Nanjing Qingliangshan Park

Nanjing Qingliangshan Park

Nanjing Qingliangshan

Qingliangshan was formerly known as Stone Mountain or Shoushan, located in the western part of Nanjing. Before the Tang Dynasty, the Yangtze River reached the southwestern foot of Qingliangshan. The river’s impact carved out steep cliffs, forming a natural barrier that blocked northern enemies from crossing south. Sun Quan, the King of Wu, built Stone City here as a river defense fortress, hence it is also called Stone City. Legend has it…

Nanjing Qingliangshan is over 100 meters high and covers an area of about 4 square kilometers. It has now been developed into Qingliangshan Park. The park features lush trees and rugged terrain. Major historical sites include Qingliang Temple, Chongzheng Academy, Sao Ye Lou (Leaf-Sweeping Tower), Zhu Ma Po (Horse-Tethering Slope), and Cui Wei Garden.

The park entrance is a triple-arch memorial archway. The central arch bears the inscription “Qingliangshan,” written by Gong Xian, the master of Sao Ye Lou. Qingliang Temple is situated in a valley on the southern foothills of Qingliangshan. Only a five-bay single-story building remains today, with red walls and black tiles, surrounded by osmanthus and bamboo. The gate is inscribed with the words “Ancient Qingliang Temple.” A round gate in the front wall is marked “Qingliang Bieyuan” (Qingliang Retreat). Behind the building is a hexagonal pavilion housing an ancient well known as Huanyang Spring.

Sao Ye Lou is located on the western hillside and is a two-story wooden structure with upturned eaves, consisting of three bays. It was the former residence of Gong Xian. Gong Xian (1619–1689), also known as Banqian, was a renowned painter and poet of the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. After the fall of the Ming Dynasty, he settled on Qingliangshan. He once painted a self-portrait holding a broom while sweeping fallen leaves, hence the name Sao Ye Lou.

Chongzheng Academy is located on the eastern hillside of Qingliang Temple and was built during the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty. The academy has three courtyards, with corridors connecting the wings of the first two. The third courtyard, called “Qingliang Shengjing” (Qingliang Paradise), is situated on higher ground. The main hall is an ancient building with double eaves and upturned corners, measuring 6 meters in height, 16 meters in width, and 20 meters in depth. In front of the hall is a pool with carved stone water spouts. To the west is the two-story “Jiangtian Yixian Pavilion” (River-Sky One-Line Pavilion), and to the east are rockeries, a pool, and a hexagonal pavilion. Today, Chongzheng Academy houses the China Exotic Stones Museum. To the east of the museum are attractions such as Zhu Ma Po and Cui Wei Garden.

Address: No. 83 Qingliangshan Road, Gulou District, Nanjing (near Guangzhou Road)

Type: Urban Park

Recommended Visiting Time: 1–2 hours

Phone: 025-83736861

Opening Hours:

6:00-18:00

Ticket Information:

Free admission.