Thousand Buddha Rocks (Qixia Mountain)

Introducing Thousand Buddha Rock (Qixia Mountain)

Thousand Buddha Rock is located on the western cliff face between Shamao Peak and Zipen Peak in Qixia Mountain. Legend has it that Seng Shao, the founder of Qixia Temple, dreamed of the Buddha's light on the western cliff face, inspiring him to carve a Buddha statue there. After his death, his son carved a niche on the western cliff face, engraving three Buddha statues. Later, nobles during the Qi and Liang dynasties competed to donate funds to carve Buddha statues.

There are 515 extant Buddha statues and 294 niches, known as the Thousand Buddha Caves. Later, excavations continued at Shamao Peak during the Tang, Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties, bringing the total number of excavations to 700, including those during the Southern Dynasties. The statues range from several feet tall to just a few feet tall. Some are seated, others are standing, ranging from several feet tall to just an inch tall. Their exquisite forms are on par with the Datong and Yungang Grottoes in both the north and south. The "Three Saints Hall" within Thousand Buddha Caves is the earliest and largest cave, carved in 489 AD during the seventh year of the Yongming reign of the Southern Qi Dynasty. Its centerpiece features a seated statue of Amitābha Buddha.

Climate and best time to travel

Subtropical monsoon climate;

You can visit the area in all seasons, but autumn is the best time to visit Qixia Mountain, where the mountains are covered with red leaves.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

A 2-hour visit is recommended

Tickets

Included in the Qixia Mountain Scenic Area ticket: 40 yuan/person

Attraction opening hours

08:30-16:30

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Most Popular FAQs for Thousand Buddha Rocks (Qixia Mountain)

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

Thousand Buddha Rocks (Qixia Mountain) is a significant Buddhist site in Nanjing, Jiangsu, known for its rich history and thousands of Buddha statues carved into the cliffs. The site has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries and is closely associated with Qixia Temple, one of the oldest and most famous temples in China. It holds cultural and religious importance as a center for Buddhist practices and teachings.

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

Qixia Mountain is located in the northeastern part of Nanjing. It can be accessed by taxi or public transport. The nearest metro station is the Qixia Mountain station on Line 1, and from there, a short bus or taxi ride will take you to the mountain area.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Thousand Buddha Rocks (Qixia Mountain) is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, especially during spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the views are most stunning.

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

The entrance fee is approximately 60 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online via official tourism platforms. It's recommended to check the latest ticket availability and pricing before visiting.

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

It is not mandatory to book tickets in advance, but it is advisable during peak tourist seasons or on weekends. Booking a day or two in advance should suffice.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

To fully explore Qixia Mountain and the Thousand Buddha Rocks, around 2-3 hours should be sufficient. If you plan to hike and visit the temple as well, consider setting aside 4-5 hours for a more leisurely experience.

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

• The Thousand Buddha Rocks, with thousands of Buddha statues carved into the cliffs.
• Qixia Temple, an ancient and important Buddhist temple.
• The Thousand Buddha Rock Cave, which contains additional Buddha statues and relics.
• The scenic walking trails around the mountain, offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

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

Guided tours are available in Chinese, and some tour guides may also provide services in English. Audio guides in multiple languages, including English, are available for rent at the entrance.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best viewpoints are located along the hiking trails, particularly near the Qixia Temple and the cliffside areas where the Buddha statues are carved. The surrounding mountain views also provide excellent photo opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

• Start with the Qixia Temple, then explore the surrounding area and Buddha statues.
• Take a walk along the scenic trails to enjoy the views, then visit the Thousand Buddha Rock Cave.
• Finish your visit by hiking to the top for panoramic views of Nanjing and the surrounding landscape.

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

Night visits are generally not available. However, during certain times of the year, special events and cultural performances may be held, particularly around major holidays like the Chinese New Year.

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

The site can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times to visit are on weekdays, especially in the morning before 10 AM.

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

• Toilets are available at the entrance and along the hiking trails.
• There are small shops offering bottled water and snacks, but it is recommended to bring your own water.
• Rest areas are available along the trails for visitors to take breaks.

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

Some areas of Qixia Mountain can be difficult to navigate due to the hiking trails and steps, so it may not be fully accessible for elderly or disabled visitors. However, there are some flat areas near the temple and entrance that are more accessible.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cards and mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted. It is not necessary to carry cash for most purchases inside the site.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• There are a few small local eateries around the base of the mountain offering traditional Chinese food.
• In the city center of Nanjing, you can find a variety of restaurants and cafes with more options.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian food is commonly available, particularly at the small eateries around the area. Vegan and halal options are more limited, but can be found in larger restaurants in the city center.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• There are several hotels near the Qixia Mountain area, ranging from budget to mid-range options.
• For more luxurious accommodations, Nanjing city center offers a wide range of hotels with easy access to the mountain.

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

• The Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge and the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall are nearby and can be combined for a day trip.
• The Confucius Temple area is also a popular destination that can easily be included in a day trip.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are small souvenir shops near the entrance of Qixia Mountain selling items such as Buddhist-themed artifacts, postcards, and local handicrafts.

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

• Taxi or private car to other parts of Nanjing.
• The metro can be used to travel back to the city center from the nearest station.