maoshan Mountain Scenic Area in Jurong at an altitude of 372.5 m. It is said to be the place where Mao Ying ascended to heaven. From Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace, you can overlook the Yuanfu Wanning Palace at the foot of the mountain.

The second stop is Yuanfu Wanning Palace, built in the fifth year of the Chongning era of Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty (1106 AD). It is also known as the seal palace because the Song Dynasty emperor gifted the temple a treasure called the "jiulao xiandu seal". Remember to touch the character "fu" (meaning blessing) on the back of the stone wall at the Duxing gate inside the temple, which is said to bring good luck. The most striking feature of the entire temple is the 33 m tall bronze statue of Laozi, which shines golden under the sunlight with extraordinary grandeur. Be sure to notice the palm of Laozi's left hand, where there is a real wasp nest with a diameter of 1 m, which is quite miraculous.

There is a folk saying: "Offer incense at the peak palace, stamp the seal at the seal palace," meaning one prays for blessings at the peak palace and gets a seal stamped at the seal palace. The jiulao xiandu seal is currently not at Yuanfu Wanning Palace but at Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace, making it relatively difficult for ordinary visitors to obtain.

Outside the Yuanfu Wanning Palace, there are three karst caves within walking distance in the Maoshan Mountain scenic area - Huayang Cave, Yuzhu Cave, and Xianren Cave. Huayang Cave in the Maoshan Mountain scenic area was where Tao Hongjing, the prime minister of the Southern Dynasties, practiced cultivation. This cave connects with Yuzhu Cave, while Xianren Cave in the Maoshan Mountain scenic area is located approx. 80 m to the north. If taking the sightseeing bus, it's recommended to visit Huayang Cave first, then proceed to Xianren Cave in the Maoshan Mountain scenic area, as the exit of Xianren Cave is very close to the sightseeing bus stop.

Then head to Xike Spring in the Maoshan Mountain scenic area, an ancient spring as old as the Maoshan Mountain Scenic Area in Jurong. When many people clap around the spring, you can see strings of bubbles rising from the water. Near Xike Spring in the Maoshan Mountain scenic area, there are a wellness bookstore and Prince Zhaoming's reading platform. Follow the direction indicated by the statue of the immortal sage behind the bookstore to take a stroll around Dezi Valley. The valley is shaded by lush trees with wooden boardwalks, making it a pleasant walk where you can also see attractions like Dezi Pavilion in the Maoshan Mountain scenic area.

The last stop is the Sunan victory monument of the war of resistance against Japan at the entrance of Maoshan Mountain in Jurong. The Maoshan Mountain scenic area is not only a Taoist holy site but also a base for the war of resistance against Japan. A unique feature here is setting off firecrackers at the base of the monument, which produces a distinct echo resembling a military bugle in the sky. Vendors near the monument sell firecrackers for those who wish to hear the echo. Located 150 m west of the monument is the Maoshan new fourth army memorial hall, where decommissioned aircraft and cannons are displayed outside, and the hall showcases the history of the war of resistance against Japan in the Maoshan Mountain scenic area of Jurong.

Visitors short on time can focus on Yuanfu Wanning Palace and Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace, while those with more time can explore additional attractions like Maoshan Mountain Scenic Area - Huayang Cave, Maoshan Mountain Scenic Area - Xike Spring, and the Southern Jiangsu Anti-Japanese War Victory Monument. There are restaurants outside Yuanfu Wanning Palace within the scenic area, but they are relatively expensive with average food quality, so bringing snacks is recommended for extended visits. Outside the main gate, there are many local restaurants serving delicious food.

At the main entrance of Maoshan Mountain Scenic Area in Jurong, there are accommodations such as Jurong Maoshan Wanfu Building Hotel and Bubugao Hotel. However, since you can return to nearby urban areas on the same day after visiting Maoshan Mountain Scenic Area, it is recommended to stay in Jurong, Jintan, Zhenjiang or other nearby locations.