Nanchuan Jinfo Mountain: UNESCO World Heritage Site

Jinfo Mountain Highlights

Nestled in the heart of Chongqing’s Nanchuan District, Jinfo Mountain (also referred to as Golden Buddha Mountain or Mt.Jinfo), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a prestigious 5A Scenic Area, is a breathtaking escape into nature’s embrace.

Spanning 1,300 square kilometers with its highest peak soaring to 2,238 meters, this majestic mountain offers a kaleidoscope of landscapes and experiences that captivate visitors year-round.

From vibrant spring blossoms to serene winter snowscapes, Jinfo Mountain is a destination where every season tells a unique story.

Getting to Nanchuan Jinfo Mountain

Jinfo Mountain offers three entry gates, each tailored to a different kind of traveler:

West Gate: The Hiker’s Haven

Perfect for hiking enthusiasts, the West Gate is your gateway to adventure.

Located near the iconic Sun-Toward Golden Turtle, this route offers breathtaking trails lined with scenic views.

Lace up your boots and immerse yourself in the mountain’s rugged beauty from the moment you step through.

North Gate: The Classic Journey

Ideal for most visitors, the North Gate is the go-to entrance for those eager to see all of Jinfo Mountain’s highlights.

Take the cableway for a scenic ascent, soaking in panoramic views as you glide toward the mountain’s must-see spots.

This route is perfect for a relaxed yet comprehensive exploration.

South Gate: The Road-Tripper’s Choice

Driving to Jinfo Mountain?

The South Gate welcomes road-trippers with the convenience of self-driven exploration.

Skip the cableway and enjoy the flexibility of your own vehicle, though note the ¥200 entry fee per car and limited parking.

Arrive early to secure a spot and embark on a seamless adventure.

Jinfo Mountain Operating Hours

Jinfo Mountain Scenic Park

Jinfo Mountain Cableway

Budget for Jinfo Mountain

Jinfo Mountain: A Place For All Seasons

Spring: A Floral Wonderland

In spring, Jinfo Mountain bursts into life as 500,000 high-altitude rhododendrons paint the forests in fiery reds and pinks. Wandering through this floral sea feels like stepping into a living masterpiece, with every trail revealing a new burst of color.

Summer: A Cool Mountain Retreat

Escape the lowland heat in Jinfo Mountain’s refreshing embrace. With most of its terrain at around 1,000 meters, cool breezes sweep through ancient forests, making it a perfect haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility.

Autumn: A Tapestry of Color

From September, the mountain’s forests and bamboo groves ignite in shades of gold, crimson, and amber, transforming the slopes into a colossal oil painting. Autumn also brings a culinary treasure: fangzhu bamboo shoots, harvested from late August, are crafted into delectable dishes by local chefs. Don’t miss these mountain delicacies, a true taste of Jinfo’s soul.

Winter: A Snowy Fairytale

Winter drapes Jinfo Mountain in a glistening mantle of snow, with drifts lasting over three months. Snowfields, frost-kissed trees, and cascading icefalls create a surreal wonderland. Whether you’re marveling at misty rime or tracing frozen waterfalls, the mountain’s winter magic is unforgettable.

Hiking at Jinfo Mountain

Jinfo Mountain offers amazing hiking opportunities.

For beginner hikers, consider entering the park from the West Gate or North Gate, hiking to many highlights at the scenic park, and walking through the cliff plank trail.

For medium to advanced hikers, you can choose from one of the following routes:

Green Pond and Secluded Valley to Lower Cableway Station

Level:

Distance: 4.3km

Time: 3h

Lower Cableway Station to Golden Turtle

Level:

Distance: 3.5km

Time: 4h

Green Pond and Secluded Valley to Golden Turtle (Full Trail)

Level:

Distance: 7.8km

Time: 7h

Camping at Jinfo Mountain

Jinfo Mountain offers many camping opportunities. The Route 178 is the one that we recommend for campers, as it offers many campgrounds as well as beautiful views and a road trip experience.

Check out our post Road Trip Itinerary to Mt. Jinfo Nanchuan Route 178 for more details.

Top Attractions at Jinfo Mountain

Golden Turtle Towards the Sun

Perched on the western cliffs at 1,800–2,100 meters, a massive, 300-meter-high, 500-meter-long rock resembles a giant turtle basking in the golden glow of the setting sun.

Ancient Buddha Cave

Nestled at 2,100 meters near Yauchi Dam, the Ancient Buddha Cave is a subterranean wonder. Enter through a 5-meter-high, 3-meter-wide entrance to discover a cavernous “hall” spanning 1 hectare, housing features like the Ancient Buddha, Stone Coffin, Rice Market, and Theater Stage.

Green Pond and Secluded Valley

Tucked into the western foothills along Shizhong Stream, Green Pond and Secluded Valley is a 4-km-long canyon of serene beauty. The first 2.5 km features gentle slopes flanked by steep cliffs (150–600 meters high) at 700 meters elevation, while the final 1.5 km climbs to 1,300 meters. Lush greenery and trickling streams create a tranquil escape.

Longya Waterfall

Set at 800 meters on the northeastern slopes, this dramatic canyon is framed by layered sedimentary rock walls and is home to five cascading waterfalls. The perennial Longya Waterfall flows steadily, while the other four are seasonal, adding charm during rainy months.

Ten-Mile Gallery

Stretching 7.5 km along Longgu Stream on the northern foothills at 700 meters, the Ten-Mile Gallery is a picturesque canyon with cliffs rising 200–700 meters and a valley floor 15–50 meters wide. Its rock walls, adorned with stalactites, moss, and bamboo-filled crevices, resemble a natural art gallery.

Jinfo Temple

Perched on the southeastern plateau, Jinfo Temple is a spiritual haven dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Rebuilt in 2014, this grand complex spans over 10,000 square meters, featuring the Bell and Drum Tower, Heavenly Kings Hall, Main Hall, Seven Buddhas Hall, and Sutra Pavilion.

Led by Abbot Daojian, it’s a revered Buddhist site in the Sichuan-Chongqing-Guizhou region.

Ecological Stone Forest

South of Yauchi Dam at 2,100 meters, this hidden gem lies beneath a lush forest canopy. Jutting rocks, cloaked in thick moss and crowned with azaleas, yews, and boxwoods, form a 10-hectare natural bonsai garden, with stones rising several meters high.

Jinfo Mountain Scenic Area Map

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