Tianma Mountain: A Hidden Wonderland Journey atop Shanghai's Land-based Summit

The Change of Mountain Name—From "Ganshan" to "Tianma"
Tianma Mountain was originally called "Ganshan," and there are two theories about the origin of its name. One theory is that Gan Jiang of the Wu Kingdom during the Spring and Autumn Period forged swords here, hence the name. The other theory is that the mountain's shape resembles the "pan naan" on an ancient saddle, hence the name "pan shan," which was later corrupted to "Ganshan." According to the "Songjiang Prefecture Annals," because its shape "resembles a heavenly horse soaring through the sky," it gradually became known as "Tianma Mountain" after the Yuan Dynasty, adding a touch of dynamism and imagination. As the largest and highest of the "Nine Peaks of Songjiang," it has always been a place where literati and poets have climbed and composed poems.

Layers of History: From a Buddhist Paradise to a Contemporary Park
The history of Tianma Mountain is a condensed history of the changes in the human geography of Jiangnan.
- The flourishing of Buddhism (Song and Yuan Dynasties): The mountain was dotted with temples, and the incense was very prosperous. The large-scale "Shangfeng Temple" was once known as "the first mountain in the southeast" and was an important center of Buddhist activities in Jiangnan.
- Rise and Fall (Ming and Qing Dynasties to Modern Times): Having endured war and natural erosion, the temple was repeatedly built and destroyed. The mountain itself suffered partial damage due to long-term quarrying, but its cultural essence remained. The Hubao Guangta Pagoda, built in the Northern Song Dynasty, began to tilt during the Qianlong era due to foundation shifts, but unexpectedly became an enduring wonder.
- Protection and Rebirth (Modern): Since the 1980s, the mountain has been listed as a protected area, quarrying has been stopped, and vegetation restoration has been carried out. Today, it is open to the public as Tianma Mountain Park, a rare cultural and natural scenic area in Shanghai with its tranquil forest environment and precious historical relics.

In-depth understanding: Explore more historical and cultural landmarks in Shanghai >> [Tianzifang] [Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street]

Nature's Creation—The Green Lung and Geological Book at the Top of Shanghai
The natural landscape of Tianma Mountain showcases the beauty of the hills of Jiangnan and the traces of geological changes.

- Shanghai's highest point on land: Climbing to the summit marker, while it may not offer the overwhelming sense of "viewing all the mountains below," it provides a unique psychological experience of "standing at the highest point in Shanghai." Looking out, the Sheshan National Tourist Resort and Songjiang New City unfold before your eyes, offering a panoramic view.
- Dense Forest Ecosystem: After decades of conservation, the mountain is covered with lush trees and has an extremely high forest coverage, forming a "green lung" on the edge of the city. Walking on the mountain trails, you can see camphor trees, beech trees and bamboo forests everywhere. It is lush and green in spring and summer and colorful in autumn, making it a perfect place for forest bathing and escaping the hustle and bustle.
- Quarry Remains and Rock Faces: Historically, long-term quarrying activities have left several steep rock faces and deep pools on the southeastern slope of the mountain. These exposed rock formations, though traces of human activity, now present a rugged and wild natural beauty, adorned with vines, and silently tell the story of this mountain's past.

Humanistic Ingenuity: The Miracle of the Leaning Tower and the Mark of Time
Cultural relics are the soul of Tianma Mountain, imbuing this small hill with the weight of history.

- The Jewelry Tower – The World's First Leaning Tower: This is the most significant gem of Tianma Mountain and even Shanghai. This seven-story, octagonal brick-and-wood Song Dynasty tower was built in the second year of the Yuanfeng era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1079). Its tilt exceeds 6.5 degrees, surpassing the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa (approximately 4 degrees), earning it the title of "World's First Leaning Tower." Having withstood a thousand years of wind and rain, fires, and even Japanese artillery bombardment, the tower, though damaged, stands firm; its tilted posture, in fact, contributes to its breathtaking beauty. The brickwork brackets and arched doorways of the tower are invaluable artifacts for the study of Song Dynasty architecture.
- Shangfeng Temple Ruins and Ancient Ginkgo Tree: Beside the Leaning Tower, the grand ruins of Shangfeng Temple can be seen. The remaining temple foundations and column bases evoke images of its former glory, filled with the sounds of chanting. In front of the ruins stands an ancient ginkgo tree, over 700 years old, its golden leaves turning golden in autumn, creating a poignant and beautiful scene alongside the Leaning Tower.
- The Tomb of the "Three Eminent Scholars" and Cliff Inscriptions: The mountain also contains the memorial tombs of historical figures such as Chen Jiru, a Ming Dynasty writer, and Yang Weizhen, a calligrapher and painter, collectively known as the "Tomb of the Three Eminent Scholars." In addition, ancient stone inscriptions such as "Cloud Wall" and "Washing Moon Spring" remain on the mountain cliffs, adding to the enjoyment of exploring ancient sites and secluded spots while hiking.
- Bronze Guanyin and "Fourth Spring Under Heaven": There used to be a Bronze Guanyin Temple on the mountainside, and the legend still exists. The nearby "Zhuoyue Spring" was once known as "Fourth Spring Under Heaven". Although it no longer looks the same, the relics can still be visited, adding a touch of mystery to the landscape.

Photography Tips:
The best vantage point for photographing the Leaning Tower is on the northwest side of the tower. Using a wide-angle lens, you can capture its entire tilted appearance alongside the ancient, vigorous trees in the same frame.
The mountaintop viewing platform offers stunning views of the Songjiang city skyline blending seamlessly with the green hills.
The photos of the ancient ginkgo tree and the leaning tower are most stunning in late autumn, with the golden leaves contrasting sharply with the mottled tower.
The light and shadow on the mountain trails are particularly enchanting in the early morning or evening, making them perfect for capturing the tranquil forest atmosphere.

Five Must-Do Things to Unlock the Complete Mountain Journey
1. Measuring the miracle of the "world's first inclined plane"
- Location: Under the Jewel Light Tower.
- Method: Walk around the ancient pagoda from different angles to experience its breathtaking tilt. Touch the mottled bricks and stones of the pagoda to feel the warmth and weight of nearly a thousand years.
2. Climb to the highest natural point on land in Shanghai.
- A sense of ritual: Climb to the 99.8-meter summit along the well-maintained trail and take photos at the landmark. This "Top of Shanghai" experience is unique.
3. Seeking out a historical site in the mountains
- Exploration: Follow the map to find the pillar bases of Shangfeng Temple, cliff carvings, and the memorial site of the "Three Eminent Men" scattered in the mountains and forests. This is like a small-scale historical archaeology, where every step may lead to a dialogue with the ancients across time.
4. Experience a forest healing session
- Action: Choose a quiet side path and stroll slowly, turn off your phone, and focus on listening to the birdsong, the wind, and your own breathing. Tianma Mountain has lush vegetation and a high content of negative oxygen ions, making it a perfect "urban forest bathing" spot.
5. Understanding the Four Seasons of a Mountain
- Timing: Enjoy the fresh greenery in spring, escape the heat in summer, admire the golden ginkgo leaves in autumn, and appreciate the gnarled branches in winter. Tianma Mountain presents a different appearance depending on the season.

Suggested tour routes
Half-day "Core Wonders" tour (suitable for most tourists):
Arrive at the East Gate at 9:00 AM → Follow the main trail uphill, first visiting the Hubao Guang Pagoda and the ruins of Shangfeng Temple, and admiring the ancient ginkgo trees (1 hour) → Continue climbing the mountain, passing the Bronze Guanyin scenic spot, and reach the mountaintop viewing platform to overlook the panoramic view of Songjiang (1 hour) → You can choose to descend the mountain via the other trail to experience different scenery → The tour ends around noon.
IntoTravelChina Tip: This itinerary is relaxed and includes the essential Leaning Tower experience and summiting. Please be cautious as the mountain trails may be slippery.

A one-day cultural tour of Songjun Jiufeng (highly recommended):
Morning: In-depth tour of Tianma Mountain (refer to the above half-day itinerary, and you can explore the stone carvings and relics in more detail).
Lunch: Enjoy local Songjiang cuisine at a farmhouse restaurant at the foot of the mountain or head to Sheshan Town.
Afternoon: Drive to West Sheshan (about 10 minutes drive) to visit Sheshan Catholic Church (the largest cathedral in the Far East) and Shanghai Astronomical Museum, shifting from natural and cultural landscapes to religious and scientific attractions.
Evening: Take a stroll in Sheshan Forest Park to conclude your fulfilling cultural and natural journey.
IntoTravelChina's advantages: We can book the most suitable accommodations for you, arrange all the connections between activities, and provide detailed hiking route maps and safety guidelines.

Professional Guide: IntoTravelChina offers personalized itineraries, including a dedicated guide, transportation, and activity arrangements, ensuring a worry-free and in-depth travel experience. >> [Inquire Now for a Customized Itinerary]

How to get there: A great option for a day trip, primarily by car.
Tianma Mountain is located in the suburbs of Songjiang District and is accessible by public transportation, but it is more convenient to drive or take a taxi.
- Recommended route (by car): Navigate to "Tianma Mountain Park" or "Tianma Mountain Protector of Jewelry Tower". Parking is available at the scenic area. The journey from downtown Shanghai (People's Square) takes approximately 1-1.5 hours.
- Public Transportation: Take Metro Line 9 to "Dongjing Station", then transfer to Songjiang Bus Route 19 and get off at "Tianmashan Park Station". The entire journey takes a long time, so please allow ample time.

Best time to visit
Tianma Mountain can be visited in all four seasons, but the spring and autumn seasons offer the most comfortable and pleasant experience.
- Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November): Best time to visit. The climate is cool, and the vegetation is at its best. Especially in mid-to-late November, the ancient ginkgo leaves turn golden, making it an excellent time for photography.
- Sunny weekdays: Best time to visit. Fewer tourists, allowing you to enjoy the tranquility and serenity of the mountains and forests, and better experience the historical atmosphere of the ancient sites.
- Summer and Winter: In summer, you need to take precautions against heatstroke when hiking, but the lush forests are very cool; in winter, the mountains are rarely visited, and you can experience the desolate and tranquil beauty of the forests.

Accommodation options
No accommodation is required for visiting Tianma Mountain itself. If you plan a multi-day trip to Songjiang, you can choose to stay in the surrounding area.
- Sheshan Resort Area (Preferred):
1. Shimao InterContinental Sheshan (Deep Pit Hotel): Located about a 15-minute drive from Tianma Mountain, it is itself a world architectural wonder and offers a unique stay experience.
2. Various hotels and resorts within the Sheshan National Tourist Resort: a wide variety of options, beautiful environment, and convenient for connecting visits to attractions such as Sheshan and Chenshan Botanical Garden.
- Songjiang New Town (Value for Money):
1. There are many chain hotels in Songjiang University Town or the core area of ​​the new town, with affordable prices, a wide variety of dining and shopping options, and convenient access to various scenic spots by car.

IntoTravelChina Accommodation Booking Recommendations:
If you plan to explore the cultural and natural landscapes of Songjiang in depth, we can design a reasonable itinerary for you and book distinctive accommodations in Sheshan Resort Area or Songjiang New Town, perfectly connecting attractions such as Tianma Mountain, Guangfulin, and Chenshan Botanical Garden for a one-stop leisure and vacation plan. >> [Click to contact an IntoTravelChina travel consultant]

Tianma Mountain is a key to unlocking the rich history, culture, and beautiful ecology of Songjiang, the "root of Shanghai".

- "Tracing Roots in Songjiang" 1-Day Itinerary: Tianma Mountain (Leaning Tower Spectacle, the Top of Shanghai) → Guangfulin Cultural Relics Park (Underwater Museum, Exploring the Origins of Shanghai Civilization) → Fangta Park (Song Dynasty Square Pagoda, Ming Dynasty Screen Wall). This is an in-depth journey through natural geography and historical civilization.
- 2-Day Leisure Itinerary for "Sheshan Resort":
Day 1: Visit Tianma Mountain → In the afternoon, visit Chenshan Botanical Garden (Mining Pit Garden, Tropical Exhibition Greenhouse) → Check into Sheshan Hotel.
Day 2: Visit West Sheshan (Catholic Church, Observatory) → East Sheshan (Forest Park) → View the exterior of the Deep Pit Hotel or Happy Valley. This is a perfect weekend getaway combining hiking, historical exploration, sightseeing, and family entertainment. >> [Explore Sheshan Resort Area 2-Day Tour](link)
- The "3-Day Panoramic Tour of Southwest Shanghai" connects Songjiang (Tianma Mountain, Guangfulin) with Zhujiajiao Ancient Town and Liantang Ancient Town in Qingpu District, and even Fengjing Ancient Town in Jinshan District, providing a comprehensive experience of the water town culture and historical features of southwestern Shanghai. >>Contact us to customize the above related itinerary

The story of Tianma Mountain is about the imprint of geography, the resilience of history, and the precious value of guarding a quiet place on the edge of the city. IntoTravelChina focuses on creating a deep, personal, and hassle-free Chinese travel experience. Our travel experts can help you:
- Tailor-made itinerary: Depending on your interest in history, architecture, or nature hiking, design the perfect route that includes Tianma Mountain, Songjiang, and the surrounding attractions.
- One-stop service: Get transportation connections, professional cultural explanations (in-depth interpretation of the Leaning Tower and history), and special event reservations.
- Exclusive experience: Arrange the best hiking routes to visit the ancients, guide niche camera positions, and link up with surrounding farms to experience.

Let your trip to Tianma Mountain be not only a simple climb, but also a quiet dialogue with Shanghai's thousand-year-old historical context.
> Start planning your journey today
> Welcome to contact our professional travel consultants, we will provide you with an exclusive itinerary plan and quotation within 24 hours. >> [Click to contact IntoTravelChina Travel Consultant]