Complete Hiking Guide to Fangshan in Nanjing! Free Summit with a Panoramic View of University Town, Check-in at the Millennium Dinglin Temple Pagoda

Finally checked off my long-awaited visit to Fangshan in Nanjing on a crisp autumn weekend! As a natural oxygen bar in Jiangning and part of a national geopark, this place is perfect for a spontaneous light hike.

📍 Location & Transportation:
Navigate to "Fangshan Scenic Area" or "Fangshan Dinglin Temple." It’s located next to Jiangning University Town. For public transport, take Metro Line 1 to "China Pharmaceutical University" station, then transfer to a bus or taxi. Taxi fare starts at the base price, very convenient.

🎫 Ticket Information:
Surprise! The scenic area is free to enter! No reservation needed, just walk right in—super friendly for students.

⏰ Opening Hours:
Open year-round from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. It’s best to go early to avoid the hottest hours. Note that it closes at 4:30 PM.

⛰️ Hiking Experience:
Fangshan is an extinct volcano with a gentle slope, making the hike very easy. The "Eighteen Bends" stone steps lead all the way up, ideal for beginners, families, or those wanting a light workout. Walking and taking photos along the way, it takes about 40-60 minutes to reach the summit. The view from the top is amazing! You get a 360-degree panorama of Jiangning University Town and the distant cityscape. On clear days, you can even see the Zifeng Tower.

🏯 Must-Visit Spots:
1. Dinglin Temple & Dinglin Temple Pagoda: A thousand-year-old ancient temple at the summit with a strong historical vibe. The leaning pagoda is iconic, comparable to the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, perfect for photos! The temple is very serene, great for quiet reflection.
2. Tianyin Palace / Bailong’ao: A mid-mountain spot featuring Taoist cultural elements, worth a visit on the way.
3. Zulong Peak: Legend says this is where Emperor Qin Shi Huang struck the mountain to break the heavenly seal. The summit really looks like a giant square seal, making the name quite interesting.

📌 Tips:
There are few supply points on the mountain, so bring your own water and snacks.
Wear comfortable sports shoes; some stone steps are worn.
For ancient-style photos, Dinglin Temple and the leaning pagoda make excellent backdrops.
The scenic area is large; besides hiking, you can stroll around the lake at the foot of the mountain or go cycling.

Overall, Fangshan is a hidden gem combining natural scenery, geological wonders, and cultural history, with convenient transportation and free admission. Highly recommended for those wanting to escape the city hustle!