Hillside Buddhist temple with a seven-storey pagoda linked to the White Snake legend, overlooking the old Yangtze channel.
Jinshan Temple at 62 Jinshan Road in Runzhou District, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, is a Buddhist temple built on a hill that once stood as an island in the Yangtze River. Over time the river channel shifted and the hill became joined to the land, leaving the temple overlooking a former channel and a lake. The temple dates back more than 1,600 years and was known for its Water and Land Rite ceremony. Its buildings are densely packed on the slopes, so that the halls and pavilions seem to wrap around the hill, giving rise to the saying that the temple wraps the hill. The main landmark is the seven-storey Cishou Pagoda, which visitors can climb for views over Zhenjiang and the river plain. The temple is well known for its association with the White Snake legend, in which the monk Fahai imprisoned the white snake spirit Bai Suzhen beneath Leifeng pagoda, and visitors can see the Fahai Cave and the White Snake Cave on the hillside. Other sights include the Wonderful High Terrace, the Hall of Guanyin and the Emperor Qianlong's stele. The visit takes about two hours, and the paths involve many steps and slopes. Weekday mornings are calm, whereas weekends and holidays draw many families and tour groups. The site is easy to reach from Zhenjiang Railway Station by local bus or taxi in about ten minutes. Incense is burnt in the halls, and visitors should dress modestly, be quiet in prayer areas and follow signs on photography in the halls.
| Admission | Adult Approx CNY 65 (approx $9.70) · Child Free under 1.2 m |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily approx 7:00AM-5:00PM |
| Typical visit | 2 hours |
| Best time | Weekday morning |
| Getting there | Local bus or taxi from Zhenjiang Railway Station about 10 minutes |
| Address | 62 Jinshan Road, Runzhou District, Zhenjiang 212000, Jiangsu, China |
Good to know
- Best for
- history lovers, families
Location
62 Jinshan Road, Runzhou District, Zhenjiang 212000, Jiangsu, China
32.2246, 119.3921 View on map
Highlights
- Seven-storey pagoda with views over Zhenjiang
- White Snake legend sites, including Fahai Cave
- Halls and pavilions wrapped around the hillside
- Former island temple beside a lake
Tips for visiting
- Visit on a weekday morning for smaller crowds
- Wear comfortable shoes for steps and slopes
- Dress modestly and stay quiet in prayer halls
- Allow about two hours
- Look for the White Snake caves on the hillside
- Local bus or taxi from Zhenjiang Railway Station about 10 minutes
When to visit
Weekday mornings are calm, and spring and autumn are comfortable for the climb. Holidays are crowded.
Accessibility
The temple is built on a hillside with many steps and slopes, so wheelchair access is limited. Lower courtyards are more accessible than the pagoda.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
About two hours covers the temple, pagoda and caves. A slower visit may take longer.
Is it worth it for kids?
Children often enjoy the White Snake legend and the pagoda climb. The steps may tire small children.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is allowed outdoors and in many areas. Inside temple halls it may be restricted, so follow signs.
What is the White Snake legend?
It is a folk tale about the snake spirit Bai Suzhen and the monk Fahai, and Jinshan Temple is the setting for a famous episode. The caves on the hillside commemorate it.