Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone in Nanjing

Located in Jiangning District, Nanjing, Niushou Mountain (牛首山) has long been celebrated alongside Qixia Mountain (栖霞山) in the traditional saying, “Spring at Niushou, autumn at Qixia.” The mountain is regarded as the birthplace of the Niutou School of Chan Buddhism and is also home to the world’s only sanctuary dedicated to the enshrinement of the skull relic of Shakyamuni Buddha.

The mountain’s twin peaks resemble the horns of an ox, giving Niushou Mountain its name. Surrounded by tranquil forests, the scenic area combines the magnificent Foding Palace (佛顶宫) with Tang-style pagodas, traditional Buddhist temples, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Here, striking modern Buddhist architecture meets the peaceful atmosphere of ancient mountain temples, making Niushou Mountain ideal for both photography and quiet reflection. If you are visiting Nanjing, it is well worth setting aside a full day to explore this remarkable Buddhist destination.

Highlights of Niushou Mountain: Discover Its Buddhist Heritage and Scenic Beauty

Most of the major attractions are concentrated around the upper part of the mountain, with Foding Palace serving as the undisputed centerpiece. Several highlights should not be missed.

Foding Palace (佛顶宫) | A Landmark Buddhist Sanctuary

Foding Palace is the architectural heart of Niushou Mountain. Its distinctive dome-shaped exterior has earned it the affectionate nickname “the Big Durian” among visitors. Built into the site of a former mining pit, the complex consists of the above-ground Zen Cultural Grand View and the underground Thousand-Buddha Hall and Relic Underground Palace.

Inside the Zen Cultural Grand View, a giant reclining Buddha slowly rises and descends as changing lights create a solemn and immersive atmosphere. Descending underground, visitors will find the magnificent Thousand-Buddha Hall, where a towering gilded relic pagoda stands beneath an elaborately decorated domed ceiling.

The Buddha’s skull relic is opened to the public for ceremonial viewing on selected dates, offering a deeply moving cultural and spiritual experience. Outside the palace, the reflecting pool provides one of the best photography spots for capturing the spectacular reflection of Foding Palace.

Foding Pagoda (佛顶塔) | The Highest Point on the Mountain

Standing 88 meters high, the nine-story Foding Pagoda is a magnificent Tang-style pagoda and the highest viewing point in the scenic area. Its exterior is engraved with passages from the Diamond Sutra, giving the structure a powerful yet elegant ancient character.

Climbing to the top offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Niushou Mountain. From here, you can look across Foding Palace, Wuyou Square, and the surrounding mountains and forests. With its red-framed windows and traditional upturned eaves, the pagoda is also an excellent location for capturing atmospheric Chinese-style photographs.

Foding Temple (佛顶寺) | A Tranquil Tang-Style Buddhist Temple

Built against the mountainside, Foding Temple is a traditional Buddhist temple designed in the style of the Tang Dynasty. Its red walls, dark tiled roofs, layered courtyards, and ancient trees create a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere.

The temple halls are solemn and elegant, while the courtyards are shaded by lush old trees. Visitors can experience traditional activities such as ringing the temple bell and making wishes for blessings. Away from the busier areas of the main scenic zone, Foding Temple is an ideal place for a quiet walk and traditional-style photography.

Foding Front Garden & Yinlong Lake | A Peaceful Mountain Retreat

The Foding Front Garden (佛顶前苑) features small bridges, flowing water, flowers, and trees arranged in a picturesque landscape where the scenery changes with every step. It is generally quieter than the main attractions and is perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Nearby, Yinlong Lake (隐龙湖) offers clear water reflecting Foding Pagoda and the surrounding mountains. Around sunset, the changing light creates particularly beautiful scenery. A lakeside boardwalk makes it easy to enjoy a relaxed walk while taking in the mountains, water, and forest.

During selected periods in summer, Niushou Mountain also offers night tours, when Foding Palace is illuminated with colorful lighting and accompanied by live performances, creating a completely different atmosphere after dark.

Best Time to Visit Niushou Mountain

Niushou Mountain is worth visiting throughout the year, but March to May in spring and September to November in autumn are generally the best seasons.

In spring, flowers bloom across the mountain, perfectly reflecting the traditional saying “Spring at Niushou.” Autumn brings colorful forests, clear skies, and pleasant temperatures, making it especially suitable for sightseeing and photography. After snowfall, the white-covered mountain and golden Buddhist architecture create an especially atmospheric winter scene.

For the best experience, aim to enter between 8:30 and 10:00 AM. This helps you avoid the busiest tour-group period, while the underground palace and surrounding squares are also more likely to be less crowded for photography.

After around 3:00 PM, the softer afternoon sunlight falls beautifully across Foding Palace, creating attractive light and shadow for photography.

Niushou Mountain is a large scenic area, so allow approximately 3.5–4 hours for a comprehensive visit. Ticket inspection ends at 4:00 PM, so be sure to arrive early enough to complete your visit.

The scenic area can become extremely crowded on weekends and public holidays. Visiting on weekdays or during off-peak periods is strongly recommended.

How to Get to Niushou Mountain

Niushou Mountain is located in Jiangning District, some distance from central Nanjing. The mountain gate is also a considerable distance from the main attractions at the summit, so taking the scenic-area shuttle bus is highly recommended. Walking all the way uphill can be physically demanding.

Metro + Taxi | Recommended

Take Nanjing Metro Line S1 to Hohai University–Focheng West Road Station (河海大学·佛城西路站). From the station, a taxi takes approximately 15 minutes to reach Niushou Mountain, making this one of the easiest options for independent travelers.

Bus

From Tianlongsi Station (天隆寺站) on Metro Line 1, transfer to G70 or Bus 712 to reach the eastern entrance of Niushou Mountain. Bus services are relatively limited and the journey takes longer, so this option is less convenient than taking a taxi.

High-Speed Train

Visitors arriving from other cities can get off at Nanjing South Railway Station (南京南站) and then take a tourist shuttle or taxi to Niushou Mountain.

For self-driving visitors, the East Entrance is generally recommended because it has more parking spaces. The West Gate is closer to the main attractions near the summit, but parking can become difficult during weekends and public holidays.

Tips for Visiting Niushou Mountain

• Purchase your tickets online in advance and enter the scenic area using your ID/passport as required.
• The sightseeing shuttle allows unlimited rides within the scenic area and is highly recommended to save energy.
• Flash photography is not permitted inside the underground palace. Please also keep quiet inside the halls and other religious spaces.
• The Buddha’s skull relic is only displayed to the public on selected dates. Check the latest official announcement before your visit if you wish to attend a ceremonial viewing.
• There are many mountain paths and steps, so wear comfortable, non-slip walking shoes.
• Niushou Mountain is relatively far from central Nanjing, so allow enough time for both the outward and return journeys.
• Bring drinking water with you, as there are relatively few shops around the summit area.
• Summer night tours are offered only during designated periods. Check the latest opening information before making your plans.