After 4 visits to Maoshan Scenic Area in Jurong, I finally figured it all out!

🧭Address Located in Maoshan Town, Jurong City, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, at the heart of the junction between Nanjing, Zhenjiang, and Changzhou. The core scenic area covers approximately 18 square kilometers. The main peak, Damao Peak, stands at 372.5 meters above sea level and is known as the "First Blessed Land and Eighth Cave Heaven" of Taoism. 🚗Transportation - By car: Navigate to "Jurong Maoshan Scenic Area." Accessible via Shanghai-Nanjing Expressway or Yangli Expressway. Parking fee is 10 RMB per visit (for blue license plates). - Public transport: - Take the high-speed train to Jurong Station, then transfer to Bus 112 (first bus at 6:30, last bus at 17:30) directly to the scenic area; - Take Nanjing Metro Line S6 to Jurong Station, then transfer to the tourist express bus (every 30 minutes). 🏞️Introduction Maoshan is renowned for its "Taoist culture, revolutionary history, and natural scenery": - Taoist culture: The birthplace of the Shangqing sect of Taoism, home to ancient temples like Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace and Yuanfu Wanning Palace; - Red history: Memorials like the Southern Jiangsu Anti-Japanese War Victory Monument (where firecrackers echo like bugle calls) and the New Fourth Army Memorial Hall; - Natural wonders: Explore karst caves like Huayang Cave and Immortal Cave, and interact with the clap-triggered bubbles at Xike Spring. 🗺️Travel Guide ⛩️Must-visit spots 1. Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace (Summit Palace): The highest point on Maoshan, offering panoramic views of clouds and mountains, and a chance to ring the bell for blessings🔔; 2. Yuanfu Wanning Palace (Seal Palace): Marvel at the 33-meter-tall bronze statue of Laozi and touch the "Blessing Wall" for good fortune; 3. Cave exploration: Huayang Cave (inscribed by Su Dongpo) and Immortal Cave (cool in summer, warm in winter, a 7-minute walk); 4. Red education route: Southern Jiangsu Anti-Japanese War Victory Monument → New Fourth Army Memorial Hall, experiencing the "firecrackers echoing bugle calls" phenomenon. 🚌Recommended routes - Effortless panoramic tour: Take the scenic shuttle (35 RMB) from the visitor center → Summit Palace → Seal Palace → Chongxi Palace → Huayang/Immortal Cave → Monument → Memorial Hall. Shuttles run every 10 minutes; the full tour takes about 4 hours. - Hiking route: Scenic area entrance → Xike Spring → Huayang Cave → Chongxi Palace → Land God Temple → Summit Palace. The 2-hour hike is ideal for the energetic. ⚠️Tips - Tickets: Peak season 100 RMB/person (115 RMB with shuttle), off-season 80 RMB; free for children under 1.4m and seniors over 70; - Hours: Open 7:30-17:00, last entry at 16:30⏰; recommended visit duration 6-8 hours; - Advice: - Keep your ticket! Re-entry checks required at Summit and Seal Palaces; - Wear non-slip shoes for wet cave floors; bring mosquito repellent and rain gear🌧️; - Taoist etiquette: Place left hand over right when bowing, and hold fists at eyebrow level. 🍜Food recommendations - Maoshan braised goose: Slow-cooked in earthen pots, tender and flavorful, a local must-try🦢 (Yu's Private Kitchen, Egret Villa); - Maoshan Lake fish head casserole: Made with bighead carp and mountain spring water, milky-white broth (signature dish at Maoshan HanTian Resort); - Mountain delicacies: Crispy bamboo shoots and healthful kudzu root dishes (kudzu chicken soup, kudzu root cakes). 🛏️Accommodation - Summit Palace Cliffside B&B: Inside Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace, with cloud-sea views, perfect for stargazing🌄; - Maoshan Hot Spring Holiday Resort: An IHG property with private hot springs, 3km from the scenic area♨️; - HanTian Peninsula Hotel: Lakeside retreat with Zen-style rooms and 24-hour butler service; - Themed stays: Spring City Vineyard Lodge (grape-themed) and Dragon Lake East Courtyard (RV and cabin experiences). 🌿Nearby attractions 1. Oriental Salt Lake City (15-minute drive): Taoist culture-themed town with immersive shows and Bagua landscapes; 2. Desa Stone Mill Tofu Village: Rural scenery and traditional tofu-making experiences; 3. Fure Flower Sea: Seasonal blooms and family-friendly activities, great for photos; 4. Baohua Mountain National Forest Park: Ancient Longchang Temple and forest hiking trails. 💎Summary Four visits revealed Maoshan's essence: sunrise at Summit Palace, midday cave explorations, lakeside dining at dusk, and starlit nights in the mountains✨. Where culture, nature, and history converge, a day here spans millennia—truly a journey worth taking!