Liuhe District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Travel

Liuhe District, Nanjing, Jiangsu — an ecological pearl north of the Yangtze River, home to Golden Bull Lake, Liuhe National Geopark, Lingyan Mountain, Guabu Mountain and other famous attractions, a 2-day experience of the wonderful fusion of nature and geology.

200+
Unique rock formations (spots)
25,000 mu
Golden Bull Lake area
170 m
Lingyan Mountain main peak elevation
15+
Liuhe specialty foods (types)
Panoramic view of Golden Bull Lake, Liuhe District, Nanjing
Golden Bull Lake - Landmark of Liuhe District
Golden Bull Lake is the largest artificial lake in Nanjing, with lake and mountain scenery complementing each other. It is a national water conservancy scenic area and the sailing competition venue for the 2014 Youth Olympic Games.

Liuhe District 2-Day Eco-Nature Tour

Lake scenery, geological exploration, mountain climbing, rural experience

Duration
2 days, 1 night
Main Destinations
Golden Bull Lake, Liuhe National Geopark, Lingyan Mountain, Guabu Mountain, Yeshan National Mine Park
Suitable For
Nature lovers, geology explorers, outdoor hikers, families
Budget per person
¥200-¥600
01
Lake Views & Geological Wonders
Golden Bull Lake · Liuhe National Geopark
Highlights

In the morning, enjoy Golden Bull Lake and its beautiful lake and mountain scenery; in the afternoon, explore Liuhe National Geopark and witness hundreds of millions of years of geological change; in the evening, taste local specialty cuisine.

Attractions
Golden Bull Lake
National 4A-level scenic area, the largest artificial lake in Nanjing, known as the "West Lake of Nanjing." The lake contains islands and peninsulas with excellent water quality, a paradise for water sports and leisure vacations.
Liuhe National Geopark
National 3A-level scenic area, featuring volcanic rock landscapes, stone pillar forests, volcanic craters and other geological relics. Known as a "Natural Geological Museum," it is an important base for science education and geological research.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Guesthouses around Golden Bull Lake
  • Hotels in Liuhe urban area
  • Farm stays near the Geopark
Food Recommendations
  • Liuhe Braised Pork Head
  • Huo Zhu Zi (incubated egg)
  • Liuhe Dried Beef
  • Longpao Crab Roe Soup Dumplings
  • Xinhuang Tofu Balls
Travel Tips
  • Golden Bull Lake is large, consider taking a boat tour
  • Some areas in the Geopark require walking, wear comfortable shoes
  • Protect against sun in summer, bring mosquito repellent
  • Golden Bull Lake sunset is beautiful in the evening, perfect for photos
02
Mountain & Heritage Experience
Lingyan Mountain · Guabu Mountain · Yeshan National Mine Park · Return
Highlights

In the morning, climb Lingyan Mountain and experience Buddhist culture; in the afternoon, explore Guabu Mountain and Yeshan National Mine Park to appreciate geological and industrial history; in the evening, conclude the trip and return.

Attractions
Lingyan Mountain
National 3A-level scenic area, named for its colorful rock surfaces resembling glossy ganoderma. The mountain features Lingyan Temple and other historical sites. Climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of Liuhe's urban area, a great place for leisure and fitness.
Guabu Mountain
Featuring volcanic landforms and ancient military sites, the mountain has historical relics such as Guabu Ancient Ferry. A great place to appreciate stone pillar forest landscapes and learn about ancient military culture.
Yeshan National Mine Park
China's first national mine park themed on mining, with a thousand-year mining history. Preserving numerous mining relics and mechanical equipment, it serves as a living fossil for understanding the development of China's mining industry.
Practical Info
Transportation
  • Take Metro Line S8 from downtown Nanjing directly to Liuhe District
  • Use district buses or taxis between attractions
  • Lingyan Mountain can be toured on foot
  • Taxi from downtown to Liuhe District costs about ¥80-120
Ticket Info
  • Golden Bull Lake: ¥40
  • Liuhe National Geopark: ¥30
  • Lingyan Mountain: Free (Lingyan Temple ¥10)
  • Guabu Mountain: ¥20
  • Yeshan National Mine Park: ¥30
Travel Tips
  • Lingyan Mountain has moderate difficulty, suitable for the whole family
  • Some areas of the Mine Park require a guide, group tour recommended
  • Recommended to buy Liuhe Braised Pork Head and Huo Zhu Zi as souvenirs
  • Spring vegetation is lush at Lingyan Mountain, autumn weather is pleasant at Golden Bull Lake, both are best seasons to visit

Must-Try Foods in Liuhe District

Liuhe Braised Pork Head

A traditional Liuhe famous dish, made from local pork heads through multiple braising processes. Tender meat with a rich aroma, fatty but not greasy, a representative of Liuhe's food culture.

Huo Zhu Zi (Incubated Egg)

A Liuhe specialty snack made from chicken or duck eggs incubated to a certain stage, then steamed. Delicious broth, tender egg meat, rich in nutrition, a very distinctive local delicacy.

Longpao Crab Roe Soup Dumplings

A specialty of Longpao Town, Liuhe, filled with crab roe and pork. Thin-skinned like paper with delicious soup and rich flavor, a famous Nanjing-style snack.

Liuhe Dried Beef

A traditional Liuhe meat product made from quality beef through pickling and braising. Bright red color, firm texture, savory taste, a traditional local delicacy that pairs well with alcohol.

Liuhe District Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Mar-May): Lingyan Mountain covered in wildflowers, pleasant scenery
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Golden Bull Lake great for water activities, escape the heat
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Cool weather, ideal for mountain climbing and geopark visits
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Fewer tourists, experience rural tranquility
Must-Do Experiences
  • Take a boat ride on Golden Bull Lake to enjoy lake and mountain scenery
  • View columnar joint stone pillar forests at the Geopark
  • Climb Lingyan Mountain for a panoramic view of Liuhe
  • Ride the mini train at Yeshan Mine Park
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. ¥130
  • Accommodation: ¥100-250/night
  • Meals: ¥60-120/day
  • Transport: ¥80-150
  • Total: ¥200-600
FAQ
  • How to get to Liuhe District? → Take Metro Line S8 from downtown Nanjing directly
  • Can I fish at Golden Bull Lake? → Some areas allow fishing, subject to regulations
  • What is Huo Zhu Zi? → An egg product incubated to a certain stage, unique in flavor
  • What special souvenirs does Liuhe District have? → Liuhe Braised Pork Head, Huo Zhu Zi, Longpao Crab Roe Soup Dumplings

Explore All Districts & Counties of Nanjing