The rime ice on Nanjing’s Zijin Mountain is as picturesque as a poem. You deserve this guide to enjoy the view.
👉 How to get to Zijin Mountain:
There are several hiking trails up Zijin Mountain, and we’ve selected 4 of the most popular ones for you:
1⃣️ Jiangwang Temple: This is the most frequently used route by visitors. It’s convenient and relatively quick—despite the steep steps—taking about 40 minutes in total. More importantly, the rime ice can be found right beside Jiangwang Temple, offering an easy direct approach. Exit from Gate 1 of Jiangwang Temple Metro Station to find the trailhead.
2⃣️ Sports Park: This route has beautiful scenery along the way but takes the longest time, approximately an hour and a half. Exit from Gate 1 of Zhongling Street Station on Metro Line 2 and pass through Linggu Temple, Liuhui Pavilion, etc.
3⃣️ White Horse Park: This beginner-friendly route isn’t directly served by the subway, but it’s not steep throughout, and the duration is moderate—about 50 minutes in total. Take a bus to the south gate of White Horse Park and get off there.
4⃣️ Zijin Mountain Cable Car: This is perfect for those with kids or who don’t like hiking. Due to the current closure of Longbotou Road, take a taxi to the Zijin Mountain Cable Car from Mucaoyuan Station on Metro Line 2.
👉 How long will the rime ice last:
The weather has been cold recently, and there’s plenty of mist, so the rime ice is expected to continue growing tonight. Over the next few days, the rime ice should remain, so everyone can visit with confidence.
👉 Do you need a ticket:
There’s no admission fee for Zijin Mountain itself. However, you do need a ticket for the cable car—60 RMB one-way per person, 100 RMB round trip (ticket sales are only for the cable car).
👉 Some essential tips to heed:
1️⃣ If possible, set off early! The scenery is better in the morning; the rime ice and snow are better preserved. By noon and afternoon, they may have melted, and the view won’t be as beautiful; moreover, there are fewer people in the morning.
2️⃣ Dress warmly; it’s quite windy on the mountain, and it can get cold when taking photos for extended periods. Remember to bring hats, scarves, and gloves.
3️⃣ Wear comfortable sports shoes to protect your knees and ankles.
4️⃣ There’s no need to carry several bottles of water; a small bottle will suffice. The weather tends to be humid, so you won’t get thirsty easily, plus there is free hot water available at KFC at the mountaintop.