Jiaoshan Island

Jiaoshan is an island in the Yangtze River reached from the Zhenjiang shore by ferry in a few minutes. The island is covered with bamboo groves and pine woodland, with a temple complex (Dinghui Temple) at its base and a series of walking paths climbing to the summit. The earthwork fort on the island's southern face, dating to the early 19th century, preserves intact fortifications from the Opium War period.

The combination of active Buddhist temple, military history, and natural scenery makes Jiaoshan the most varied of Zhenjiang's three mountain destinations. The ascent to the summit involves some steps but is not strenuous, and the view from the top — looking down the river to both banks — is the best available in the area. The island is quiet on weekday afternoons. The ferry schedule typically runs until 5pm.

things to do sight
A story
The earthwork forts on Jiaoshan were the site of one of the most one-sided battles of the First Opium War — in July 1842, a small British naval force overwhelmed the Qing defenders in a matter of hours, killing over a thousand soldiers and opening the way to Nanjing. The forts still have their original cannon emplacements, and the brass plaques explaining the engagement are notably frank about the outcome.