Nanjing Fangshan Scenic Area

Nanjing Fangshan Scenic Area

Nanjing Fangshan Scenic Area is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Nanjing Fangshan Scenic Area is located within the Science Park of Jiangning District, covering an area of 8.6 square kilometers. It is close to the nearby university town and high-tech industrial zone currently under construction.

Fangshan is a relatively low flat-topped mountain (approximately 208 meters above sea level), which from a distance resembles a seal and was historically known as Seal Mountain. Due to an airplane crash involving Dai Li here, it was also once called Dai Mountain. Although not very high, Fangshan still appears majestic and towering because it is situated on the plain. The lower surrounding areas consist of Upper Cretaceous Chishan Formation brick-red sandstone and Middle Tertiary Dongxuanguan Formation gravel layers, forming gentle slopes. Above the Dongxuanguan Formation lies the Upper Tertiary Pliocene Fangshan Formation basalt and its volcaniclastic rocks.

Based on the stratification and vertical relationships of the Fangshan Formation basalt and its volcaniclastic rocks, it can be determined that the volcanic eruptions of Fangshan occurred in two phases. The first eruptive phase was characterized by lava flows, forming a set of dense olivine basalt and vesicular basalt (referred to as the Lower Basalt). After this eruptive pause, a set of volcaniclastic sedimentary rocks accumulated. The second eruptive phase involved both overflow and explosive activity, resulting in a set of basaltic agglomerate, fine-grained olivine basalt, and fine-grained vesicular olivine basalt (referred to as the Upper Basalt). In addition to the aforementioned basaltic rocks from the two eruptive phases, there were also late-stage gabbro and basalt intrusions along volcanic conduits or primary fractures, forming volcanic necks and dikes, which marked the end of the eruptive activity.

The eruptive style of Fangshan basalt is classified as central vent volcanism. Fangshan is situated at a complete volcanic crater site. Geomorphologically, Fangshan appears as a gently sloping, round low mountain, with the lower surrounding areas consisting of Upper Cretaceous Chishan Formation brick-red sandstone and Middle Tertiary Dongxuanguan Formation gravel layers. Covering these are the Lower Basalt, volcaniclastic sedimentary rocks, and Upper Basalt. These rock formations have relatively gentle dips, generally between 10–15 degrees, with some areas reaching up to 30 degrees. However, their dip directions vary: the northern and northeastern slopes incline to the south and southwest, while the western, southwestern, southern, and southeastern slopes of the basalt incline to the north, forming an inward-dipping “syncline” structure. This is due to the collapse of the volcanic crater during the late stages of the eruption.

Closer to the central crater area, basaltic agglomerate is distributed with steeper dips, typically around 30 degrees, and the dip direction is opposite to the flow direction of the lava, forming a volcanic cone. The central conduit is filled with gabbro. Other features include radial and ring fractures, with parts filled by intrusive basalt dikes.

According to planning, the Fangshan Scenic Area will be divided into 2 zones, 3 concentric belts, and 12 functional areas. In addition to the geological park, a tourism and ecological zone will be developed. Within this zone, over 20 cultural and historical sites—including Dinglin Temple, Dongxia Temple, Suburban Altar, Dongxuanguan, and Fangshan Grand Temple—will be renovated and restored. Meanwhile, 38 new attractions such as the Qinhuai River Wetland Ecological Park, Forest Sculpture Art Park, and Flower Expo Garden will be constructed, making it a new highlight of Nanjing’s tourism.

Address: Science Park, Jiangning District, Nanjing (near the University Town)

Type: Forested mountain with temples

Recommended visiting time: 1–2 hours

Phone: 025-52712282

Official website: http://www.tianyinshan.com/

Opening hours:

Open all day