Qixia Mountain, also called Sheshan Mountain, is situated 22 kilometers northeast of Nanjing City. The name originated from the Qixia Stellar House erected in the mountain in South Dynasty.

Qixia Mountain was well-known across South Yangtze River, not only for its Qixia Temple, Thousand Buddhas Cliff, Royal Stele and Sheli Pagoda, but also for its deep forests, clean springs and intoxicating scenery, which has created the name of The First Beautiful Mountain in Jinling (another name for Nanjing).

In deep autumn, the red leaves on the mountain look like fire, covering the whole forest, so there is a saying of “Spring in Niushou Mountain and Autumn in Qixia Mountain”.