Dragon Back Mountain

Introducing Longbei Mountain

Longbei Mountain Forest Park is located on the south side of Yixing city, covering an area of ​​550 hectares. The park is hilly and has dense vegetation.

The park began construction in 2000, with an investment of 300 million yuan and all infrastructure facilities in place.

A large number of scenic spots such as Wenfeng Tower, Historical Celebrities Hall, Science and Education Celebrities Hall, and Art Celebrities Hall have been completed and opened to the public.

The park has tens of thousands of square meters of lush green lawns; the osmanthus garden, azalea garden, and rose garden are inlaid among the green pines and bamboos, while the blue waterfalls, the clear waters of the inkstone pool, and the lush bamboo forests often make tourists linger.

Longbeishan Forest Park is the largest urban ecological park in the Shanghai, Nanjing and Hangzhou areas, receiving more than 500,000 domestic and foreign tourists every year.

Climate and best time to travel

Climate: Subtropical monsoon climate

Best time to travel: March to November

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

garden

The park's osmanthus garden features a variety of famous osmanthus varieties, including golden osmanthus, silver osmanthus, red osmanthus, and four-season osmanthus. The azalea garden boasts dozens of varieties, including Chinese azalea, western azalea, Taiwanese azalea, and Japanese azalea. The rose garden also boasts a diverse and captivating selection. Several specialty flower gardens, each covering approximately 100 mu (approximately 100 acres), each boasts seasonal blossoms, each blooming in succession and creating a dazzling display of fragrance.

In addition, there are peach orchards, pear orchards, chestnut orchards, tea gardens, etc. in the park, which are planted in large areas.

Visitors can enter the park to pick fruit, or pick, brew, and taste their own tea, experiencing the joys of farm life. Strolling through the park, you can feel the fragrance of flowers and plants permeating the air.

Hall of Fame

The "three museums" of Science and Education Celebrities, History Celebrities, and Art Celebrities showcase celebrities from all walks of life in Yixing from ancient times to the present. They are not only cultural attractions of Longbei Mountain Forest Park, but also a historical epitome of Yixing, the capital of pottery, with its rich cultural heritage and numerous talents.

On the colorful stage of history, they demonstrated their talents and ambitions in civil and military affairs, striving to stabilize the nation. Yixing boasted a flourishing imperial examination system, producing 385 Jinshi (Jinshi) and 920 Juren (Juren), including four top-ranking scholars, five second-ranking scholars, and one third-ranking scholar. Yixing's people were renowned for their wisdom and talent, producing ten prime ministers and seven generals. Special exhibition halls include the Hall of the Top Scholar, the Hall of the Generals, the Hall of the Jinshi, the Hall of the Elites, and the Hall of the Overseas Chinese.

water

Longbei Mountain Forest Park boasts beautiful forests, shaded by verdant pines and bamboos. Its pools, ponds, streams, and creeks are filled with clear, limpid waters, and boasts a rich cultural heritage. In the past, Duke Xiao of Zhou of the Jin Dynasty shot a tiger from Nanshan Mountain here, leaving behind the Tiger Shooting Pavilion and Liubei Bridge. Lu Xisheng, the Tang Dynasty prime minister, visited the Stone Pavilion to admire plum blossoms and compose poems to express his feelings. Yue Fei of the Song Dynasty, fighting against the Jin army, built the Yue Causeway and Xie Bridge here. Wu Bing, a renowned dramatist and prime minister of the late Ming Dynasty, built a studio here and penned his "Five Varieties of Canhua."

Recommended play time: 3-4 hours

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

08:00~17:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Dragon Back Mountain

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Dragon Back Mountain, located in Wuxi, Jiangsu, is known for its natural beauty and the legend surrounding its name, which is derived from its shape resembling the back of a dragon. The area is also culturally significant, with temples and historical sites that attract both nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Dragon Back Mountain is located in Wuxi, Jiangsu. The best way to reach the mountain is by taxi or bus. Public buses from the Wuxi city center can take you close to the mountain’s base, and taxis are also readily available for a direct route.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Dragon Back Mountain is open year-round. The best times to visit are in spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the views are especially scenic. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for avoiding crowds and capturing the best photos.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee is typically around 30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased onsite at the entrance. Online booking is also available during peak tourist seasons.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory, but it’s recommended during peak travel seasons or holidays. A few days in advance should suffice to ensure availability.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

A visit to Dragon Back Mountain can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the trail you choose to explore and how long you wish to spend enjoying the scenery and taking photos.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The must-see highlights include the various scenic viewpoints along the hiking trails, the temples scattered across the mountain, and the panoramic views from the peak of the mountain. The lush forests and rock formations also make for beautiful photography spots.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin. English-speaking guides may be available upon request, though it’s not guaranteed. Audio guides are typically in Chinese, but some tours may offer translations if requested.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best viewpoints are from the summit, where you can see sweeping views of Wuxi and the surrounding mountains. The trails leading to the peak also offer fantastic opportunities for capturing photos of the landscape, particularly at sunrise or sunset.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by taking the main trail to the summit, where you can stop at various scenic spots along the way. After reaching the peak, you can visit the historical temples before descending via the alternative route to enjoy different views.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits are not typically offered at Dragon Back Mountain, and there are no light shows. However, the area has a peaceful atmosphere, especially in the early morning and late afternoon, making these the best times to visit.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The mountain can be crowded on weekends and during public holidays. For a quieter experience, visit during weekdays, especially in the morning when the crowds are fewer.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Basic facilities such as toilets are available at the base and along the main hiking trail. There are rest areas for visitors to relax, and a few small shops sell snacks and drinks. It’s advisable to bring your own water and food if you plan to hike for longer periods.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Some of the trails may be challenging for elderly visitors or those with mobility issues. Children can enjoy the easier trails, but supervision is recommended. It’s best to check with local guides for accessible routes.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and cash are widely accepted at Dragon Back Mountain. It's advisable to carry some cash, but mobile payments are convenient for most transactions.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are a few small local restaurants near the base of Dragon Back Mountain that serve Jiangsu-style dishes. For more dining options, head back to Wuxi city, where you’ll find a wider variety of restaurants and cafes.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian food options are available in local restaurants, but vegan or halal choices may be more limited. Wuxi city has more diverse options if needed.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are several hotels in Wuxi, about a 20-minute drive from the mountain. These include both budget and luxury options. Some hotels near Taihu Lake may also provide convenient access to the mountain.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include Taihu Lake, Yuantouzhu, and the Wuxi Museum. These are all easily accessible and can be combined with a visit to Dragon Back Mountain for a full day trip.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are souvenir shops at the base of Dragon Back Mountain offering traditional Chinese handicrafts, tea, and local snacks as souvenirs.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting the mountain, you can take a taxi or bus to other nearby attractions, such as Taihu Lake. Public transportation is available, but taxis are more convenient for quicker travel.