On the northern bank of the Yangtze River in Nanjing, stretching across the heart of Pukou District, lies a vast expanse of emerald forest covering a total area of 80 square kilometers—Nanjing Laoshan National Forest Park. As Jiangsu Province’s largest national forest park, Laoshan has long been celebrated as the “Green Lung of Nanjing” and the “Pearl of Jiangbei.” Its forest coverage rate exceeds 95%, and the concentration of negative oxygen ions in the air is 500 times that of the city center, making it an irreplaceable natural oxygen bar and ecological shield in the Yangtze River Delta region.
The Laoshan mountain range was first formed during the Sinian Period (over 600 million years ago) as an extension of the Huaiyang Mountains. Stretching 35 kilometers with undulating peaks and layered ridges, its natural landscapes are renowned for the “Four Wonders“—forests, hot springs, rocks, and caves: boundless seas of trees, a ten-mile belt of hot springs, scattered grotesque rocks, and mysterious deep karst caves. The park boasts lush vegetation, a mix of deciduous and evergreen broad-leaved forests, ancient towering trees, and elegant bamboo groves. The green mountains and clear waters are home to rare birds such as egrets and herons, and the park is also China’s largest breeding and training base for azure-winged magpies. The resonant chimes of ancient temples blend with the whispers of pines and birdsong, creating a seamless fusion of natural splendor and cultural heritage—truly one of Nanjing’s most complete ecological and cultural treasures on the city’s outskirts.
Eagle Mountain Observation Tower · A Panoramic View from the Summit of Laoshan
Perched atop Eagle Mountain at an elevation of 326 meters, the Eagle Mountain Observation Tower is a magnificent five-story, hexagonal tower offering an unparalleled vantage point. Ascending to the top, you gaze out upon the Yangtze River flowing like a silken ribbon and layers of surrounding peaks, while the sound of wind through the pine forest fills your ears. Looking downward, villages dot the landscape, farmlands crisscross in neat patterns, and the new江北 (Jiangbei) cityscape rises in dynamic transformation. At dawn, the sun bursts through the sea of clouds, casting golden light across the forest; at dusk, the sky blazes with vibrant colors—the magnificent “Eagle Cliff Sunrise” is a breathtaking spectacle. At the summit lies a rock formation verified to be over 600 million years old, earning it the title of Nanjing’s “ancestor stone” and adding a profound geological dimension to the mountain.
Metasequoia Oxygen Bar · A Cool Retreat Deep in the Forest
Laoshan’s dense forests, with their mosaic of deciduous, evergreen broad-leaved, and coniferous trees, create a richly layered woodland landscape. Within the Qifo Temple (Seven-Buddha Temple) area, deep valleys and layered peaks are blanketed in thick forest, their canopies blocking out much of the sunlight. Walking along the forest trails, your feet sink softly into fallen leaves while sunlight filters through the foliage, casting dappled shadows. The air, rich with negative oxygen ions, fills your lungs with a refreshing coolness. In spring, a profusion of wildflowers blooms; summer offers deep, cooling shade; autumn brings the vibrant hues of golden rain trees and the subtle fragrance of osmanthus—each season with its own charm. This “forest bathing” paradise is both a summer retreat from the heat and a haven for nature photographers seeking the perfect shot.
Longdong Cave Exploration · Karst Wonders Carved Over Hundreds of Millions of Years
Laoshan’s mountains are dotted with numerous karst caves, among which the Longdong (Dragon Cave) at Shiziling (Lion Ridge) is the most spectacular, while the Kaijing Cave is the most perilous. Longdong is located on the southwestern slope of Longdong Mountain, with its entrance facing southwest—about 10 meters high and 50 meters wide. Approximately 40 meters in, the cave splits into a right branch that extends about 80 meters before forking again into smaller passages. Formed by limestone weathered over eons, the cave is filled with jagged stalactites and stalagmites, its cool, tranquil atmosphere evoking a journey through a time tunnel hundreds of millions of years old. The rugged rock formations and eerie scenery make it an ideal destination for exploring geological marvels and experiencing nature’s artistry. Longdong Mountain, at 442 meters, is the highest peak in the Jiangbei region.
Qifo Temple · Zen Tranquility Amid Ancient Ginkgo Trees
Qifo Temple (Seven-Buddha Temple) is nestled in the eastern part of the forest park, hidden among green mountains and valleys, with deep ravines and layered peaks creating a scenic setting of exceptional beauty. The ancient temple, weathered by centuries, features a rustic entrance gate, solemn halls, curling incense smoke, and resonant chanting. Towering centuries-old ginkgo trees stand within the temple grounds; every late autumn, their leaves turn a brilliant gold, carpeting the ground and transforming the temple into a living painting. The golden ginkgo leaves beautifully complement the temple’s green tiles and yellow walls, evoking a serene Zen atmosphere. Beside the temple rests Zhang Xiaoxiang—a renowned patriotic poet and the top scholar (zhuangyuan) of the Southern Song Dynasty, who passed away at the young age of 38. Later generations have built the “Zhuangyuan Tomb,” the Qingfeng Corridor, and the “Zhuangyuan Jidi” Memorial Archway in his honor. Here, visitors can explore ancient sites, enjoy quiet contemplation, sip tea, and escape the clamor of the modern world.
Nanjing Laoshan National Forest Park offers stunning scenery in every season and charm at every step. Climb to Eagle Mountain’s summit to watch the great river flow eastward; wander through the Metasequoia oxygen bar to cleanse your lungs and spirit; explore the depths of Longdong Cave to marvel at nature’s handiwork; visit Qifo Temple to experience the harmony of Zen and tea—this green pearl of Jiangbei, in its own unique way, guards the natural beauty of Jinling and warmly welcomes every traveler in search of nature and tranquility.
