Qixia Temple

The stele was erected in the third year of the Shangyuan era of the Tang Dynasty (676 AD), officially named "The Stele of Ming Zhengjun of Qixia Temple on Mount She." The text was composed by Emperor Gaozong Li Zhi, inscribed by Tang official Gao Zhengchen, with the seal script title by Wang Zhijing. On the back of the stele, Emperor Gaozong personally inscribed the characters "Qixia," written with vigorous strokes full of spirit. The stele measures 2.74 meters high, 1.31 meters wide, and 0.36 meters thick. Geological experts have confirmed that the material of the stele was quarried from Mount Qixia, specifically Qixia Group limestone, which is fossilized animal stone. The plum blossom-shaped patterns on the surface are fossils of crinoid stems and Chinese tabulate corals that lived in shallow seas 280 million years ago, totaling over 22,000. The Ming Zhengjun Stele is not only the best-preserved and largest Tang Dynasty stele in the Nanjing area but also an extremely rare treasure among existing Tang steles nationwide. As a fossil specimen, it is even rarer in China. This stele has withstood more than a thousand years of weathering without losing its original brilliance, truly a miracle.

Hidden within Mount Qixia, this millennium-old temple was first built during the Qi period of the Southern Dynasties, over 1,500 years ago. As an old saying goes, "One Qixia Temple embodies half the history of Jinling." When you arrive, don't rush inside just yet. Take a moment to stand by Mingjing Lake right outside the temple. Watch the water reflect the red walls and dark tiles, with the graceful statue of Guanyin standing elegantly in the center. Inside the temple, you'll find China's largest ancient sarira stupa—the Sui Pagoda—as well as the only surviving Tang Dynasty stone carving in the Jiangnan region, perfectly preserved despite centuries of war. Even more awe-inspiring is the Thousand Buddha Rock behind the temple. As the only Southern Dynasties grotto in China, it features Buddhas of all sizes carved right into the cliffside, reminiscent of the distant Yungang and Longmen Grottoes. You don't need to wait for late autumn when the mountains are covered in red leaves to visit. The lush greenery of the mountains and the profound serenity of the ancient temple already offer the perfect scenery.

Hi, I'm William who loves photography~ I'm here to share the beauty of my journey with you all🍃 . Sleep until I wake up naturally, then head out to take the subway to Qixia Mountain to hike and pet some cats~ 👉🏻This time I recommend an off-the-beaten-path place~ White walls, black tiles, upturned eaves, Qixia Ancient Town may not be as famous as Laomendong, but it retains a quiet and comfortable slow life. Strolling around and having a cup of tea, I truly feel this place is more suitable for leisurely visits and relaxation~ If you don't want to be in a crowd and are tired of the city's hustle and bustle, then come here for a visit~ . 📝【Recommended Route】 Qixia Mountain➠Qixia Ancient Town . 🌿Qixia Mountain (P11-18) I used to come here every late autumn to hike and enjoy the maple leaves, but this time I came out of season and found the early summer Qixia Mountain so beautiful. Walking in the natural oxygen bar, there aren't many people on the road, it's a rare tranquility~ I really like the Monet garden next to the gate, on a sunny day a dazzling sea of flowers like an oil painting comes into view, it's stunningly beautiful~ 🎫During the May Day period, the ticket is only 2️⃣5️⃣~ . 🌿Qixia Ancient Town (P1-10) Located at the foot of Qixia Mountain, the architectural complex here blends the styles of the Ming and Qing dynasties, with various water features and pavilions integrated into it, and there are also many great photo spots~ There are cats elements everywhere because cats are also a feature of Qixia Temple, and each one is well cared for~ During the May Day period, there are daily performances, as well as an ancient style market, intangible cultural heritage theme exhibition, art installations, stamp collecting... 🎫: Free admission

I've been to Nanjing many times, but as the Spring Festival approaches, this time I went to Nanjing with a purpose. Upon arriving in Nanjing, I only do these three things: watch the lantern festival, admire the plum blossoms, and worship Buddha. I don't like the hustle and bustle of crowded places, so this time I refuse to be squeezed by crowds🙅🏻‍♀️ 📌Recommended Nanjing Garden Expo Park The lantern festival at the Garden Expo Park is an immersive experience of the beauty of traditional Chinese style and trend, with eight major themes of lanterns dazzling me. You can even see traditional Chinese performances and NPC parades, the overwhelming beauty of China hits you in the face. 📌Admiring the Plum Blossoms The wax plum blossoms at Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum are crowded with people, but the wax plum blossoms in Zhan Garden are also in bloom. You can compose your photos through the window panes, full of charm. The pink plum blossoms at Meihuagang are like shy young ladies from ancient southern families, making a bashful entrance yet standing tall and graceful. The plum blossoms on Plum Blossom Hill are even more famous, with more than 30,000 plum trees competing in full bloom, a sight too beautiful to describe. 📌🙏🏻 I recommend Qixia Temple, an ancient temple from the Southern Dynasties, a thousand-year-old center of Buddhism. The incense here is thriving, and sincerity brings blessings, making it most suitable to seek a pure land here before the Spring Festival or during the New Year, to shed the fatigue of the year and wish for good luck and smooth sailing in the coming year. Of course, if you feel Qixia Temple is too far, I also personally like the Dabao'en Temple. One of the three great temples of Jinling, it is also worth a visit. Nanjing is a city full of historical and cultural heritage, and visiting during the Spring Festival not only allows you to enjoy the beautiful lanterns and plum blossoms but also to experience the influence of Buddhist culture.

Super Healing: Nanjing's Jurassic Park Recommended Route: Mingjing Lake - Qixia Temple - Prajna Platform Ruins - Changguan Pavilion - Thousand Buddha Rock Mingjing Lake Mingjing Lake is full of ancient charm, with mist rising like a fairyland. Qixia Temple A beautiful ancient temple, with two tall ginkgo trees in front of it, and the surrounding trees are also very old. The temple's plaque is inscribed with the imperial handwriting 'Sheshan Qixia Temple', and next to it is a large cauldron inscribed with 'Qixia Ancient Temple'. Changguan Pavilion Walking along the route of the Qianlong Imperial Palace, you can see several ruins, including pagoda forests enveloped by lush green trees. Thousand Buddha Rock A stunning sight, yet seemingly rarely mentioned in guides. The Thousand Buddha Rock grottoes date back over fifteen hundred years to the Southern Qi Yongming era, with over five hundred Buddha statues, leaving visitors in awe. The surrounding treasure halls and Buddha halls are also very grand. Detailed Information Address: No. 88, Qixia Street, Qixia District. Parking: There is a paid parking lot right at the entrance, 10 yuan per time. Visiting Time: It takes almost half a day to play through everything. Qixia Temple Qixia Mountain

Walking alone on the forest path of Qixia Mountain in Nanjing, I am attracted by the autumn scenery here and moved by the tranquility here. The autumn wind is refreshing, and the maple leaves are like fire. I walk on the winding mountain road, with the sound of pine waves in my ears and red leaves like brocade in front of my eyes. Qixia Mountain, with its unique autumn charm, is like a gorgeous painter, using red and green colors to outline a moving picture. The Qixia Temple on the mountainside is simple and quiet, standing for hundreds of years, witnessing countless dynastic changes. The sound of Buddha is lingering, the bell is melodious, and I seem to hear time gently staying here. The old monks in the temple, with smiles on their faces, their eyes hide thick stories and deep wisdom. After climbing all the way, I came to the top of the mountain. Looking around, the skyline of Jinling City is looming in the distance, and the sea of leaves under my feet is like a grand autumn celebration. I found a stone to sit down, let my thoughts drift to the distance, and my heart danced with the maple leaves. Each falling maple leaf seems to be telling an ancient story. I imagine the literati and ink guests of ancient times, they may have also picked up the pen and ink on such an afternoon, leaving behind the poems that have been passed down through the ages. As the sun sets, a gentle purple glow appears on the horizon. In this gentle light and shadow, I feel a faint sadness and deep peace. The autumn of Qixia Mountain is not only a beauty to enjoy, but also a baptism of the soul. When I set foot on the way home, looking back at those red leaves still swaying in the wind, I know that this autumn whisper of Qixia Mountain will stay in my memory for a long time and become a warm part of my heart forever. Take care and goodbye, beautiful Qixia Mountain, until we meet again.

I'm at Xixia Temple, the statues are very beautiful! First thing you see when you enter the temple are two large banyan trees full of wish ribbons. The scent of sandalwood immediately calms your heart. Then there are two copper furnaces on both sides of the yard for incense, three sticks of incense are free for each person, you can make a wish and pray. Xixia Temple, located at the foot of Putuo Mountain in the Seven Star Scenic Area of Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, originated from the 'Xixia Cave' inscribed by the eminent monk Tanqian during the Sui Dynasty after his pilgrimage to Guilin. The temple was first built during the Tang Dynasty and is one of the famous attractions in the Seven Star Scenic Area of Guilin. The Xixia Zen Temple, located at the foot of Putuo Mountain in the Seven Star Scenic Area of Guilin, originated from the 'Xixia Cave' inscribed by the eminent monk Tanqian during the Sui Dynasty after his pilgrimage to Guilin. The temple was first built during the Tang Dynasty. According to historical records, Xixia Temple was rebuilt and expanded on its original site, with the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Great Hero Hall, the Guanyin Hall, the Sutra-Keeping Pavilion, the Lotus Pond, the Vegetarian Hall, the Abbot's Courtyard, and the Moon-Viewing Pavilion.

Qixia mountain is one of the popular scenic spots in Nanjing, known for its autumn scenery. The maple leaves are amazing, being the best time to take pictures of the mountains covered in a sea of different shades of red and scarlet leaves. It also includes mountain peaks and has many historical sites. The temples and the sculptures carved on are impressive. The scenic spot isn't too far from the city center, you can take the subway Line 3, get off at NFU station, and from there you can take a bus or didi, about 26 km away. 🍁entrance fee : 40 rmb 🍁snack and souvenir shops : yes You can spend half a day. Enjoy!🍁🙈

Nanjing city hides a great spot for autumn red leaves—Qixia Mountain. The red leaves have reached a 65% color change rate, with red, orange, and yellow intertwined. From afar, it looks like a flowing oil painting~ · 🚶【Recommended Routes】 1️⃣ Easy tour: West Gate → Qixia Temple → Peach Blossom Lake → Thousand Buddha Rock (1.5h) 2️⃣ In-depth tour: South Gate → Red Leaf Valley → Tiger Mountain → Biyun Court (3h) · ⏰【Best Viewing Period】 📅 Time: Late November to early December, when the red leaves are most vibrant Recommended time: Enter the park before 7 AM 🆓!!! The sunlight is soft after 4 PM · 🖼【Key Attractions】 ▪️ Qixia Ancient Temple The red walls of this thousand-year-old temple contrast with ginkgo and bright red maple leaves, full of Zen atmosphere, ▪️ Thousand Buddha Temple Here is a stone cave Buddha statue hidden among the red leaves ▪️ Red Leaf Valley The lake reflects the red leaves, creating a secret realm of "lake reflecting red maples." When sunlight passes through the maple leaves, it forms the Tyndall effect, perfect for taking photos in Hanfu ▪️ Fengxiang Peak Few people and beautiful scenery, very suitable for strolling with family and friends. You can climb to the top to overlook the Yangtze River and the sea of red leaves on the mountain, with a broad view ▪️ Mingjing Lake Red maples reflected on the lake form a symmetrical painting. By the lakeside, there is a hexagonal pavilion and a curved bridge connected to the "Rainbow Mingjing" landscape · ⭐️【Transportation & Tickets】 🚇 Subway: Line 2 to Xuezelu Station, transfer to bus 138 directly to the scenic area 🚗 Self-driving: Navigate to "Qixia Mountain Scenic Area," parking fee 20 RMB. Traffic is heavy in peak season, so it is recommended to allow 40 minutes 🎫 Tickets: Adult ticket 78 RMB/person · This time I stayed at 【Huazhu·Tangshan Yueman Hot Spring Homestay】, the experience was really great! It’s near the Tangshan Hot Spring Resort Area. The breakfast is homemade by the owner, typical Chinese dishes 🍳, definitely worth trying! There are also hanging chairs 🪑 at the homestay entrance, perfect for sunbathing on sunny days. The surrounding environment is beautiful, and it is equipped with an outdoor pool, hot springs, a chess room, and a tea room 🍵, very suitable for team building · No. 167-3 Tanglong Road, Jiangning District, Nanjing

Qixia Mountain in Nanjing is renowned as the "Number One Scenic Mountain in Jinling" and is famous for its profound cultural heritage described as "One Qixia Mountain, Half of Jinling's History." Located in the northeast suburbs of Nanjing, this scenic area is not only one of China's four major red leaf viewing spots but also combines ancient temples, unique rock formations, and views of the Yangtze River, making it a must-visit destination when traveling to Nanjing. This guide will help you fully appreciate the charm of Qixia Mountain. 🍁 Complete Travel Guide to Nanjing Qixia Mountain 📌 Basic Information Address: No. 88 Qixia Street, Qixia District, Nanjing Scenic Area Level: National AAAA-level Tourist Attraction, National Forest Park Main Peak Elevation: 313 meters Famous Titles: "Number One Scenic Mountain in Jinling," "Jinling's Premier Scenic Mountain" Opening Hours and Tickets Item Details Opening Hours Open year-round, generally from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with some seasons opening as early as 6:00 AM Regular Ticket Weekday adult ticket about 50 RMB/person (varies by platform and season, reference price 40-50 RMB) Red Maple Festival Ticket During the Red Maple Festival (usually October to December), adult ticket about 80 RMB/person Special Offer Enter before 6:30 AM for free admission (mainly for morning exercisers) Best Visiting Seasons 1. Autumn (October to December): The most famous season for Qixia Mountain, especially mid to late November when over 60% of the leaves turn red, creating a spectacular scene. The Red Maple Festival is held during this period, usually lasting about 50 days. 2. Spring (March to May): Peach blossoms cover the hills, fewer crowds, and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for flower viewing and avoiding crowds. 3. Summer: Enjoy the serene and charming mountain forest scenery. 4. Winter: Cold but quiet, perfect for appreciating cultural relics in peace. 🚗 Transportation Guide Public Transport 1. Bus: Take bus 206 or the Nanqi line directly from Nanjing Station, or take Metro Line 2 to Xuezhe Road Station and transfer to bus 138 to Qixia Temple Station. 2. Metro + Bus: Take Metro Line 1 to Nanjing Station, Line 3 to Xinzhuang Station, or Line 4 to Jubao Mountain Station, then transfer to bus 206 to Qixia Station. Self-Driving Navigate to "Qixia Mountain Scenic Area West Gate." Parking is available under the Fourth Bridge and at the Wufu Garden roundabout. Tip: During peak season, it is recommended to arrive before 7:00 AM to avoid traffic jams. 🗺 Recommended Tour Route Qixia Mountain’s attractions are widely spread, with tour times ranging from 1 hour to half a day. Below is an efficient one-day tour route covering the highlights of the scenic area. The diagram helps you visually understand the overall flow: ```mermaid flowchart TD Start[Qixia Mountain One-Day Tour] --> A[Mingjing Lake] A --> B[Qixia Temple] B --> C[Relic Pagoda] C --> D[Thousand Buddha Rock] D --> E[Red Leaf Valley] E --> F[Peach Blossom Lake] F --> G[Emperor Qin’s Riverside Spot] G --> H[Fengxiang Peak] H --> End[Return] ``` Morning: Cultural Relics Exploration 1. Mingjing Lake: The first scenic spot after entering from the west gate, featuring a pavilion in the lake connected to the shore by a nine-turn bridge with exquisite design. On chilly mornings, you might see mist rising from the lake, creating a fairyland-like scene. 2. Qixia Temple: Located east of Mingjing Lake, it is one of the "480 Temples of the Southern Dynasties" and the birthplace of the Chinese Buddhist Sanlun School. The temple has two ginkgo trees that turn golden in autumn, making for great photos. If you arrive early (around 6:00 AM), you can listen to monks chanting and experience Zen. 3. Relic Pagoda: About 18 meters tall, located not far east of Qixia Temple, with elegant and vivid bas-reliefs on its exterior walls. 4. Thousand Buddha Rock: Near the Relic Pagoda, built into the mountain with 294 Buddha niches and 515 Buddha statues, earning the name "Thousand Buddhas." It is known as the "Little Dunhuang" grotto group in southern China. Lunch Suggestion: Try vegetarian dishes at the Thousand Buddha Vegetarian Restaurant inside Qixia Temple, featuring unique flavors like shiitake mushrooms and vegetarian chicken. Recommended dishes include the Thousand Buddha Arhat Vegetarian Noodles (15 RMB) or vegetarian roast goose. Afternoon: Natural Scenery and Red Leaf Feast 1. Red Leaf Valley: One of Qixia Mountain’s most famous red leaf viewing areas, where chicken claw maples and sweet gums intertwine, creating a fiery tunnel of red and yellow leaves. 2. Peach Blossom Lake: There is a pavilion by the lake where you can use maple leaves as a foreground for beautiful photos. 3. Emperor Qin’s Riverside Spot: Climb high to overlook the Yangtze River; on clear days, you can see the rolling red waves of the mountains and the mighty river, offering a broad view. 4. Fengxiang Peak: The main peak of Qixia Mountain, at 313 meters elevation. The summit has a 360° panoramic viewing platform where you can capture the rare sight of "half the mountain green pines, half the mountain red leaves." Energy-Saving Tip: The scenic area offers electric shuttle cars operating in sections (10 RMB per segment). You can also choose the plank road to descend from the peak to save energy. 🏞 Route Options for Different Needs Besides the classic one-day tour route above, you can choose from the following based on your stamina and interests: 1. Easy Stroll Route (about 3 km) · Route: West Gate → Qixia Ancient Temple → Hushan Plank Road → Biyun Pavilion → Red Leaf Valley → Peach Blossom Lake → Exit · Suitable for: Families with children, elderly, or visitors with average stamina. · Highlights: Short and leisurely, covering the solemn Qixia Ancient Temple, the brilliant Red Leaf Valley, and the tranquil Peach Blossom Lake. 2. Challenge Route (about 5 km) · Route: West Gate → Qixia Ancient Temple → Peach Blossom Lake → Red Leaf Valley → Emperor Qin’s Riverside Spot → Taixu Pavilion → Exit · Suitable for: Visitors with good physical condition. · Highlights: Beautiful scenery with views of the Yangtze River and a sense of historical depth. 💡 Practical Tips 1. Off-Peak Free Admission: Enter before 6:30 AM for free admission, ideal for photography enthusiasts and budget-conscious travelers. 2. Route Avoidance: · Avoid choosing the "straight-up mountain plank road" alone, as it has fewer scenic spots and steep steps. · Recommended to take the "scenic shuttle road detour," which has dense red leaves and saves energy. 3. Equipment Suggestions: · Wear non-slip hiking shoes, as some stone steps may be slippery. · Bring a light jacket; it can be windy at the summit. · Prepare mosquito repellent; the forested area has many mosquitoes. · Photographers may bring a telephoto lens to capture the combination of pagoda shadows and red leaves beautifully. 4. Special Experiences: · Night Maple Viewing: During the Red Maple Festival, some areas may open for night tours, where illuminated red leaves look dreamlike. Check the official website for announcements. · Qianlong Relics Tour: Look for the Shamao Peak Imperial Stele, the ruins of the temporary palace, and other Qianlong-era inscribed stones. 5. Food Recommendations: · Vegetarian meals inside the temple: Thousand Buddha Vegetarian Restaurant’s Arhat Vegetarian Noodles (15 RMB), vegetarian roast goose. · Local flavors at the foot of the mountain: Crab roe soup dumplings and osmanthus sugar taro shoots in Qixia Ancient Town. Whether you come for the red leaves or to explore millennia-old cultural relics, Qixia Mountain will leave a deep impression with its unique charm. The morning Zen bell, the afternoon red waves, the evening river breeze—this mountain is worth waking up early for, pausing at, and falling in love with.

🍁Qixia Mountain in December, the maple leaves are red, and I am amazed! Finally, the maple leaves on Qixia Mountain are red, and the maple leaves are so beautiful! 🍂The red leaves all over the mountain are shining in the sun, as if you are in a fairy tale world. 📸 📍Destination introduction: Qixia Mountain is located in Nanjing and is one of the best places to enjoy maple leaves. There are many kinds of maple leaves here, and the colors are rich, which is a paradise for photography lovers! 📍Check-in point: Xuyun Pavilion🌄, Hongye Valley🍁, Qixia Temple🏯. Especially Xuyun Pavilion, the sunlight from 3:00 to 5:00 in the afternoon shines through the maple leaves, and the photo effect is excellent! 📍Attraction guide: It is recommended to enter from the south gate, pass through Xuyun Pavilion and Hongye Valley, and finally exit from the west gate. The route is clear and there is no detour. 🏨Accommodation suggestion: There are many homestays and hotels at the foot of Qixia Mountain, which are affordable and comfortable. 🍜Special food: Nanjing salted duck🦆, duck blood vermicelli soup🥣, both inside and outside the scenic spot, the taste is authentic, not to be missed! 🎈Travel season: The best time is from mid-to-late November to early December, when the maple leaves are all red and the scenery is the most charming. 💰Money-saving tips: Free admission before 7:00 in the morning! There are also discounts for buying tickets in advance! 💡Tips: Wear comfortable shoes and bring a thermos cup. The scenic area is large and you have to walk a lot, so remember to drink more water! Come to Qixia Mountain and experience this beautiful maple leaf feast! 🍃

| The maple leaves at Qixia Mountain in Nanjing are stunning! 🍁 Walk on the red leaves in the deep mountains and listen to the birds chirping. The maple leaves cover the ground in the early morning at Qixia Mountain, and the beauty is beyond words. I just visited Qixia Mountain, and the maple leaves are at their peak. It's a must-see! Here are 8 tips to make your leaf-viewing trip even better: 1️⃣ The maple leaves are red all over, and the scenery at the foot of the mountain is the best, while some leaves have fallen on the mountain. 🍁 2️⃣ For photography enthusiasts, it is recommended to enter from the west gate, as the best spots are nearby. 📸 3️⃣ If you just want to enjoy the maple leaves quietly, enter from the south gate to avoid the crowds. 🚶‍♂️ 4️⃣ Tickets are CNY 80 per person, and admission is free before 7am. If you want to take photos of the red leaves on the ground, set off at 6:30am. 💰 5️⃣ After entering, don't linger at Mingjing Lake or Qixia Temple. Head straight to Taohua Lake and Pianyun Pavilion. Beautiful scenery awaits you along the way. 🌄 6️⃣ Recommended route: West Gate → Taohua Lake → Pianyun Pavilion → Taixu Pavilion → Shihuang Linjiang → Fenglin Lake → Hongye Valley → Taohua Lake → Qianlong Palace Ruins → Qianfo Rock → Qixia Temple → Bell Tower → Mingjing Lake → West Gate. 🚗 7️⃣ Try to avoid weekends, as there are fewer people on weekdays. 🕓 8️⃣ Transportation: It is recommended to take a taxi in the early morning. You can drive yourself on weekdays, but it is recommended to take public transportation on weekends (D21 and 206 to Qixia Mountain Scenic Area Station). 🚆 Let's go! The maple leaves at Qixia Mountain are waiting for you! 🍁🌄