Plan at a glance
West Gate, South Gate and visit length
Qixia Mountain Scenic Area is at 88 Qixia Street. The West Gate is the main entrance, with concentrated sights and gentler slopes. The South Gate is closer to the ticket office but steeper, and free-entry periods can be crowded. Allow 1.5–2 hours for the West Gate core route, 3–4 hours for the complete route or 4–5 hours for a South Gate mountain loop.
Adult admission is about CNY 25 from January to June and September to October, and about CNY 40 during the red-maple season in November and December. Entry may be free before 07:00 and after 17:00 each day. The scenic area usually opens 07:00–17:30, while Qixia Temple usually opens 08:00–16:00.
Qixia Temple and the mountain paths
Qixia Temple is inside the scenic area and provides three free sticks of incense. The paths include stone steps and slopes. The West Gate is better for first-time visitors and families, while the South Gate suits visitors who want a longer mountain climb.
Traffic is more difficult during the red-maple season, weekends and holidays, so leave early. Plan the scenic-area ticket, temple hours and free-entry periods separately; one time window does not cover every part of the mountain.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
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Qixia Temple, the pagoda and Thousand-Buddha Cliff
Qixia Temple’s red walls, gingko trees and vegetarian noodles fit naturally into a West Gate route. The Sarira Pagoda and Thousand-Buddha Cliff contain Southern Dynasties carvings and grotto details. Visitors interested in history and temple architecture can combine the temple, carvings and mountain path in one cultural visit.
Spend time observing the carvings at Thousand-Buddha Cliff and follow the protection and distance notices. Qixia Temple provides free incense, so there is no need to buy expensive incense at the entrance.
Red Maple Valley and the First Emperor Riverside View
Red Maple Valley is the main autumn foliage area. The First Emperor Riverside View is higher up and looks over the Yangtze River and the mountain. Mirror Lake, near the entrance, has a curved bridge and pavilion reflections; the red walls of Qixia Temple usually have softer light after 15:00.
Families can use the sightseeing car to reduce the uphill walking. Photographers should allow more time during the red-maple season, but mountain weather and light can change quickly, so keep energy for the return route.
Build your day
A 1.5–2 hour West Gate quick route
Enter through the West Gate, follow Mirror Lake, Qixia Temple, Red Maple Valley and the First Emperor Riverside View, then take the sightseeing car down. The route uses mostly level paths and downhill sections, making it suitable for first-time visitors, short schedules and groups with limited stamina.
If Qixia Temple and Red Maple Valley are the priorities, return directly after the viewpoint. The light on the temple’s red walls is usually softer after 15:00, but confirm the sightseeing-car schedule and final-entry time.
A 3–4 hour West Gate complete route
From the West Gate, visit Mirror Lake and Qixia Temple, then continue to the Sarira Pagoda and Thousand-Buddha Cliff, Red Maple Valley and the First Emperor Riverside View before returning to the West Gate. This route covers the lower temple, carvings, foliage and mountain views.
For a longer challenge, enter through the South Gate, climb via Taixu Pavilion and Fengxiang Peak, then continue through the core area and leave at the West Gate. The full route takes about 4–5 hours and requires more stamina, so assess the group before starting.
Get there
Public transport
The main public-transport option is Metro Line 4 towards Xianlin Lake. Get off at Qixiashan Station and walk about 10 minutes to the South Gate; bus routes 138 and 206 also reach the area. From the South Gate, follow the day’s entrance directions if you want to begin at the West Gate instead.
Metro Line 6 and the S1 line were still being tested or had not officially opened for direct service to Qixia Mountain as of August 2026. Do not plan around them as operating routes; confirm current transport information before leaving.
West Gate navigation and parking
Drivers can navigate to the Qixia Mountain West Gate, where parking is relatively convenient. Roads can be congested during the red-maple season and on weekends, so arrive early and allow time to walk from the car park to the entrance.
If you enter through the South Gate and leave through the West Gate, arrange a pick-up or public transport in advance. Do not plan to walk back between the gates simply to retrieve a car.
Know before you go
Timing and congestion
For fewer crowds, visit on a weekday, before 07:00 or after 15:00. The red-maple season from November to December concentrates visitors, and roads, paths and temple entrances become busier on weekends and holidays.
Qixia Temple usually stops admitting visitors around 16:00, while the wider scenic area may stay open until 17:30. If you arrive in the afternoon, visit the temple first and then continue to Red Maple Valley and the mountain paths.
Shoes, water and food
The mountain has stone steps and slopes, so wear comfortable, non-slip shoes and carry enough water and a small snack. Prices inside may be higher; the Thousand-Buddha Vegetarian Noodle Shop inside Qixia Temple is a practical meal stop, and chain restaurants are available outside the West Gate.
Qixia Ancient Town is next to the West Gate and works well for shops and food after the mountain visit. Xianlin University Town and Baohua Mountain are better treated as separate outings. Collect incense inside the temple according to its rules rather than buying unnecessary supplies at the entrance.