Niu Shou Shan in Nanjing: A Millennial Zen Journey

"Spring Niu Shou, Autumn Qixia." Niu Shou Shan in Nanjing is an absolutely stunning travel destination that will leave you in awe! It boasts a rich history and culture, breathtaking natural scenery, and awe-inspiring architecture. Check out this guide 👇 📍 Address: No. 18 Ningdan Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 🚇 Transportation: - Subway: Take Subway Line S3 to Niu Shou Shan Station. Exit from Exit 1 and walk for about 10 minutes. - Bus: Several bus routes are available, such as No. 712 and No. 755. Check bus apps for specific routes. 🎫 Tickets: Adult tickets are around CNY 98. Purchase in advance on major travel platforms for potential discounts. 🕙 Opening Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (last entry at 4:30 pm). Allow 4–6 hours for your visit. 🌟 Must-See Attractions: Foding Palace: The centerpiece of Niu Shou Shan, the palace resembles a giant lotus flower, exuding grandeur. The interior is even more impressive, with six underground levels housing the Buddha's parietal bone relic. Exquisite murals, a magnificent dome, and various precious Buddhist statues showcase superb craftsmanship, transporting you to a Buddhist paradise. Don't miss the Chan Jing Da Guan, where a giant reclining Buddha appears and disappears in a curtain of water, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Foding Pagoda: Ascend this nine-story Tang Dynasty-style pagoda for panoramic views of Niu Shou Shan. The pagoda enshrines the Buddha's tooth relic in a solemn setting. Each level offers unique scenery as you climb the stairs. At the top, gentle breezes caress you as you take in the entire vista of Niu Shou Shan, with distant mountains, lush trees, and sparkling lakes creating a picturesque scene. Niu Tou Chan Cultural Park: This serene park is the birthplace of the Niu Tou Chan sect of Chinese Zen Buddhism. Stroll through the grounds and experience the tranquility of this ancient temple. The Hongjue Temple Pagoda within the park is the oldest existing imitation-wood brick pagoda in Nanjing, steeped in history. 🍔 Food Recommendations: - Inside the Scenic Area: The vegetarian restaurant offers delicious and healthy vegetarian dishes, such as Luohan Noodles and Vegetarian Roast Goose, at reasonable prices. Snack stalls also offer quick bites like grilled sausages and stinky tofu. - Outside the Scenic Area: Numerous agritourism restaurants nearby serve authentic Nanjing farmhouse cuisine, featuring dishes like braised goose and fish head tofu soup, made with fresh, local ingredients. 📸 Photography Tips: - The Foding Palace has low lighting. Use a large aperture lens and increase the ISO for better image quality. When photographing the reclining Buddha in Chan Jing Da Guan, find a good angle and use the reflection of the water curtain to create a captivating blend of reality and illusion. - The square in front of the Foding Pagoda is an excellent photo spot. Pose in the center of the square with the pagoda as a backdrop for a layered composition. Shoot in the morning or evening for soft lighting and vibrant colors. 👗 Dress Code: As this is a cultural tourism area, dress simply and elegantly. Light-colored dresses, shirts, and jeans are appropriate. Avoid overly bright or extravagant clothing to blend in with the surroundings and capture beautiful photos. Niu Shou Shan is a place where you can relax and appreciate profound cultural charm. It's perfect for family trips, romantic dates, or solo adventures. Plan your visit now!