A Perfect Summer Retreat: The Secluded and Beautiful Qingliang Mountain

Qingliang Mountain is a favorite spot among the old residents of Nanjing. With few visitors, a pleasant environment, lush vegetation, and gentle breezes, taking a summer trip to Qingliang Mountain to cool off is truly delightful. Qingliang Mountain not only offers beautiful scenery in summer but also boasts a Ginkgo Valley in autumn, where golden leaves dance in the autumn breeze, creating a stunning sight. In winter, there are plum blossoms, allowing visitors to enjoy them in peace, away from the crowds at the Plum Blossom Hill of Zhongshan Mausoleum. Qingliang Mountain spans across Hujulu and echoes the Stone City, presenting a contrast between majestic grandeur and serene depth. Qingliang Mountain, formerly known as Stone Mountain, Shishou Mountain, or Stone City, is known as a 'Victory Site of the Six Dynasties.' The park is home to numerous famous historical sites and cultural relics, forming a profound historical and cultural heritage. Zhuge Liang once described the terrain of Jinling as 'where the tiger sits and the dragon coils,' with the 'tiger sits' referring to what is now Qingliang Mountain. During the Warring States period, King Wei of Chu established Jinling Yi here, and the mountain retained the name Stone City Mountain. During the Three Kingdoms period, Eastern Wu rebuilt the Stone City, also known as Stone Mountain. In the Southern Tang dynasty, a summer palace was built on the mountain, which served as the summer resort for the emperors of Southern Tang. It was renamed Qingliang Mountain in the Northern Song dynasty. During the Kangxi reign of the Qing dynasty, Gong Xian, the foremost painter among the 'Eight Masters of Jinling,' purchased half an acre of land on the western foothills of Qingliang Mountain, built several houses, and lived in seclusion, naming his residence 'Half-Acre Garden.' It is said that the current Sweeping Leaves Tower was Gong Xian's former residence. Location: West end of Guangzhou Road, Gulou District, Nanjing City. Admission: Free, no reservation required.