Mount Jinfo

Background

Mount Jinfo lies in Nanchuan District, Chongqing, and is the highest peak of the Dalou Mountains; its highest point, Fengchuiling, is 2,238 metres above sea level. The mountain rises in isolation, surrounded by cliffs up to 300 metres high, with a relatively flat top, and it holds gorges, stone forests and cave systems — a typical karst landform. About 95% of the mountain is forested, and 4,768 species of seed plants have been recorded, earning it the name "plant museum"; it may also have wild Ginkgo populations. At the Golden Turtle Facing the Sun platform on the north side of Qianniuping, the cliff edge looks like a golden turtle in the sunlight. The Ancient Buddha Cave, at about 2,100 metres, is named after a naturally formed stone Buddha inside. The Bitan Valley on the western slope is known for its streams, waterfalls and trails.

Local customs

• Take the cable car up from the western or northern slope and walk the ridge trail
• see the Golden Turtle Facing the Sun and the Ancient Buddha Cave
• follow the stream-side trail in the Bitan Valley
• escape the summer heat on the mountain, or see snow and rime in winter
• on a clear evening, wait for the moment when the setting sun turns the cliffs gold.

Travel tips

• It is considerably cooler on the mountain than below, so bring a jacket
• boardwalks are slippery in rain and fog, and roads may ice over in winter, so heed the scenic area's notices
• cable car and scenic area transport prices follow the official information.
• Go to downtown Chongqing or Nanchuan town first, then take a bus to the west gate or north gate of Mount Jinfo
• going up one side and down the other lets you link the sights of both slopes. Summer is cool and good for escaping the heat, winter brings snow and rime, and in spring and autumn mountain flowers and clouds alternate
• the rainy season is often foggy, so check the weather before you go up.