Location & Accessibility

Five Lotus Peaks sits within Laoshan National Forest Park in Pukou District, nestled along the northern bank of the Yangtze River. To get there, take Metro Line 10 to Longhua Road Station, then transfer to Bus 602 or 611 heading toward Laoshan. The park entrance is about a 20-minute bus ride away. If driving, follow signs for “Laoshan Scenic Area” on Jiangbei Road—parking is available near the visitor center.

Natural Scenery: A Mountainous Jewel

The Five Lotus Peaks rise like a cluster of green lotus blossoms, with five distinct summits dominating the skyline. From the highest peak, you’ll see the Yangtze River winding through the plains like a silver ribbon, with distant hills fading into mist. Sunrise and sunset turn the sky pink, casting dramatic shadows on the jagged rocks. The air here feels crisper, filled with the scent of pine trees and wildflowers. Locals say this is the best spot to admire the Daci Pagoda in the distance—a historic tower that looks like a tiny toothpick against the horizon!

Cultural Stories & Hidden Gems

This mountain isn’t just about views—it’s packed with legends. One rock near the summit shows a giant footprint, rumored to be from an immortal who once leaped across the Yangtze River! The other footprint, they say, landed on Ma’anshan’s Caishiji Pier. Pretty wild, right?

At the mountain’s base, you’ll find the ruins of Xiangling Hermitage, a temple dating back to the Qing Dynasty. Two massive golden-hued ginkgo trees still stand guard here, their branches twisting like nature’s sculptures. Even though the temple was destroyed during wars, stone tablets carved with “Jiang Tian Yi Lan” (meaning “A Glimpse of River and Sky”) remain etched into a cliff. It’s a quiet spot to sit and imagine monks chanting centuries ago.

Hiking & Exploration Tips

The trails here are well-marked but can get steep. Wear comfy shoes! A loop route takes you past Listening-to-the-River Pavilion, where you can hear the Yangtze’s waves crashing below, and Ten-Thousand-Pine Path, a shady corridor of towering pines. In spring, wild azaleas bloom like pink clouds, while winter brings misty mornings that feel straight out of a Chinese painting.

Fun fact: Look for strangely twisted vines called “Ten-Thousand-Year Ivy” clinging to rocks—they look like nature’s own abstract art!

Practical Info

  • Opening hours: Park opens at 8 AM, closes at 5 PM (winter) or 6 PM (summer).
  • Entrance fee: Around 30 RMB for Laoshan National Park, including Five Lotus Peaks.
  • Facilities: Restrooms, a small snack shop near the trailhead, and benches along paths. Bring water—there are limited shops uphill.
  • Photo ops: The Flying-Stream Bridge (a stone arch bridge) and North/South Plump Brooks (winter plump trees) are Instagram favorites.

Why You Should Visit

Five Lotus Peaks blends natural drama with cultural whispers. Whether you’re hiking to escape the city, snapping photos of river vistas, or poking around ancient temple ruins, it’s a day trip that feels like stepping into a mix of adventure and history. Just remember: those mountains might look like lotuses, but climbing them is no fairytale—prepare for a workout with killer views!