Fangshan Travel Guide

1. Core Highlights Volcanic Geological Wonders Extinct Volcano Remains: The only extinct volcano in the main urban area of Nanjing, formed by volcanic eruptions 10 million years ago creating a flat-topped mountain body, with unique geological features such as volcanic rock walls and columnar joints. Volcanic Crater Loop Hike: Walk along the volcanic crater trail to observe vesicular basalt; the Tianchi (volcanic crater water area) is an excellent spot for aerial photography of the "Sky Mirror." Millennium Zen Culture Dinglin Temple Leaning Tower: An ancient temple from the Southern Dynasties, a seven-story octagonal brick tower leaning 5.3 degrees (some sources say 7.59 degrees), even more tilted than the Leaning Tower of Pisa, with excellent morning and evening light and shadow effects. Damo Wall-Facing Cliff: A 20-meter-high sheer cliff carved with an image of Bodhidharma, who is said to have meditated facing the wall here for ten years to attain Zen enlightenment; the cliff trail offers a panoramic view of the sea of clouds. Fusion of Nature and Culture Ziwu Tea Garden: A 200-acre ecological tea garden where the spring greenery contrasts with white walls and black tiles; the wooden plank walkway is a popular spot for sunset photography. Future Urban Countryside: In spring, a steam train runs through 1,600 acres of flower fields, with drone fertilization shows and AR plant games to experience. 2. Must-Visit Attractions Volcanic Geological Exploration Volcanic Crater Loop: A 5.6 km beginner-friendly route passing through Shibapan (steep stone steps), Bailong'ao (cliff viewing platform), and Shilongchi (volcanic rock pool). Tianyin Palace Glass Viewing Platform: At an altitude of 209 meters, a 270° cantilevered glass walkway overlooking the entire Jiangning area; at night, the lights sparkle like a "galaxy on earth." Cultural Heritage Check-in Dinglin Temple: Representative of the 480 temples of the Southern Dynasties, featuring the Northern Song leaning tower (still tilted after correction), a millennium-old ginkgo tree (still flowering after being struck by lightning), and the Damo Cave. Fangshan Stele Forest: Contains inscriptions by literati from various dynasties, including a poem stele by Zhu Yuanzhang titled "Fangshan," offering a sense of historical cultural heritage. Special Experiences Motor Sports Base: A thousand-acre professional racetrack offering ATV off-road drifting experiences (200 RMB per lap), with motorcycle stunt shows on weekends. Tea Garden Wooden Walkway: Capture reflections of tea fields and ancient temples in the morning mist, enjoy rapeseed flower seas in spring and colorful forests in autumn. 3. Practical Tips Transportation Guide Metro + Bus: Take Metro Line 1 to Tianyin Avenue Station, then transfer to bus 803 or 812 to Fangshan Station (North Gate) or Fangshan Scenic Area Station (South Gate). Self-Drive: Navigate to "Fangshan Scenic Area North Gate" (free parking) or "Fangshan Geological Park Parking Lot" (4 RMB/hour); recommended to arrive before 9 AM. Tickets and Opening Hours Main scenic area is free; motor sports base ticket is 20 RMB; some experience projects charge separately. Opening hours: Year-round 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM; Dinglin Temple open at night on the 1st and 15th of the lunar month. Recommended Routes One-day Quick Tour: North Gate → Dinglin Temple (2 hours) → Tianchi → Viewing Platform → Motor Sports Base (1 hour) → Return. In-depth Tour: Day 1: Volcanic geological hike (Shibapan → Bailong'ao) + Motor sports experience; Day 2: Tea garden photography → Future urban countryside → Dinglin Temple night tour. 4. Food and Accommodation Must-Try Foods Dinglin Vegetarian Noodles: Temple vegetarian restaurant’s Arhat noodles (18 RMB/bowl) with delicious mushroom soup base. Jiangning Time-Honored Brands: Zhang Yun Salted Duck (Zhushan Road branch), Lu’s Plum Blossom Cake (purple sweet potato filling). Farmhouse Dining: North Gate "Fangshan Local Cuisine" offers firewood chicken and wild vegetable dumplings. Accommodation Recommendations High-end: Vienna International Hotel (Fangshan branch), 10-minute walk to the scenic area, including breakfast, 300 RMB/night. Cost-effective: Home Inn Neo (Jiangning University Town branch), direct metro access, 150 RMB/night. Camping: Tent rental at the motor sports base (50 RMB/day), stargazing at night. 5. Notes Safety Tips Some mountain trails are mossy; wear non-slip shoes; Shibapan stone steps are steep, recommended to hike in groups. Mosquitoes and insects are present in the mountains; bring insect repellent; cave exploration requires professional guides. Ancient Temple Night Tour: Dinglin Temple opens at night on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month, enhancing the Zen atmosphere under the starry sky. Environmental Protection and Etiquette Do not step on volcanic rock sampling sites or litter; keep quiet inside the temple and do not touch cultural relics.