The Qixia Mountain Sanfeng Peak trail climbs to about 286 metres in the Qixia Mountain Scenic Area of Qixia District, north-east of central Nanjing in Jiangsu Province, China. The mountain is best known for Qixia Temple, one of the historic Buddhist monasteries of the region, the Thousand Buddha Cliff with its carved niches, and for autumn colour, when red maples cover the slopes. The round trip is about 5 to 6 kilometres, takes two to three hours and involves roughly 250 metres of ascent.
Visitors reach the trailhead by Metro Line 4 or a bus toward Qixia Temple, followed by a ten-minute walk to the entrance. A taxi from Xinjiekou takes about 50 minutes and costs roughly 80 to 100 CNY. Scenic-area admission is about 25 to 35 CNY, and the current price should be confirmed at the gate. There is car parking at the scenic area, though it fills quickly during the maple season.
Technically the trail is easy to moderate in feel but well within first-time hiker range. The surface is a mix of paved paths, stone steps and forest track, with sustained uphill sections but no scrambling and little exposure. Tree cover gives shade on most of the route, while the summit area opens to views over the surrounding hills and toward the Yangtze. Landmarks include Qixia Temple and its pagoda, the Thousand Buddha Cliff, and viewpoints along the ridge on the way to Sanfeng Peak. Visitors can turn back at the temple for a short outing or continue upward for the full climb.
Water and snacks are available near the temple and entrance, but there are few sources higher up, so a full bottle is advisable. Pavilions along the route give shelter from sun and rain. Weekends in late October and early November are very crowded, and trails can be congested, so weekday visits are calmer. Summer is hot and humid, and paths can be slippery after rain.
| Distance | about 5-6 km round trip (~3-3.5 miles) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2-3 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Trailhead | Metro Line 4 or bus toward Qixia Temple then a 10-minute walk; taxi from Xinjiekou about 50 minutes (about 80-100 CNY, ~$11.94-14.93); scenic-area admission about 25-35 CNY (~$3.73-5.22) |
| Best season | Late October-mid November (red maple season) |
| Address | Qixia Mountain Scenic Area, Qixiashan Road, Qixia District, Nanjing (南京市栖霞区栖霞山风景区) |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Qixia District, Nanjing
What to bring
- Hiking shoes
- Water and snacks
- Light jacket
- Offline map
Location
Qixia Mountain Scenic Area, Qixiashan Road, Qixia District, Nanjing (南京市栖霞区栖霞山风景区)
32.1483, 118.9625 View on map
Highlights
- Visit Qixia Temple and the carved Thousand Buddha Cliff
- Climb to Sanfeng Peak at about 286 m for wide views
- See red maple foliage in late October to mid November
- Follow stepped forest paths with about 250 m of ascent
Tips for visiting
- Go on a weekday during red maple season to avoid heavy crowds and congestion.
- Take Metro Line 4 rather than a taxi to avoid long queues at peak times.
- Wear hiking shoes since stone steps and forest tracks can be slippery after rain.
- Carry water and a light jacket; the summit can be cooler and breezier.
- Download an offline map because signage is mostly in Chinese.
When to visit
Late October to mid November for red maple foliage. Weekday mornings are calmer, and spring offers fresh greenery with fewer visitors.
Accessibility
The lower temple area has paved paths, but the climb to Sanfeng Peak uses many stone steps and is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Sanfeng Peak hike?
The round trip is about 5 to 6 km and takes two to three hours with roughly 250 m of ascent.
When are the maple leaves at their best?
The red maple season runs from late October to mid November, though timing varies from year to year.
How do visitors get there?
Take Metro Line 4 or a bus toward Qixia Temple and walk about ten minutes, or take a taxi for roughly 80 to 100 CNY from Xinjiekou.
What does entry cost?
Scenic-area admission is about 25 to 35 CNY, but the current price should be confirmed at the gate.