Yanziji Park in Nanjing

Yanziji Park in Nanjing

Yanziji Park is located at the northeastern corner of Mufu Mountain in the northern suburbs of Nanjing. It borders the Yangtze River to the west, north, and east, covering an area of approximately 1.1 hectares. The rock outcrop has an elevation of 38 meters, with steep cliffs rising abruptly above the river. Its base consists of purplish-red conglomerate and sandstone, while the top is covered with clay deposits. On sunny days, the contrast between the red rocks and green trees creates a magnificent view. The hill’s strata rise steeply and lie close to the Yangtze River. The constant impact of the river waves makes the rock mass highly prone to collapse, resulting in sheer cliffs and jutting boulders on the riverside, forming a precipitous and strategically advantageous high ground. Since ancient times, this place has been a renowned ferry crossing and a contested military stronghold.

Yanziji, meaning “Swallow Rock,” gets its name from its resemblance to a swallow soaring through the sky when viewed from afar. In geography, a “ji” (rocky outcrop) refers to a riverside hill surrounded by water on three sides and connected to the land on one. Such formations are especially common along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Yanziji, along with Caishi Ji in Anhui and Chibi Chengling Ji in Hubei, are known as the Three Great Ji of the Yangtze. It earned the title “The Finest Ji Under Heaven” from the Qing dynasty scholar Pan Cigeng, who wrote, “Countless cliffs rise along the river, but none match the exquisite beauty of Yanziji.” As a result, it is hailed as the “First Ji of the Ten-Thousand-Li Yangtze.” Among the “Forty-Eight Scenic Spots of Jinling” from the Qing dynasty, it was celebrated as “Sunset Glow at Yanziji.” In April 1983, it was further honored with the new “Forty Scenic Spots of Jinling” under the name “Yanziji by the Flowing River.”

Yanziji is not only a historically famous tourist destination but has also long been a strategic military site and a notable ferry crossing. Throughout history, many scholars and generals who passed through left behind poetic reflections inspired by the scenery. Legend has it that the Italian traveler Marco Polo mentioned Yanziji in his travelogue during the Yuan dynasty. Before becoming emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming dynasty, visited the rock and composed a humorous poem, which has since been engraved in stone. In 1645, the renowned anti-Qing general Shi Kefa climbed to the top of the rock and wrote the poem “Impromptu Verses at Yanziji,” while the artist Gong Xian also visited and drew inspiration from the landscape. The “Sacred Edict” stele at Changguan Tower in Gulou, Nanjing, documents Emperor Kangxi’s visit to Yanziji. Emperor Qianlong visited the Jiangnan region six times and climbed Yanziji on five of them, leaving behind poems. In modern times, the great educator Tao Xingzhi erected two wooden signs here to dissuade those contemplating suicide. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, national leaders such as Liu Shaoqi and Chen Yi visited Yanziji.

Address: No. 3, Linjiang Street, Qixia District, Nanjing

Type: Urban Park / Mountain

Recommended Visit Duration: 1–2 hours

Phone: 025-85311337

Official Website: http://yzj.nju.gov.cn/web_info/scenic/detail/1085.shtml

Opening Hours:

7:30-17:30

Ticket Information:

Gate Price: 10.0 RMB