Nanshan Scenic Area
Nanshan Scenic Area, perched on the southern slopes of Chongqing’s mountainous terrain, is a celebrated urban retreat renowned for its lush forests, ancient temples, and panoramic views of the Yangtze River and city skyline. Spanning over 25 square kilometers, this UNESCO-recognized “Mountain City” gem combines natural wonders with cultural heritage, featuring landmarks like One Tree Hill Observatory and the 1,000-year-old Laojun Temple. Whether hiking through bamboo groves, exploring Taoist shrines, or savoring sunset vistas, Nanshan offers a tranquil escape from urban life.
Historical Overview
Nanshan’s history traces back to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), when monks established Laojun Temple amid its misty peaks. During the Song Dynasty (960–1279), it became a pilgrimage site for scholars and poets. The Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties saw the construction of key temples, including Coiling Dragon Temple and Golden Buddha Cave. In the 1930s, the area served as a strategic base during the Anti-Japanese War, with caves used as underground hospitals. Today, it is a protected cultural landscape, blending ancient traditions with modern recreation.
Structural Layout
The area is divided into three zones:Cultural & Religious Core: Features Laojun Temple, Coiling Dragon Temple, and Golden Buddha Cave, adorned with Tang Dynasty stone carvings.
Natural Landscape: Includes One Tree Hill (a solitary cypress atop a 700-meter peak), Huayan Temple Waterfall, and the 10-kilometer Forest Hiking Trail.
Urban Vista Zone: Offers sweeping views of Chongqing’s skyline from viewpoints like the Three Gorges Museum Overlook and Yangtze River Bridge Observation Deck.
Major Attractions
One Tree Hill Observatory: A glass-floored platform at the summit, providing 360-degree views of the Yangtze River and Chongqing’s neon-lit skyline by night.
Laojun Temple: A 1,200-year-old Taoist temple housing a 6-meter-tall jade statue of Laozi and a library of ancient scriptures.
Coiling Dragon Temple: Famous for its 13-story pagoda and a 500-year-old ginkgo tree, believed to grant wishes to those who touch its trunk.
Golden Buddha Cave: A network of caves featuring Tang Dynasty Buddhist murals and a 3-ton gold-plated Buddha statue.
Huayan Temple Waterfall: A 40-meter-high cascade surrounded by bamboo groves, accessible via a suspension bridge.
Chongqing Botanical Garden: Home to 5,000+ plant species, including a bonsai collection and seasonal lotus ponds.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Half-Day Route (3–4 hours):
Nanshan Plant Garden Entrance → Laojun Temple → One Tree Hill Observatory → Golden Buddha Cave → Chongqing Skyline Viewpoint → Exit via Huayan Temple Waterfall.
Highlights: Temple architecture, city views, and natural scenery.
Full-Day Exploration (6–7 hours):
Nanshan Plant Garden → Coiling Dragon Temple → Forest Hiking Trail → Lunch at Temple Café → One Tree Hill → Golden Buddha Cave → Botanical Garden → Sunset at Yangtze River Bridge.
Highlights: Hiking, cultural sites, and sunset photography.
Family-Friendly Route (4–5 hours):
Nanshan Plant Garden → Chongqing Botanical Garden (Petting Zoo) → Huayan Temple Waterfall Picnic Area → One Tree Hill Kids’ Park → Ice Cream at Observatory Café.
Highlights: Easy walks, family activities, and interactive exhibits.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via the official “Chongqing Nanshan Scenic Area” WeChat account or Ctrip up to 3 days in advance.
On-Site: Tickets available at entrance gates (queues peak after 11 AM).
Prices:Peak Season (April–October): ¥80 (adults), ¥40 (students/seniors).
Off-Season (November–March): ¥60 (adults), ¥30 (students/seniors).
Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and active military personnel.
Combo Ticket: ¥120 (includes Observatory + Temple + Botanical Garden).
Transportation
By Subway: Line 6 to Shangxin Street Station (Exit D), then take a 15-minute shuttle bus (¥10) to the Plant Garden entrance.
By Bus: Routes 346, 347, or 384 to “Nanshan Scenic Area Stop.”
By Taxi: Direct ride from downtown Chongqing (¥30–50, 25 minutes).
Parking: ¥15/day for private cars; electric scooters (¥20/hour) available for rent inside the park.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 11 AM–3 PM; arrive early or after 4 PM.
Crowds: Weekends and holidays are busiest; weekdays offer quieter visits.
Weather: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal for mild temperatures and blooming flowers.
Essentials:Wear hiking boots for trails; the Observatory has 300+ steps.
Bring a light jacket (temperatures drop 5–10°C at higher elevations).
Photography allowed (no tripods at the Observatory after sunset).
Prohibited items: Drones, large backpacks, and outside food (except water).
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
