Jinfo Mountain is located on the southern edge of Chongqing, south of Nanchuan District. Also known as Jinshan Mountain, it belongs to the Dalou Mountains and consists of three main peaks: Jinfo, Baizhi, and Qingba. The mountain is rich in water systems, well preserved in its primary vegetation, and marked by distinctive karst landforms.

Jinfo Mountain Scenic Area is a national 5A-level tourist attraction, a national nature reserve, a national forest park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, and one of China’s first national science education bases. It is a year-round destination: in spring, visitors can enjoy alpine rhododendrons; in summer, a cool mountain retreat; in autumn, forests ablaze with color; and in winter, rare snow scenery in southern China.

World Ancient Wild Rhododendron Park

Jinfo Mountain was one of the earliest centers of Buddhist activity in Nanchuan. Its Buddhist heritage began in the Tang dynasty, developed through the Ming dynasty, flourished in the Qing dynasty, and reached its height in the mid-Republic of China period, attracting many pilgrims and worshippers.

The line “How majestic Jinfo rises, veiled among clouds and rosy light” captures the mountain’s beauty. On clear evenings in summer and autumn, the setting sun casts a golden glow over the layered cliffs, making them shine like a gilded Buddha radiating countless rays of light. This magnificent sight gave the mountain its name: “Jinfo,” meaning “Golden Buddha.”

Jinfo Temple

Early development of Jinfo Mountain began in 1938. Over time, Jinfo Temple and Fenghuang Temple were restored, the mountain road from Sanquan to Longyancheng was improved, and the Jinfo Cultural Heritage Museum was built.

In January 1989, a formal management body was established with the creation of the Jinfo Mountain Scenic Area Administration Office, marking the beginning of systematic site surveys and scenic development. In July 1999, the North Slope tourist route officially opened.

In September 2006, Nanchuan County signed an agreement with Chongqing Communications, Tourism and Investment Group for the integrated development of Jinfo Mountain. This led to the development and construction of 12 scenic areas, including Tianxing Resort, Bitan Valley, Qianniuping, and the South Slope Scenic Area.

In July 2009, the west, south, and north tourist loops of Jinfo Mountain were fully connected. In September 2013, Jinfo Mountain–Shenlong Gorge passed inspection and was upgraded to a national 5A-level tourist attraction.

In April 2014, the World Ancient Wild Rhododendron Park Scenic Area at Jinfo Mountain in Nanchuan District officially opened to visitors. In June 2014, at the 38th session of the World Heritage Committee, Jinfo Mountain was inscribed on the World Natural Heritage List as part of Phase II of South China Karst.