Located at the border of Jurong City and Jintan District in Jiangsu Province, Maoshan Scenic Area is a national 5A-level tourist attraction covering 153 square kilometers, with its main peak Damao Feng standing at 372.5 meters. As the birthplace of Taoist Shangqing Sect, Maoshan is ranked alongside Longhu Mountain and Gezao Mountain as the "Three Talisman Mountains of Taoism", renowned as the "First Blessed Land, Eighth Grotto-Heaven".
History and Culture
Maoshan's Taoist history dates back over 2,000 years to the Western Han Dynasty. During the Eastern Jin, the Shangqing Sect was established here, reaching its zenith in the Southern Dynasties as Jiangnan's Taoist center. The Tang-Song periods saw further development, forming grand architectural complexes of "Three Palaces and Five Temples".
During the Anti-Japanese War, Maoshan was an important base for the New Fourth Army, where revolutionaries like Chen Yi and Su Yu fought. Today, it serves both as a sacred Taoist site and national patriotic education base.
Main Attractions
Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace
The core Taoist complex, originally built in Western Han with current structures mostly from Ming-Qing periods. Key buildings include Lingguan Hall, Sanqing Hall, and Taiyuan Treasure Hall housing statues of the Three Mao Lords.
The millennium-old "Maoshan Temple Fair" (24th of lunar December to 18th of lunar January) is listed as national intangible cultural heritage.
Yuanfu Wanning Palace
Maoshan's largest existing Taoist temple, established in Tang and expanded in Song Dynasties. It preserves imperial jade seals - "Nine Immortals Seal" and "Heavenly Decree Seal" - the mountain's most treasured relics.
Huayang Cave behind the palace is a celebrated grotto-heaven with historic inscriptions on its walls.
New Fourth Army Memorial Hall
Commemorating anti-Japanese struggles, it displays precious historical artifacts and photos. The "Eastward Advance" sculpture group vividly recreates battle scenes.
The adjacent martyrs' cemetery holds over 700 New Fourth Army soldiers, serving as an important patriotic education site.
Cuisine
Maoshan Aged Goose
A local specialty, free-range geese are braised with secret spices for firm texture and rich flavor. Nearly every farmhouse restaurant features this signature dish.
Kudzu Root Powder
Traditional food from wild kudzu roots, known for heat-clearing properties. Consumed as porridge or jelly, it's ideal summer refreshment.
Taoist Vegetarian Cuisine
Emphasizing "light nourishment", using wild herbs and bean products. "Vegetarian ham" and "vegetarian goose" remarkably mimic meat dishes with unique flavors.
Tickets
Scenic area: 120 yuan (includes shuttle); Temples: 10-30 yuan each. Seniors 60-69: half price; over 70 & children under 1.4m: free. Guided tour: 100 yuan/session.
Recommended Itinerary
One-day tour: Morning - Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace → Yuanfu Wanning Palace → Huayang Cave with Taoist vegetarian lunch; Afternoon - New Fourth Army Memorial Hall → Southern Jiangsu Anti-Japanese Victory Monument. Extended tours can include hiking Ermao and Sanmao peaks.
Transportation
- Driving: From Nanjing via Hurong Expressway Jurong Exit; from Shanghai via Changhe Expressway Maoshan Exit
- High-speed rail: Take tourist shuttle from Jurong West Station
- Bus: Maoshan tourist shuttle from downtown Jurong
- Internal transport: Sightseeing vehicles and cable car (50 yuan/one-way)
Must-Visit Spots
- Sanqing Hall at Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace: Core Taoist sanctuary
- Huayang Cave: Explore Taoist grotto-heaven
- New Fourth Army Memorial: Learn revolutionary history
- Jade Seals at Yuanfu Wanning Palace: View mountain treasures
- Mountaintop Laozi Statue: World's largest outdoor Laozi figure
Travel Tips
- Best seasons: spring-autumn; avoid rainy season and extreme heat
- Taoist festivals (e.g. Laozi's birthday) offer rich activities but crowds
- Wear comfortable shoes for hiking - some steep sections
- Observe etiquette in temples - no loud noises
- Photographers should capture sunrise over sea of clouds
Important Notices
- No smoking or photographing Taoist priests without permission
- Protect cultural relics - no touching carvings or ancient structures
- Hike safely - stay on marked trails
- No picking plants or disturbing wildlife
- Obtain approval for drone operations
- Maintain solemnity in religious sites