Niushou Mountain, situated on the border between Jiangning District and Yuhuatai District in Nanjing, is one of China’s renowned Buddhist mountains. It takes its name from its twin peaks—one to the east and one to the west—which stand facing each other, resembling the two horns of a bull’s head, and has long been known as ‘Spring Niushou’ (on a par with ‘Autumn Qixia’). In recent years, it has become a world-class Buddhist pilgrimage site due to the enshrinement of the relic of Shakyamuni Buddha’s skull bone.
Key Attractions: The Buddha’s Crown Palace and the Buddha’s Crown Pagoda
The Buddha’s Crown Palace: The most awe-inspiring structure on the entire mountain, built atop an abandoned mine shaft. Its exterior features a massive golden dome (shaped like the Buddha’s robe), whilst the interior houses a thousand golden Buddha statues and Zen-inspired spaces. At the centre of the underground chamber lies the relic of Shakyamuni Buddha’s skull bone (the only one in existence in the world), which is only open to the public for veneration on specific dates each year (such as Buddha’s Birthday and New Year’s Day). Even without viewing the relic, the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas and the Grand View of Zen within the Buddha’s Crown Palace are exceptionally spectacular and are must-see attractions.
The Buddha’s Crown Pagoda: Standing approximately 88 metres tall, this nine-storey, four-sided pagoda offers panoramic views of the entire Niushou Mountain, the surrounding peaks and the cityscape from its summit. Inside the pagoda are enshrined sacred statues of various Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, and there is a staircase leading to the top.
Buddha’s Crown Temple: Situated at the foot of the mountain, this is Niushou Mountain’s centre for Zen meditation. The complex features Tang Dynasty-style architecture, where visitors can burn incense to pray for blessings and immerse themselves in the Zen atmosphere.
Natural and Cultural Landmarks
Natural Scenery: Niu Shou Mountain is known as ‘Spring Niu Shou’; in spring, the mountain is ablaze with wildflowers, and is particularly beautiful when the peach blossoms are in full bloom. Historical sites within the mountains include the Zheng He Cultural Park (commemorating Zheng He, whose ashes are interred here), Yue Fei’s Former Fortress against the Jin (a military site from the Song Dynasty), and cliff carvings.
Zen Experience: Cultural activities such as sutra copying, Zen meditation and the tea ceremony are held regularly within the scenic area. From Chengjiang Terrace, near the Buddha’s Summit Palace, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Yangtze River and the city of Nanjing.
