Niushoushan
Sacred hillside retreat with the underground Usnisa Palace
Niushoushan Cultural Park, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
Niushoushan (Bull's Head Mountain) is a sprawling scenic and cultural area south of central Nanjing that combines forested hillside hiking, ancient Buddhist heritage sites, and the spectacular underground Usnisa Palace — a modern Buddhist reliquary hall built to house a fragment of the skull bone of Shakyamuni Buddha. The area's history stretches back over 1,500 years, with pagodas, grottoes, and stone carvings from multiple dynasties scattered across the hillsides. The addition of the Usnisa Palace in 2015 transformed Niushoushan from a local hiking destination into one of Nanjing's most significant cultural attractions.
Admission is around 100 yuan, including the Usnisa Palace. The site is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Details
Usnisa Palace
The Usnisa Palace (Foding Gong) is the site's most remarkable feature — an enormous underground Buddhist hall built into the hillside, reached through a long descending corridor. The interior is lavishly decorated with golden sculptures, crystal chandeliers, and luminous murals depicting Buddhist cosmology. At its center, a reliquary houses what is believed to be a fragment of the skull bone of the historical Buddha, making it one of the most sacred Buddhist relics in China. The scale and opulence of the underground space is genuinely awe-inspiring, regardless of one's religious perspective.
Historic Sites
The hillsides contain numerous historic Buddhist sites predating the modern palace. Ancient pagodas, stone-carved Buddhist figures, and rock-cut grottoes from the Six Dynasties and Tang Dynasty periods are scattered along the hiking trails. The twin pagodas at the summit of Bull's Head Mountain are visible from a distance and provide panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. These older sites offer a contemplative contrast to the elaborate modern palace below.
Hiking and Nature
Forest trails connect the various historic sites across the hillsides, passing through bamboo groves, mixed forest, and open meadows. The hiking is moderate and pleasant, with the trails well-maintained and clearly marked. The area is particularly beautiful in spring when wildflowers bloom and in autumn when the foliage turns.
Getting There
Address: Niushoushan Cultural Park, Jiangning District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
Niushoushan is located roughly 15 kilometers south of central Nanjing. **Hedinggiao Station** on Line S1 (the airport express) is the nearest subway stop, from which shuttle buses run to the scenic area entrance. Alternatively, a taxi from central Nanjing takes 30 to 40 minutes. Allow at least a half day for a thorough visit.
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Niushoushan