Autumn Viewing at Niushou Mountain, Nanjing: The Thousand-Year Zen Spirit Hidden in Foding Palace, Autumn Scenery That Captivates the Heart

I rarely use the word "stunning," but the autumn at Niushou Mountain in Nanjing makes me willingly break my rule 🍂. When the cool autumn breeze brushes past the flying eaves of Foding Pagoda, the maple leaves quietly don their bright red attire, and the golden ginkgo leaves carpet the mountain paths, the Foding Palace—an architectural blend of classical elegance and modern grandeur—appears in a way that strikes straight to the heart, instantly capturing all attention ✨.

📸 Autumn Photo Tips to Capture the Stunning Moments at Niushou Mountain

- For atmospheric shots, head to the mirror-like pool beside Foding Palace! Use Foding Pagoda as the background and Foding Palace as the foreground, press the shutter, and a high-end photo is instantly created, easily flooding your social media feed.

- The doorways in the outer corridor of Foding Palace are hidden photo spots! Sunlight filters through the doorways creating mottled shadows; standing there to compose your shot fills it with Zen and beauty, every snap is a poetic image.

- Using the pool in front of Foding Palace to capture reflections is amazing! The shimmering water reflects the silhouette of Foding Palace, blending reality and illusion, creating an ethereal atmosphere—each frame looks like an ink painting.

- There’s a trick to photographing the White Jade Reclining Buddha: first find the lotus pattern on the ground as the foreground, wait for the Reclining Buddha to slowly turn to the best angle, then press the shutter to freeze a gentle and sacred moment.

- When photographing the underground palace, be sure to choose the symmetrical axis! Stand in the middle and shoot upward to capture the entire dome and the countless Buddha statues filling the sky; the solemnity and awe are perfectly conveyed in the photo.

🍁 Niushou Mountain Autumn Tour Route, Unlocking Autumn Romance

1. Climb to the top of Foding Pagoda to overlook the autumn scenery across the mountains
Only when you climb Foding Pagoda do you truly understand Niushou Mountain in autumn. The trees layer upon layer across the mountain; nearby, the maple leaves blaze like fire, while distant ginkgo trees shine with golden light, and evergreen pines and cypresses intersperse, as if nature spilled its palette. On clear days, the outline of Nanjing city faintly appears on the horizon, blending mountain and city in a beauty that’s impossible to look away from 🌆.

2. Hike up the mountain and encounter small autumn delights
Highly recommend walking slowly along the hiking trail! This is the best way to feel the autumn charm of Niushou Mountain. The Chinese tallow trees by the roadside turn a deep purple-red; when the mountain breeze blows, leaves gently dance on the stone steps. Passing Foding Temple, the old brick walls reflect the ground covered with ginkgo leaves, spreading a quiet Zen atmosphere, making time seem to slow down.

3. Enter the park from the East Gate to start your autumn journey
Walking into the scenic area from the East Gate, autumn immediately envelops you. The Chinese flame trees along the path hang full of crimson flowers, interwoven with lush pines and cypresses, creating a brilliant scene, as if you’re about to step into an autumn fairy tale, filling your heart with anticipation 📖.

4. Rest at Chaotianque to heal all fatigue
Be sure to pause at Chaotianque! Leaning on the railing and looking afar, the entire valley’s autumn colors unfold before your eyes—red, yellow, and green intertwined. The autumn breeze carries the fresh mountain air, instantly washing away the tiredness from climbing, leaving you wanting to quietly enjoy this comfort and beauty.

5. Explore the underground palace of Foding Palace and feel a spiritual impact
Entering Foding Palace, the White Jade Reclining Buddha lies quietly, its gentle and compassionate expression instantly calming the restless heart, making you involuntarily quiet down. But the underground palace scene is truly breathtaking: stepping into the Hall of a Thousand Buddhas, thousands of golden Buddha statues surround you from all directions, solemn and majestic. Standing in the center, watched by the gaze of countless Buddhas, you feel small; the dual impact on vision and spirit is unforgettable 🙏.