Laoshan National Forest Park
Forested mountain escape on the city outskirts
Laoshan National Forest Park, Pukou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
Laoshan National Forest Park is a lush mountain retreat on the outskirts of Nanjing, offering dense bamboo groves, cascading streams, and well-maintained hiking trails through subtropical forest. Less visited than Purple Mountain and considerably wilder in character, Laoshan provides a genuine escape into nature for those willing to travel beyond the city center. The park's trails climb through several peaks, with the highest reaching roughly 442 meters, and the dense vegetation supports rich birdlife and a peaceful atmosphere far removed from urban Nanjing.
Admission is around 25 yuan. The park is open from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Details
Hiking Trails
Several trails of varying difficulty wind through the park's forested hills. The main trail follows a stream valley upward through dense bamboo groves and broadleaf forest, with the path occasionally crossing the stream on stepping stones or small bridges. The climb to the higher ridges takes one to two hours depending on pace and offers progressively better views of the surrounding countryside. The trails are generally well-marked and paved in the lower sections, becoming more natural higher up.
Bamboo Groves and Streams
The park's most memorable feature is its dense bamboo forest, which creates cathedral-like corridors of green along several trail sections. The streams cascading through rocky channels add sound and movement to the forest environment. In spring and early summer, the vegetation is at its most lush and the streams run fullest. Autumn brings some foliage color to the broadleaf sections.
Practical Tips
Bring water and snacks, as options within the park are limited. Wear proper hiking shoes, as trails can be slippery when wet. The park is least crowded on weekdays. Allow three to four hours for a thorough visit including hiking.
Getting There
Address: Laoshan National Forest Park, Pukou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
Laoshan is located in the Pukou District, northwest of central Nanjing across the Yangtze River. The most practical approach is by taxi or Didi, roughly 40 to 60 minutes from the city center. Public transit options are limited but may include bus connections from Pukou district stations. The park is best treated as a dedicated half-day excursion.
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Laoshan National Forest Park