Located in Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province, the Jinshan·Jiaoshan·Beigushan Scenic Area is a national 5A-level tourist attraction comprising three historic mountains - Jinshan, Jiaoshan, and Beigushan - with a total area of about 4.5 square kilometers. Bordering the Yangtze River, these three distinct mountains form a tripod-like configuration, collectively creating Zhenjiang's unique "urban mountain forest" landscape, long praised as "the finest trio of hills in Jingkou".
History and Culture
These mountains boast profound historical significance dating back to the Six Dynasties period. Jinshan is renowned for Buddhist culture, with Jinshan Temple (established in the Eastern Jin Dynasty) being the birthplace of the "Land and Water Dharma Assembly". Jiaoshan was named after Eastern Han hermit Jiao Guang and is famous for its stone inscriptions. Beigushan is an important Three Kingdoms cultural site, home to Ganlu Temple where Liu Bei's marriage alliance took place.
Literary giants like Li Bai, Su Shi, and Lu You left masterpieces here. Xin Qiji's poem "Yongyuele·Meditation on History at Beigu Pavilion in Jingkou" particularly elevated Beigushan's cultural status. These mountains witnessed Zhenjiang's rise and fall as a crucial Yangtze port city.
Main Attractions
Jinshan (Golden Hill)
Standing 44m tall with a 520m circumference, Jinshan is famous for its unique "temple-wrapped mountain" architecture. Jinshan Temple, built over 1,600 years ago during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, features the Cishou Pagoda (Song Dynasty) offering panoramic Yangtze views. The legend of White Snake flooding Jinshan made it nationally famous.
Other highlights include Jiangtian Temple, Fahai Cave, and "First Spring Under Heaven". The annual "Jinshan Temple Land and Water Dharma Assembly" on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month is a national intangible cultural heritage.
Jiaoshan (Coke Hill)
This 71m-high island in the Yangtze is called "Floating Jade in the River". Dinghui Temple (Eastern Han Dynasty) is a renowned Jiangnan ancient monastery. The Forest of Steles houses over 400 ancient inscriptions, including the famed "Epitaph for a Crane".
Other attractions include Wanfo Pagoda, Anti-British Fort ruins, and cliff inscriptions. Jiaoshan also preserves intact Yangtze wetland ecosystems, a paradise for birdwatchers.
Beigushan (Northern Solid Hill)
At 58m, this precipitous hill is called "Jingkou's First Hill". Ganlu Temple (Three Kingdoms period) witnessed Liu Bei's marriage alliance. The Song Dynasty Iron Pagoda is among Jiangsu's oldest existing pagodas.
Main sites include Multi-View Pavilion, Beigu Tower, and Sword-Testing Stone. Xin Qiji's verse "Where to gaze at our lost land? Beigu Tower with scenery grand" made it a nostalgic poetry hotspot.
Cuisine
Zhenjiang Three Delicacies
Zhenjiang's three specialties: spiced pork, aromatic vinegar, and pot-cover noodles. Yanchun Restaurant near Jinshan serves authentic versions, its crystal pork with vinegar being exceptional.
Yangtze River Delicacies
Zhenjiang's river fish is exceptionally fresh. Restaurants near Jiaoshan serve the prized "Yangtze Three Delicacies" (knifefish, reeves shad, and pufferfish), best in spring.
Vegetarian Cuisine
Jinshan and Dinghui Temples are famous for vegetarian dishes like "vegetarian ham" and "vegetarian goose", prepared with traditional monastic techniques, delicious in color, aroma, and taste.
Tickets
Three-hill combo ticket: 120 yuan (valid 2 days). Individual tickets: Jinshan 65 yuan, Jiaoshan 65 yuan (includes ferry), Beigushan 40 yuan. Seniors 60-69 get half price; seniors over 70 and children under 1.4m free. Guided tour: 100 yuan per site.
Recommended Itinerary
One-day tour: Morning at Jinshan (2.5hrs) → Lunch with Zhenjiang specialties → Afternoon at Jiaoshan (3hrs, including ferry) → Sunset at Beigushan (1.5hrs). Two-day tours allow deeper cultural experience: Jinshan+Beigushan Day 1, Jiaoshan Day 2.
Transportation
- Bus: Routes 2, 8, 10 etc. serve the three hills
- Driving: Parking available at each site (5 yuan/hour)
- High-speed rail: From Zhenjiang Station, taxi to Jinshan (~15mins)
- Ferry: Jiaoshan requires 10-minute ferry ride
Must-Visit Attractions
- Jinshan's Cishou Pagoda: Yangtze River panorama
- Jiaoshan's Forest of Steles: See "Epitaph for a Crane"
- Beigu Tower: Experience Xin Qiji's poetic vision
- Dinghui Temple: Zen atmosphere of ancient monastery
- Ganlu Temple: Three Kingdoms marriage alliance story
Travel Tips
- Best seasons are spring and autumn; avoid rainy season and extreme heat
- Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes for steep paths
- Last ferry to Jiaoshan departs at 17:30
- Join Jinshan Temple's morning Buddhist service
- Beigushan night light shows on Fridays and Saturdays
Important Notices
- Maintain quiet in temples; no photographing monks without permission
- Wear life jackets on Jiaoshan ferry; no standing/moving during ride
- No smoking or open flames in scenic area
- Do not touch stone inscriptions to protect cultural relics
- Stay behind railings for safety when viewing Yangtze
- Drone flying requires prior management approval