
Baohua Mountain, located north of Jurong City in Jiangsu Province, lies on East China's golden tourism route. Originally named Huashan, it earned its name due to the yellow blossoms that blanket the mountain in spring. The mountain gained widespread fame after its founder, the eminent monk Baozhi of the Liang Dynasty in the Southern Dynasties, ascended the mountain, built a hermitage, and preached Buddhist scriptures.
Baohuashan Forest Park is renowned for its four wonders: the beauty of the foothills, the elegance of the peaks, and the deep caves and ravines, as well as the beauty of the misty clouds. Longchang Temple, nestled amidst the forest, has long been a magnet for pilgrims due to its status as the "first famous mountain of the Vinaya school." It is said that Emperor Qianlong visited Baohuashan six of his seven trips south of the Yangtze River, a testament to its prestige in the Buddhist community.
Baohua Mountain holds its renowned annual "Paoshan Festival" in late April each year. Visitors can enjoy fresh air, enjoy traditional folk culture displays, handicraft performances, folk song performances, and participate in activities such as a national jog, a kite festival, a water splashing festival, an autumn festival, a beer and food festival, and a photography competition.
Qianhua Ancient Village
This village, steeped in the quaint charm of the Ming and Qing dynasties, boasts restored architecture that reflects the cultural heritage of the period. Its refined, elegant architecture showcases the rich folk customs of the period. Qianhua Ancient Village, primarily composed of wooden buildings, boasts the Qianlong Imperial Brush Archway, the Ming and Qing Town, the Water Show Dance Hall, the Fragrant Restaurant, the Qinhuai Water Pavilion, the Free Life Bridge, and the Baozhi Shrine, among other attractions.
Longchang Temple
It was the largest ordination center in modern times, renowned both domestically and internationally. Due to years of war, only a little over 300 rooms remain at Longchang Temple. According to the Baohua Mountain Chronicle, "The Baohua Vinaya School was the most prominent of the 480 Buddhist temples in Jinling."
Recommended play time: 4-5 hours
50 yuan/person (including Qianhua Ancient Village and Longchang Temple)
9:00 - 22:30
Baohuashan National Forest Park is a protected forest area in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, valued for its biodiversity, scenic mountains, and ecological importance. It serves as a natural retreat and promotes environmental awareness and eco-tourism.
The park is located in Baohuashan, Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province. Visitors can reach it by taxi or rideshare from Zhenjiang city center. Some local buses go near the park entrance, and private cars can park at designated areas.
Open from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Spring and autumn are ideal due to pleasant weather and beautiful foliage.
Tickets are approximately 50–70 CNY per person. Tickets can be bought at the park entrance or through official online booking platforms.
Advance booking is recommended on weekends, public holidays, and peak seasons, ideally 1–2 days ahead.
3–5 hours are generally sufficient to explore main trails, viewpoints, and key natural spots.
Guided tours are mainly in Chinese. Limited English-speaking guides may be arranged through local travel agencies.
Start at the main entrance, follow primary forest trails to viewpoints, visit waterfalls and streams, then return via connecting paths to the exit, stopping at rest areas as needed.
Night visits are generally not available. Special tours may be offered during festivals or eco-events; check locally before visiting.
Weekdays and mornings are less crowded. Public holidays and weekends can be busy.
Facilities include restrooms, picnic areas, benches, a small café or snack kiosks near the entrance, and limited souvenir shops.
Main entrance areas and some trails are accessible, but mountainous paths and natural trails may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors.
Both cash and mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted at the entrance, food outlets, and shops.
Small cafes and local restaurants are near the park entrance offering local Jiangsu cuisine and snacks. Lakeside or scenic restaurants may also be found nearby.
Vegetarian options are available; vegan or halal choices are limited and may require prior inquiry.
Guesthouses, boutique hotels, and small resorts are located within a short drive from the park entrance.
Souvenirs include local crafts, small plant-based products, forest-themed items, and Jiangsu snacks.
Taxis, rideshare services, and local buses connect to Zhenjiang city center and nearby towns efficiently. Private car rentals are also convenient.