Nanjing / Niushou Mountain Cultural Scenic Area

#November Destinations 2025 Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Area is located in Jiangning District, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, China. It is a large-scale cultural tourism destination integrating Buddhist culture, natural landscapes, historical relics, and modern art. Its core originates from the permanent enshrinement of the supreme Buddhist relic—the skull relic of Shakyamuni Buddha—and is therefore hailed as a "Famous Buddhist Mountain in China" and a "Buddhist Holy Land of the New Era." 📍Attraction Distribution The scenic area centers on the twin peaks of Niushou (East Peak and West Peak), with the main attractions concentrated on the West Peak, forming a "one core, three lines" tour layout. 1. Core Buddhist Cultural Area (Core Worship and Experience) · Buddha Palace: · Exterior: The most breathtaking building in the entire scenic area, composed of two parts: a large dome and a small dome. The large dome resembles the Buddha's hair bun, while the small dome resembles hands clasped in prayer, with a lotus throne as its base. Its modern design and magnificent scale make it a symbol of Niushou Mountain. * **Interior:** Divided into the Zen Realm Grand View and the Relic Repository. * **Zen Realm Grand View:** Located beneath the grand dome, this is a vast, scenic space. At its center is a 9.6-meter-long reclining Buddha made of white marble, which slowly rises and rotates during ceremonies. The surrounding landscape (such as sal trees and clouds) creates a dreamlike, ethereal Zen world. * **Relic Repository:** Located 44 meters underground, this is the sacred site enshrining the Buddha's skull relic. The interior is extremely solemn and magnificent, utilizing various art forms such as sculpture, murals, and lighting to recreate the Buddhist cosmology. This is the center of worship for believers. * **Buddha's Peak Pagoda:** An 88-meter-high Tang Dynasty-style pavilion-style pagoda. It contrasts sharply with the Buddha's Peak Pagoda, one traditional and the other modern. Visitors can climb the pagoda for panoramic views of Niushou Mountain. * **Niutou Zen Temple:** Reconstructed on the site of the ancestral temple of the Niutou sect from the Tang Dynasty. The architecture, in the Tang Dynasty style, is solemn and simple, recreating the appearance of the original Zen Buddhist ancestral temple. It's an excellent place to learn about Zen history and experience the tranquility of Zen. 2. Historical and Cultural Landscape * Zheng He Cultural Park: * The tomb of Zheng He, the famous Ming Dynasty navigator, is located on Niushou Mountain. This site commemorates this great navigator and, together with Buddhist culture, constitutes the diverse historical connotations of Niushou Mountain. * Yinlong Lake: * A natural lake within the scenic area, surrounded by beautiful scenery, perfect for leisurely strolls and relaxing. * Hongjue Temple Pagoda: * Located on the East Peak, this is an ancient pagoda with a long history, echoing the Buddha's Peak Pagoda on the West Peak. 📍Scenic Area Value * Buddhist Holy Site: Due to the enshrinement of the Buddha's skull relic, Niushou Mountain has risen from a historically famous mountain to a world-class Buddhist holy site, carrying the faith of numerous believers. • Architectural Wonder: The design and construction of the Buddha Palace is a culmination of modern engineering and art; its unique shape and magnificent scale have become a symbol of an era. • Cultural Heritage: The scenic area is not merely a tourist attraction, but a large-scale cultural museum. It successfully integrates Buddhist history (Niutou Zen Buddhism), ancient maritime culture (Zheng He), traditional architectural art (Tang Dynasty pagodas and temples), and modern display methods. • Fusion of Nature and Culture: Based on ecological protection and restoration, cultural attractions are cleverly arranged, achieving a perfect combination of "Zen spirit amidst mountains and waters." The Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Area transcends the traditional concepts of scenic spots or temples. It is a comprehensive cultural highland centered on Buddhist culture, bringing together architectural art, historical culture, and natural ecology. Whether for Buddhist believers making pilgrimages or for ordinary tourists seeking to experience culture, appreciate architecture, and connect with nature, Niushou Mountain offers a rich and soul-stirring cultural journey.