Jinfo Mountain is a well-known spot for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking relaxation. With three distinct entrances—West Gate, North Gate, and South Gate—it can be challenging to choose the best one for your visit. Each entrance has its own charm, providing different types of activities, views, and experiences. Here’s a detailed guide to help you decide which entrance suits your preferences.
1. West Gate
- Transportation: To reach the West Gate, navigate to Jinfo Mountain National Scenic Area West Gate (金佛山国家风景名胜区西大门) on your GPS. After arriving at the West Gate Visitor Center, you’ll need to transfer to a bus that will take you to the West Slope Cable Car, which will carry you to the summit.
- Ticket Price: The West Slope area ticket includes round-trip cable car and shuttle bus fare.
- Highlights: The West Slope has more scenic spots along the way, making it ideal for those who want to explore and enjoy more sightseeing. The West Gate has a higher visitor capacity than the North Gate, making it less crowded, especially during peak seasons.
2. North Gate
- Transportation: For the North Gate, navigate to Jinfo Mountain North Slope Cableway (金佛山北坡索道下站) on your GPS. Take the North Slope Cable Car directly to the summit.
- Ticket Price: The North Gate ticket includes the North Slope Scenic Area entrance fee and cable car fare.
- Highlights: The North Gate is best for skiing enthusiasts, especially during winter. The North Slope ski resort is larger than the West Slope and is a major draw for those looking to ski.
3. South Gate
- Transportation: To reach the South Gate, navigate to Chongqing Daige Holiday Hotel (重庆黛格假日大酒店) or directly to the South Gate of Jinfo Mountain Scenic Area (金佛山国家风景名胜区南门). The South Gate allows you to drive directly to the summit, but you need to reserve the South Gate self-driving ticket at least one day in advance and arrive at the specified location on time.
- Ticket Price: The South Gate self-driving ticket includes mountain-top shuttle bus service and North Slope ski pass. Tickets for self-driving need to be purchased by 11:59 PM the day before your visit.
- Highlights: The South Gate is perfect for those who want to enjoy local shopping and food. There are plenty of stores and food stalls nearby, where you can sample local delicacies and snacks.
Tips for Visiting Jinfo Mountain
- Ticket Types: Entrance tickets to the scenic area are round-trip tickets, meaning you must enter and exit the park from the same gate. If you wish to enter through one gate and exit from another (e.g., North Gate to West Gate), you will need to purchase one-way tickets at the ticket counter.
- Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (ticket sales stop at 3:30 PM)
- Saturday and Sunday: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (ticket sales stop at 4:00 PM)
- National Holidays: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM (ticket sales stop at 4:00 PM)
- Skiing: Both the West and North Slope ski resorts are now open, offering various options such as snowboarding, skiing, beginner trails, and intermediate slopes. These resorts cater to all levels of skiers, from beginners to advanced enthusiasts.
- Hot Springs: After a day of skiing or hiking, visit Jinfo Mountain’s Tianxing Hot Spring City (天星温泉城) for a relaxing soak in the hot springs. This is a perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate after a day of adventure.