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Chongqing Nanshan Scenic Area is located on the south bank of the Yangtze River in Chongqing, starting from Tongluo Gorge in the north and ending at Jinzhugou in the south. It includes dozens of peaks such as Wangshan, Huangshan, Yuanshan, Jiangshan, Daishan, Laojunshan, and Wenfengshan.
The highest peak, Chuntianling, is 681.5 meters above sea level. Looking from across the river in Yuzhong District, you can see overlapping peaks and ridges, lined up along the river, and lined with lush forests, like a green barrier guarding the mountain city.
Subtropical, all seasons
Nanshan Botanical Garden
Nanshan Botanical Garden is located on Wangshan Mountain. It houses numerous famous flowers and rare plants, including hundreds of varieties of rhododendrons, more than 100 varieties of Sichuan camellia, dozens of varieties of osmanthus, as well as Himalayan cedars, Southeast Asian cinchona, Japanese cherry blossoms, Mexican marigolds, British osmanthus and other varieties of flowers.
Chongqing Anti-Japanese War Site
Huangshan Mountain in the scenic area has now been turned into an amusement park.
The area is home to various villas built during Chongqing's transitional period, making it a tourist attraction for the former capital. These include Chiang Kai-shek's Yunxiu Villa, Soong Mei-ling's Songting, Marshall's Caoting, and the Lianqing Tower, where the American advisory group stayed.
Tushan Temple
Tushan Temple is located on Tushan Mountain and is the oldest existing temple. Because the temple enshrines the ancestor of Zunwu, it is also called Zunwu Temple. Tushan Temple is very old, and its age is difficult to verify.
According to research, during the Western Han Dynasty, statues of Yu the Great and Tu Hou were enshrined in the Yuwang Temple, Tu Hou Temple, and other temples. During the Tang Dynasty, the great poet Bai Juyi, who served as the governor of Zhongzhou, wrote a poem titled "A Solitary Tour of Tushan Temple," suggesting that the temple had already been renamed Tushan Temple.
Laojun Cave
The so-called "Three Pure Ones" refers to the three gods residing in the Three Pure Heavens and the Three Pure Realms: Yuanshi Tianzun (also known as Tianbaojun) who resides in the Qingwei Yuqing Realm, Lingbao Tianzun (also known as Taishang Daojun) who resides in the Yuyu Tianshangqing Realm, and Daode Tianzun (also known as Taishang Laojun) who resides in the Dachi Tiantaiqing Realm.
Laolong Cave
The Old Dragon Cave is a square cave, about 3 meters long and wide. It features a stone dragon carved into it. The dragon has no horns, but its body is sturdy and its gaze is fixed on the sky. Its front two claws reach up to the top of the rock, while its hind claws grip the ground, as if it is about to soar into the air. The carving technique is bold and the lines are vigorous. The layout and composition are exquisite, and the carving techniques range from shallow relief to deep relief and hollowing, creating a strong sense of three-dimensionality.
3-6 hours
Nanshan Botanical Garden Exhibition Greenhouse 50 yuan, Big Golden Eagle Observation Deck 12 yuan, Rose Garden 10 yuan, Plum and Osmanthus Garden 5 yuan, Yikeshu Observation Deck 20 yuan. (Half price with student ID)
08:30-18:00 (Monday-Friday, January 1-December 31) 09:00-17:00 (Saturday-Sunday, January 1-December 31)
The Nanshan Scenic Area is an important natural and cultural site in Chongqing, featuring beautiful landscapes and historical landmarks, such as Nanshan Temple. It is renowned for its natural beauty, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city. The area also holds cultural significance for the local people.
The Nanshan Scenic Area is located in Qijiang District, Chongqing. It is easily accessible by taxi or bus from the city center, and the mountain area can be explored on foot or by taking the cable car to the top. Public buses also service the area from downtown Chongqing.
The Nanshan Scenic Area is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM. The best times to visit are during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the natural surroundings are at their most picturesque.
The entrance fee to the Nanshan Scenic Area is approximately 50 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance on-site, or in some cases, they may be available online through local travel websites.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons (spring and autumn). You can typically book tickets online 1-2 days in advance if preferred.
A visit to the Nanshan Scenic Area typically takes around 2-3 hours, depending on your interest in hiking, photography, or exploring the temples and gardens. If you plan to take a full tour of the area, you may want to allocate a half day for the visit.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and audio guides may also be offered for visitors who prefer a self-guided experience. English-speaking guides may be available on request, but it is advisable to check in advance.
Currently, the Nanshan Scenic Area does not offer official night visits or light shows. However, the area is popular during sunset, where the views of the city at dusk are breathtaking.
The Nanshan Scenic Area can be crowded during weekends and public holidays, especially during peak seasons like spring and autumn. For a quieter experience, try to visit on weekdays or early in the morning during non-holiday periods.
The scenic area offers basic facilities such as toilets, water stations, and rest areas. There are also small food stalls and shops available for refreshments and souvenirs near the entrance and at the top of the mountain.
The Nanshan Scenic Area is somewhat accessible for elderly visitors and children, especially if using the cable car. However, some areas, such as the hiking trails, may be more challenging due to uneven terrain. It is advisable to check the accessibility of specific sites before visiting.
Cash is widely accepted at the Nanshan Scenic Area, but cards and mobile payments (such as Alipay and WeChat Pay) are also commonly accepted in many areas.
There are several local restaurants and cafes around the entrance to Nanshan Scenic Area, serving traditional Chongqing dishes. For a more diverse selection, you can find a variety of dining options in downtown Chongqing.
Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available in the area, especially in the more tourist-oriented restaurants. Halal food is also available at some restaurants catering to Muslim visitors.
Yes, there are souvenir shops near the entrance and at the top of the mountain. Typical souvenirs include local crafts, traditional Chinese tea, and artwork inspired by the region’s culture and natural beauty.
