Mount Jiuhua

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Spot Introduction

Mount Jiuhua, one of the Four Famous Buddhist Mountains in China, is renowned as the ashram of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. This sacred mountain, standing at an elevation of 1,342 meters, not only boasts breathtaking natural landscapes but also carries a profound Buddhist cultural heritage. Derived from Li Bai’s poem “Miao You Fen Er Qi, Ling Shan Kai Jiu Hua,” Mount Jiuhua got its name. Its granite-composed landscape features 99 unique peaks, 18 waterfalls, and 14 unique rock formations.

As the ashram of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, Mount Jiuhua has been a Buddhist holy site since the Tang Dynasty. Currently, there are 99 temples, over 1,500 Buddhist statues, and more than 2,000 cultural relics. Among them, Huacheng Temple, the founding temple of Mount Jiuhua, was built in the Eastern Jin Dynasty and has a history of over 1,600 years. The Baisui Palace houses the mummified body of the Ming Dynasty’s Wu Xia Chan Master, which remains preserved after more than 400 years, truly a marvel.

Mount Jiuhua’s Buddhist culture is distinct, and every lunar July 30th, the birthday of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, grand temple fair activities are held. The monks and nuns on the mountain lead a secluded life, surrounded by the sounds of morning and evening bells and chanting, creating a unique religious atmosphere.

In terms of natural landscapes, Mount Jiuhua is best known for its “Ten Scenic Spots of Jiuhua.” Tiantai Peak, the highest point of Mount Jiuhua, offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and rolling clouds from its summit. The Huatai Scenic Area is famous for its unusual pine trees and unique rock formations, especially the breathtaking azalea flowers in spring. The Mingyuan Bamboo Sea is a serene and elegant forest of green bamboo, while the Longchi Flying Waterfall is majestic and thunderous.

Mount Jiuhua is also an important ecological reserve with a forest coverage rate of over 90%, rich in animal and plant resources. Rare animals like clouded leopards and macaques inhabit the area, and ancient and famous trees like ginkgo and Chinese yew grow here, making it a significant base for biodiversity research.

Spot Introduction

In recent years, Jiuhua Mountain has continuously improved its tourist facilities, constructing cableways and plank roads to facilitate visitors’ exploration. Simultaneously, it has emphasized the preservation of traditional culture by regularly hosting events like Buddhist cultural festivals and meditation experiences, allowing visitors to appreciate the scenic beauty while also feeling the charm of Buddhist culture.

Must-visit Attractions

  1. Dizang Hall
  • Dizang Bodhisattva’s Buddhist rites
  • Buddhist holy land
  • Suggested visiting time: 120 minutes
  1. Baisui Palace
  • Statue of Jin Dizang
  • Ancient architectural complex
  • Suggested visiting time: 90 minutes
  1. Huacheng Temple
  • Millennium-old temple
  • Buddhist artifacts
  • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes
  1. Tiantai Peak
  • Scenic viewpoint
  • Buddhist holy relics
  • Suggested visiting time: 90 minutes

Visiting Suggestions

  1. Best Touring Route
  • Day 1: Dizang Hall - Baisui Palace
  • Day 2: Huacheng Temple - Tiantai Peak
  • Suggested accommodation: Temple lodging
  1. Visiting Schedule
  • Morning: Attend morning sutras
  • Afternoon: Explore the temples
  • Evening: Enjoy the sunset
  1. Practical Tips
  • Vegetarian diet preferred
  • Dress appropriately
  • Respect beliefs

Transportation Guide

  • Airplane: Chizhou Jiuhua Mountain Airport
  • Train: Chizhou Station
  • Bus: Jiuhua Mountain Passenger Station
  • Cableway: Tiantai Cableway, Baisui Palace Cableway
  1. Vegetarian cuisine
  2. Jiuhua Fermented Bean Curd
  3. Qingyang Noodle
  4. Mountain wild vegetables

Special Reminders

  1. Respect beliefs
  2. Dress appropriately
  3. No smoking
  4. Bring hiking poles
  5. Wear non-slip footwear
  6. Act within your limits
  7. Check the weather
  8. Book accommodations ahead of time.