Usnisa Palace Niushoushan
A modern Buddhist sanctuary on a mountain, featuring the awe-inspiring Usnisa Palace and the Buddha's parietal relic.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds for photos
Usnisa Palace Niushoushan
Best Time
Beat the crowds for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern Buddhist sanctuary on a mountain, featuring the awe-inspiring Usnisa Palace and the Buddha's parietal relic.
"Jaw-dropping, you really have to go yourself to fully experience its beauty as its quite hard to capture it on cam."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing to explore this vast site.
📸 Capture the Interior
The inside of Usnisa Palace is incredibly detailed and hard to photograph fully.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Usnisa Palace (Foding Palace)
Niushoushan Cultural Tourism Zone
A modern Buddhist sanctuary with a futuristic, multi-level complex, housing the Buddha's parietal relic.
Grand Buddha Palace Pagoda
Niushoushan
An 8-9 story pagoda offering rewarding views after a substantial climb.
Chan State Scenery
Inside Usnisa Palace
A vast, immersive room featuring a 7.5-meter rotating statue, creating a breathtaking shrine.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Prepare for Lots of Walking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing to explore this vast site.
📸 Capture the Interior
The inside of Usnisa Palace is incredibly detailed and hard to photograph fully.
📱 Scan for Info (if you can)
QR codes offer info on statues, but are often only in Chinese.
🛍️ Souvenir Smart
Souvenirs might be cheaper online on platforms like Taobao.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing to explore this vast site.
📸 Capture the Interior
The inside of Usnisa Palace is incredibly detailed and hard to photograph fully.
📱 Scan for Info (if you can)
QR codes offer info on statues, but are often only in Chinese.
🛍️ Souvenir Smart
Souvenirs might be cheaper online on platforms like Taobao.
🚆 Easy Access from Shanghai
Only about 1.5 hours by train from Shanghai, making it a great day trip. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are overwhelmingly impressed by the majestic and beautiful architecture of Niushoushan, particularly the Usnisa Palace, describing it as a 'jaw-dropping' and 'goosebumps beautiful' experience. The cultural and religious significance, combined with modern design, creates a unique atmosphere. However, some find the site vast and requiring significant stamina, and note that information signage is primarily in Chinese.
"China, Nanjing - Niushoushan. 牛首山。 Very impressive and cultural of the Buddhas. It is really huge and big place that you need the stamina to walk. Definitely no easy to climb up to the pagoda which is 8-9 storeys high, but you will be well rewarded if you can. You can see the Buddha☺️🙏🏻"
Eddie Goh
"Jaw-dropping, you really have to go yourself to fully experience its beauty as its quite hard to capture it on cam(im talking abt the inside part with all the buddhas). The outside of the tower is a great place to just relax and enjoy your surroundings too(a lot of people come here to take photos so be careful not to step in their photoshoot), they have QR codes to scan in-front of most statues for info about the buddha but they're only in Chinese(I think). DONT buy the souvenirs though, I found them on taobao for way cheaper."
· ́— ̀·
"Super majestic temple. Highly recommend for all tourists"
T
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Usnisa Palace is conveniently located about 1.5 hours from Shanghai by train.+1 From Nanjing South Railway Station, a DiDi (ride-sharing service) to Niushoushan Cultural Tourism Zone takes approximately 20 minutes and costs around 30 RMB.
While the site is large, many visitors opt to walk. There are also bus services within the park, though one traveler mentioned difficulty purchasing a bus ticket without a local phone number.
Yes, it's accessible via DiDi from Nanjing South Railway Station.
Niushoushan is located in the southern district of Nanjing, making it a manageable trip from the city center, especially via ride-sharing services.
Yes, taxis and ride-sharing services like DiDi are readily available and a convenient way to reach Niushoushan, particularly from Nanjing South Railway Station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the park, which includes Usnisa Palace, is approximately 160 RMB (around $34 AUD).
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially through platforms like Trip.com, is recommended to ensure a smooth entry. Check their website for the most up-to-date ticketing information.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official website or your booking platform for the most current times before your visit. Generally, it's open daily.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available. It's advisable to check the official ticketing website or inquire upon arrival for any potential group or student rates.
Yes, tickets can typically be purchased at the entrance, but booking online in advance is often recommended to avoid potential queues or sell-outs, especially during peak seasons.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the stunning Usnisa Palace (also known as Foding Palace), a modern Buddhist complex built into the mountainside, housing the Buddha's parietal relic.
Inside, you'll find multiple levels, including the breathtaking 'Chan State Scenery' with a large rotating statue and the 'Hall of a Thousand Buddhas'.
Yes, Niushoushan offers a unique cultural experience. However, be prepared for extensive walking and climbing, which might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues.
To fully appreciate the site, allocate at least half a day. Many visitors spend 3-4 hours exploring the Usnisa Palace and surrounding areas.
Yes, the site is equipped with restrooms and dining facilities. You can find various food options within the cultural tourism zone.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! Niushoushan, especially the Usnisa Palace, is renowned for its stunning and unique architecture, making it highly photogenic.
The interior of the Usnisa Palace, with its intricate designs and the 'Hall of a Thousand Buddhas,' offers incredible photo opportunities. The exterior of the Grand Buddha Palace pagoda is also a popular spot.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Usnisa Palace, but be mindful of other visitors and any specific restrictions in certain areas.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the grandeur of the interiors. A good smartphone camera will also suffice for most visitors.
Drone usage is typically restricted at cultural and religious sites. It's best to assume drones are not permitted to avoid any issues.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The interior, with its intricate designs and the 'Hall of a Thousand Buddhas,' offers dramatic lighting and composition opportunities.+1 Don't miss the exterior of the Grand Buddha Palace pagoda for sweeping views and architectural details.✈️ Day-Trippers from Shanghai
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel: Usnisa Palace
It's built into the mountainside and features multiple levels, including six underground floors, each offering a unique experience.+1 The palace is renowned for housing the Buddha's parietal relic (skull bone), making it a significant religious site.+1 Visitors are often struck by its grandeur, with descriptions ranging from 'psychedelic' to 'jaw-dropping'.Inside, the Chan State Scenery is a highlight, featuring a vast room with an impressive 7.5-meter rotating statue.
Another awe-inspiring area is the Hall of a Thousand Buddhas on the sixth underground level, which has left many visitors speechless. The intricate details, golden Buddhas, and serene prayer halls create an immersive and spiritual atmosphere. The palace's unique design, sometimes compared to Singapore's Esplanade due to its dome shape, makes it a standout attraction.Navigating Niushoushan: Getting Around and What to Expect
Transportation within the park includes shuttle buses, though one traveler noted potential difficulties in purchasing tickets without a local phone number.
The entrance fee is around 160 RMB, which is considered reasonable for the experience offered.
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