Zhenjiang Jinshan: A Beautiful Encounter of Ancient Temples and Scenic Views

In the long history of China, some places have become eternal classics due to the perfect combination of nature and culture. Zhenjiang Jinshan Scenic Area is one such place. Jinshan, a magical place that combines natural beauty and profound cultural heritage, has long been a "poetic and distant place" in the hearts of countless people. It is not only the legendary stage of "Flooding Jinshan Temple" in the Legend of the White Snake, but also a treasure trove of mountains, rivers, culture, and history. Today, let's explore this ancient and charming scenic area. Jinshan Scenic Area is located on the banks of the Yangtze River in the northwest of Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, and is one of the iconic attractions of Zhenjiang. It was originally an island in the Yangtze River, with the Yangtze River to the north and the city to the south. It is known as the "lotus in the heart of the river" for its superior geographical location and convenient transportation. Today, Jinshan is connected to the land, but still retains its unique island style. 😎【Features and Highlights】: 1⃣Jinshan Temple: The solemnity and mystery of a thousand-year-old temple Jinshan Temple is the core attraction of Jinshan Scenic Area. It was built in the Eastern Jin Dynasty and has a history of more than 1,600 years. The temple is built on the mountain, with layers of halls and pavilions. From a distance, you can only see the temple but not the mountain, forming a unique landscape of "Jinshan Temple wrapping the mountain" (the mountain gate of Jinshan Temple faces west, facing the Western Paradise, which is extremely rare in Chinese temples). There are many historical sites in the temple, such as the Miaogao Platform where Liang Hongyu beat the drum to fight Jinshan, and the Cishou Pagoda built in the Southern Dynasty. Here, you can feel the solemnity and tranquility of the thousand-year-old temple, as if you have traveled through time and space to that war-torn but legendary era. 2⃣Fahai Cave: The legendary place of practice Fahai Cave is located in the northwest of Jinshan Temple and is a natural stone cave. Legend has it that Master Fahai practiced here for many years, and a statue of Fahai is enshrined in the cave. This is not only a witness to history, but also the birthplace of the Legend of the White Snake. 3⃣White Dragon Cave: The "escape route" of Bai Suzhen White Dragon Cave is one of the natural wonders of Jinshan Scenic Area. It is located at the foot of the north side of Jinshan, and there are statues of Bai Suzhen and Xiaoqing near the entrance of the cave. Legend has it that Bai Suzhen escaped from Jinshan through this cave, and there is a long and narrow stone crevice in the cave that leads directly to West Lake in Hangzhou. The stalactites in the cave are varied in shape, and these stalactites have been naturally carved over tens of thousands of years, forming various strange shapes, some like flying dragons in the sky, some like fairies descending to the world. Visitors can walk along the winding cave and admire these masterpieces of nature, as if they are in a mysterious underground world. 4⃣Cishou Pagoda: The iconic building of Jinshan Cishou Pagoda is located on the top of Jinshan and is one of the iconic buildings of Jinshan Scenic Area. It was built in the Southern Dynasty and rebuilt in the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty. The pagoda is seven stories high, with octagonal eaves, and is magnificent. Cishou Pagoda is not only the highest point of Jinshan, but also the best place to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Yangtze River. Climb to the top of the pagoda and look far away, the magnificent waves of the Yangtze River and the urban scenery of Zhenjiang are all in sight, making people feel relaxed and happy. 5⃣Zhongleng Spring: The first spring in the world Zhongleng Spring is located in the southwest of Jinshan and is known as the "first spring in the world". The spring water here is clear and sweet, with excellent water quality and rich in minerals. It has been praised by literati and scholars since ancient times and is an excellent water source for tea. Su Shi, a writer of the Song Dynasty, once left the inscription "the first spring in the world" here, making Zhongleng Spring even more famous. Today, Zhongleng Spring is not only a good place for tourists to taste spring water, but also a highlight of Jinshan Scenic Area. 😍【Travel Tips】: ✔Best time to visit: Jinshan Scenic Area is beautiful all year round, but the best time to visit is in spring and autumn. In spring, the scenic area is full of flowers and lush greenery, making it a great place for spring outings and flower viewing. In autumn, the sky is high and the clouds are light, and the river breeze is cool. Climb to the top of Cishou Pagoda and enjoy the golden autumn scenery on both sides of the Yangtze River, making people feel relaxed and happy. 👍Recommended tour route: It is recommended that visitors enter from the mountain gate of Jinshan Temple and visit the main halls such as the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Mahavira Hall, and the Guanyin Pavilion along the central axis to experience the profound Buddhist culture. Then, climb along the mountain road to Cishou Pagoda and overlook the whole view of Jinshan and the beautiful scenery of the Yangtze River. Finally, go to Zhongleng Spring to taste the sweet spring water and feel the unique charm of the "first spring in the world". If you have enough time, you can also visit the Bai Suzhen Love Culture Park and experience the romantic love legend. 😘【Tickets and Opening Hours】: 💰Tickets: CNY 50 for adults, CNY 25 for half-price tickets. 🕐Opening hours: 08:00-18:00 daily, last admission at 17:00. Visitors are advised to purchase tickets online in advance to avoid queuing on site. 🚗【Transportation Guide】: 🚎Visitors can take bus No. 17, 40, 49, 102, or 115 to Jinshan Park Station and walk a few minutes to the scenic area. 🚘It takes only 1 hour to drive from Nanjing and only 2 hours by high-speed train from Shanghai. For self-driving tourists, the road facilities around Jinshan Scenic Area are well-developed, with ample parking lots, making it convenient and fast. Jinshan Scenic Area, a place that combines natural beauty and historical culture, is waiting for you to explore. Here, you can feel the weight of history, appreciate the magnificence of nature, experience the depth of culture, and gain a sense of inner peace and emotion. If you are looking for a tourist destination that can relax your body and mind and increase your knowledge, then Jinshan Scenic Area is undoubtedly your best choice.