Maoshan Taoist Mountain (Jurong)

Maoshan is a Taoist mountain in Jurong, administered by Zhenjiang in Jiangsu province, about 70 km (43 miles) southeast of Nanjing. It is regarded as the birthplace of the Shangqing school of Taoism, and its slopes hold several temples and shrines. No direct public transport reaches the mountain, so most visitors take a coach from Nanjing East bus station to Jurong, about one hour and roughly ¥20-35, then a taxi of 30 to 40 minutes to the scenic entrance. A chartered car round trip, costing roughly ¥450-700, is the most predictable option and takes about 1.5 hours each way. The multiple legs and the need to arrange local transport are why the trip is classed as hard. On the mountain, key sites include the Jiuxiao Wangong Palace, the Yuanfu Wanning Palace, and the Huayang Cave area, connected by stairs and paths. The mountain is also associated with the anti-Japanese resistance, and a memorial recalls the Jiangsu base of the New Fourth Army. A typical plan is to leave Nanjing early, reach the entrance by mid-morning, spend three to four hours walking between the temples and viewpoints, and have lunch at a simple restaurant near the entrance, where vegetarian dishes and local mountain vegetables are common. Some sections can be shortened with a cable car or shuttle, depending on operation. Afternoons are best used for a second temple area or a walk to a lookout before heading back. April to June and September to November are the most comfortable seasons, with green slopes and mild temperatures. Summer is hot and humid, winter is cold and misty, and incense-burning festival days draw large crowds. Entry is ticketed, and separate fees may apply for cable cars, so check current prices. Arrange the return car in advance, because taxis are scarce late in the day.