A Journey to Mount Mao Inspired by a Song

Follow the song "Beautiful Scenery of Mount Mao" and explore the thousand-year-old cultural heritage of the fairy mountains in the south of the Yangtze River ~ Jurong Maoshan Wonderland. "Green bamboos cover the mountain, waterfalls shine in the sun. Come to Mount Mao for a stroll, surrounded by flowers. The scenery of Mount Mao is so beautiful, no other scenery can compare." 🌟Attraction Introduction: Mount Mao, located at the junction of Jurong City and Jintan District in Jiangsu Province, is one of the famous Taoist mountains in China, known as the "First Blessed Land, Eighth Celestial Cave". The main peak, Damao Peak, has an elevation of 372.5 meters. Although not towering, it has become a popular tourist destination in the south of the Yangtze River due to the blend of Taoist culture, natural scenery, and revolutionary history. 🗓Itinerary: Day 1⃣️ 👉To appreciate the charm and night view of Mount Mao, arrive at Mount Mao around 6 pm and check in to the Yangsheng Valley Homestay. 👉From 7 pm to 10 pm, the palaces are illuminated, appearing resplendent and magnificent. In the distance, you can see the Top Palace on the opposite mountaintop and the statue of Lao Tzu in the Yin Palace, shining brightly like a fairyland. 👉Enjoy the cool breeze and bright moon under the big trees in front of the palace, experiencing the tranquility of this secluded fairy mountain. Day 2⃣️ ✔️Chongxi Wanshou Palace (Lower Palace) 👉Have a simple breakfast and visit the various halls. Although newly built, the halls are grand and magnificent, with a rich atmosphere. 👉Start hiking towards Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace at 10 am (the sightseeing bus only runs from the visitor center to Wanfu Palace). The walk takes about one hour. 👉Follow the navigation, passing by Xike Spring ~ Zhaoming Prince's Reading Place ~ Yinju Pavilion ~ Baopu Pavilion ~ Huacun Pavilion. The hike is quite pleasant, with a gentle breeze and dense forests all around, and quite a few steps. ✔️Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace (Top Palace) 👉Arrive at Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace at 11 am. The complex is built against the mountain, with red walls and black tiles contrasting with green pines and cypresses. Inside the halls, statues of the Three Purities and the Three Mao True Monarchs are enshrined. From the platform, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the mountain peaks. 👉Visit the Mount Mao Talisman distribution center and learn about Maoshan talismans, handwritten with cinnabar. The lowest price is 199 yuan. 👉Have lunch at Daoshanfang. Blessing noodles or longevity noodles are 36 yuan, or a set of three vegetarian dishes is 108 yuan. ✔️Yuanfu Wanning Palace (Yin Palace) 👉Take the sightseeing bus for about 10 minutes to Wanning Palace. The main attraction here is the world's largest statue of Lao Tzu. 👉After visiting the halls and statues, walk along the path to visit the Immortal Cave ~ Huayang Cave ~ Chu King Valley. The entrances and exits of the Immortal Cave and Huayang Cave are fixed, and you can only move forward in one direction, otherwise, you will have to detour. These two caves are very unique and must-sees. 💥Immortal Cave: Flowing water, winding paths, and exquisite stalactites. 💥Huayang Cave: A blessed place where emperors of past dynasties offered prayers for national peace and prosperity. 👉After visiting the attractions along the way, you will basically reach the downhill path. Then, from the bus stop at Wanshou Palace, continue to take the sightseeing bus back to the visitor center. ✔️Southern Jiangsu Anti-Japanese War Victory Monument 👉Before reaching the visitor center, you can get off the bus midway to visit the Southern Jiangsu Anti-Japanese War Victory Monument and the New Fourth Army Memorial Hall. 👉Mount Mao is one of the six major mountainous anti-Japanese base areas and the core of the Southern Jiangsu Anti-Japanese Base Area. The 36-meter-high monument soars into the sky. Setting off firecrackers in front of the monument simulates the sounds of battle, creating an immersive experience. ✔️Jurong Gexian Lake Park From the monument or memorial hall, you can take a taxi back to downtown Jurong. If you have more time, Gexian Lake Park is also highly recommended. The park features the Dasheng Pagoda, Santai Pavilion, Gexian Temple, and the Ge Hong Memorial Hall. ❤Recommended Accommodation: Yangsheng Valley Homestay, located in Chongxi Wanshou Palace (Lower Palace) 📝Tips: ✔️Jurong Mount Mao is a 5A scenic spot, and Jintan Mount Mao is a 4A scenic spot. They are two different scenic areas with separate tickets. At Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace (Top Palace) in Jurong Mount Mao, you can take a cable car directly to Jintan Mount Mao. ✔️After 5 pm, you can drive directly into Mount Mao without paying for tickets. ✔️The sightseeing bus in Mount Mao Scenic Area is a one-way loop. Other routes can only be accessed on foot. 🚌Visitor Center--Top Palace--Yin Palace (Immortal Cave, Huayang Cave)--Chongxi Wanshou Palace (Xike Spring)--Monument--Memorial Hall--Visitor Center. ✔️The vegetarian meals at the homestay and the palaces are quite expensive. 🍱Most meals are 30 yuan for noodles, 40 yuan for simple meals like dumplings, and a single vegetarian dish or a set of vegetarian dishes can be more expensive.