Nanshan Mountain Scenic Area – A Natural Green Barrier around Chongqing

Nanshan Mountain Scenic Area A Natural Green Barrier Around Chongqing

Nanshan Mountain Scenic Area (南山风景区), located on the southern bank of the Yangtze River in Chongqing, covers an expansive area of approximately 2,500 hectares. Stretching from Jinzhu Valley in the south to Tongluo Gorge in the north, it includes a series of peaks such as Tushan, Wangshan, Huangshan, Yuanshan, Jiangshan, Daishan, Laojunshan, and Wenfengshan. The average elevation is over 400 meters, with the highest point being Chuntianling Peak, which rises to 681.5 meters above sea level.

From the Yuzhong District across the river, the mountain range appears lush and majestic, forming a natural green barrier around Chongqing. Nanshan Mountain is rich in both cultural and natural attractions. It offers stunning landscapes of mountains, forests, rivers, springs, waterfalls, gorges, and flowers, creating a perfect blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. Key attractions include Tushan Temple, Nanshan Botanical Garden, and Laojun Cave, making it a popular destination for sightseeing and relaxation.


Travel Information about Nanshan Mountain Scenic Area

Tickets and Opening Hours

Tickets:

  • Scenic Area: Free
  • Nanshan Botanical Garden: ¥50
  • Golden Eagle Viewing Platform: ¥12
  • One Tree Viewing Platform: Peak season ¥30, Off-season ¥15

Opening Hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Viewing platforms open until 11:00 PM)
  • Weekends: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Transportation

Location: Near Nanshan Park, Nanshan Town, Nan’an District, Chongqing.

Public Transport: You can take bus routes 335 or 384. The scenic area also has the Nanshan Viewing Cableway.

Scenic Ratings

  • Relaxation: ★★★★★
  • Cultural Significance: ★★★★★
  • Beauty: ★★★★
  • Special Features: ★★★
  • Romance: ★★
  • Excitement: ★★

Highlights of Nanshan Mountain Scenic Area

One Tree Viewing Park

Located halfway up Zhenwu Mountain within the Nanshan Scenic Area, the One Tree Viewing Park (一棵树观景台) consists of two main sections: the viewing platform and the viewing pavilion. The platform can accommodate thousands of visitors at once, making it one of the best spots to enjoy the stunning night view of Chongqing, also known as the “Mountain City.”

The viewing pavilion, built in 2002 to celebrate the AAPP (Asian Parliament for Peace) conference held in Chongqing, stands at 38.8 meters tall and is shaped like a radar. After years of careful renovation, the One Tree Viewing Park has become a renowned tourist destination, following the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River and the Dazu Rock Carvings. It is now one of Chongqing’s most iconic landmarks.

Nanshan Botanical Garden

Nanshan Botanical Garden (南山植物园) is located in the heart of the Nanshan Scenic Area in Nan’an District, Chongqing. Established in 1959, it was originally named Nanshan Park and was renamed in 1998. With its long history, rich cultural heritage, and picturesque natural scenery, the garden has become a favorite destination for Chongqing residents seeking outdoor leisure.

Since 2000, the garden has undergone significant development. The Rose Garden was completed first, followed by the Orchid Garden, Plum Garden, Camellia Garden, Bonsai Garden, and Golden Eagle Garden between 2001 and 2005. The garden is home to over 1,000 species of famous and exotic flowers from both China and abroad. Blooming flowers can be seen year-round, earning the Nanshan Botanical Garden the prestigious title of the “Crown of Flowers” in the Mountain City.

Highlights of the Botanical Garden

  • Rose Garden: Covering 110,000 square meters, this garden is home to over 60,000 rose plants of 180 different species. It is one of the key themed gardens for observing rose family plants. The famous Sakura Avenue and Sakura Square within the garden come alive every March to May, drawing huge crowds to witness the spectacular sea of cherry blossoms.
  • Bonsai Garden: A core attraction of the central area, the Bonsai Garden spans 20,000 square meters and displays thousands of bonsai from across China, with over 500 bonsai on permanent display. It serves as a center for collecting, crafting, preserving, and exhibiting exquisite bonsai from various schools nationwide. The garden’s cultural depth is enhanced by famous inscriptions, poems, and couplets.
  • Camellia Garden: Dedicated to showcasing Chongqing’s city flower—the camellia—the garden features over 170 varieties and more than 20,000 plants. Together with other ancient trees like osmanthus, ginkgo, and magnolia, the garden holds a national distinction. Particularly notable is the “Ancient Camellia Garden,” where several camellia trees, over 400 years old, still bloom prolifically, making them rare treasures.
  • Golden Eagle Garden: Situated on Yao Ying Cliff, adjacent to the Camellia and Rhododendron Gardens, this is one of the main attractions of the central area. It is marked by a giant eagle statue, entirely covered in gold leaf, using 32 kilograms of gold. The eagle stands at Nanshan’s highest point, its golden shine visible from afar. By day, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Chongqing’s mountains and rivers, while by night, the lights of the city create an enchanting sight.
  • Plum Garden: Spanning over 40,000 square meters, this garden was completed in 2001. It is home to over 80 varieties of plum blossoms, with a total of more than 1,500 trees. The garden’s plum trees are known for their gnarled elegance and unconventional beauty, making them some of the finest examples of plum blossom art.

Tushan Temple

Tushan Temple (涂山寺), located at the peak of Tushan and at the transfer point of the Nanshan Cableway, is the oldest existing temple in Chongqing. The temple’s entrance features the inscription “涂山胜境,” meaning “Scenic Wonderland of Tushan.” The temple is also known as “Zunwu Temple” due to its dedication to the deity Zunwu.

Historically, the temple was built to honor Yu the Great’s achievements in flood control. Initially, a shrine called “Yuwang Shrine” was erected on the mountain, followed by the construction of Yuwang Temple and Zhenwu Temple. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the temples were expanded and eventually merged, forming what is now known as Tushan Temple.

Today, Tushan Temple covers over 10,000 square meters, featuring eight main halls and over 100 rooms. The main hall houses statues of both Shakyamuni Buddha and Zunwu, while the third hall contains statues of Yu the Great and Tuhou, along with a “Monument to Yu’s Flood Control.”

Haichang Caribbean Water World

Haichang Caribbean Water World (海昌加勒比水世界), located in the heart of Nanshan’s tourism hub, is a national 4A-level scenic area. The park seamlessly blends the vibrant culture of the Caribbean with the ancient and mysterious atmosphere of a Mayan city. Throughout the park, you’ll find intricate Mayan totems, beautifully carved ceramics, and colorful murals on the walls, making it a unique cultural experience. As the first large-scale water-themed park in the western region of China, it combines entertainment, shopping, dining, and exotic landscapes, attracting up to 1 million visitors annually.

The park is home to Asia’s largest integrated water play castle—the “Elf Treehouse,” and the only imported wave pool in the western region, capable of producing eight different types of massive waves in the “Giant Wave Valley.” With over 20 top-tier water attractions imported from abroad, including the Tornado Storm, Vertical Limit, and Rolling Seabed, visitors are guaranteed thrilling experiences. The park also brings the world of Pirates of the Caribbean to life, with its fresh air, blue waters, mysterious Mayan totems, crazy pirates, loose sailor outfits, colorful pirate scarves, weathered skull flags, and a brave pirate captain, immersing visitors in the adventurous atmosphere of the iconic film series.

Laojun Cave

Laojun Cave (老君洞), originally named Guanghua Temple, was first established in the late Sui and early Tang dynasties. In 1581, during the Ming Dynasty (Wanli reign), it was converted into a Taoist temple known as “Taiji Palace,” and is commonly referred to as “Laojun Cave.” Over time, especially during the reigns of the Qing emperors Daoguang, Tongzhi, and Guangxu, the temple underwent several expansions and renovations, resulting in the construction of nine main halls.

Built ingeniously along the mountain, the halls are finely structured, with carved images on the cliffs and suspended wooden beams. From the top of the temple, visitors are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountainous cityscape, offering a visual feast that stretches for miles.

Laolong Cave

Laolong Cave (老龙洞) is a natural karst cave renowned for its unique formations and pleasant climate, maintaining a constant temperature of 18°C throughout the year. The stunning array of stalactites within the cave presents an otherworldly landscape, leaving visitors in awe. The intricate rock formations resemble mountains, bamboo shoots, drums, and bells, all vividly lifelike.

Among the highlights are breathtaking stalactite features such as the Cliff Path Waterfall, the Mandarin Duck Pillar, the “Heaven’s Eye Reading Book,” and the Eight Immortals Terrace. These scenic spots, along with over a dozen others, showcase the magnificent beauty and intricacies of the cave’s natural wonders.


Visitor Guide for Nanshan Mountain Scenic Area

Food: Quanshui Chicken Street

Located at the foot of Nanshan Mountain in Huangjueya Town, Quanshui Chicken Street (泉水鸡街) is renowned for its famous dish, Quanshui Chicken (Spring Water Chicken), which has become a popular new-style dish in the Chongqing and Sichuan regions. Known for its fragrant and spicy flavor, Quanshui Chicken leaves a lasting impression. Typically, the meal involves three servings from one chicken: Quanshui Chicken, Chicken Blood Tofu, and Stir-Fried Chicken Offal.

Most of the restaurants along the street operate in a farmhouse-style setting, each specializing in cooking Quanshui Chicken. The area also hosts an annual “Nanshan Quanshui Chicken Cultural Festival.” For those looking to sample the best, “Lao Me Quanshui Chicken (老么泉水鸡)” and “Zhulou Quanshui Chicken (竹楼泉水鸡)” are two highly recommended spots.

Hot Springs: Haitang Xiaoyue Sacred Land Hot Springs

The Haitang Xiaoyue Sacred Land Hot Springs (海棠晓月圣地温泉) are situated at the historic site of “Haitang Yanyu,” one of the ancient “Twelve Scenic Spots of Ba Yu.” Nestled between the Yangtze River to the north and Nanshan Mountain to the south, this serene location offers a unique relaxation experience.

The hot springs draw from deep underground, approximately 3,000 meters below the surface, with a water temperature reaching up to 52.8°C and a daily flow rate of 2,500 tons. Rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and silicon, the hot springs provide excellent therapeutic benefits for the digestive, nervous, and cardiovascular systems, as well as for various skin conditions. This makes Haitang Xiaoyue a perfect destination for both relaxation and health recovery.