Please refer to the end of the article for the latest policy of free admission to Jiuhua Mountain Scenic Area
When we are looking for a peaceful refuge in the hustle and bustle of the real world, perhaps there is no better place than Jiuhua Mountain.
Have you ever dreamed of exploring a place full of mystery and ancient legends?
Jiuhua Mountain, located in Qingyang County, Chizhou City, Anhui Province, China, is one of the four famous Buddhist mountains and has been the dojo of Jizo Bodhisattva since ancient times, attracting countless believers and tourists to make pilgrimages.
Jiuhua Mountain is not only a Buddhist holy place, every stone and water seems to tell the thousands of years of faith and admiration.
The natural scenery and Buddhist cultural relics are intertwined here, forming a heart-warming picture.
But what is so unique about this mountain that makes it a spiritual sanctuary in the hearts of so many?
Jiuhua Mountain has a deep historical and cultural origin, and is one of the important symbols of Chinese Buddhist culture.
Legend has it that in the Tang Dynasty, when a monk named Jin Shan was practicing here, he witnessed the appearance of Jizo Bodhisattva, and since then Jiuhua Mountain has become the dojo of Jizo Bodhisattva.
With the passage of time, many temples and practice sites have been gradually established here, and 9 of the 14 national key temples are Jiuhua Mountain.
Every corner of this sacred land is full of legends.
The name of Jiuhua Mountain comes from the nine most spiritual peaks on the mountain, which are often shrouded in clouds and mist, as if they are a fairyland that does not eat the fireworks of the world. These peaks not only have their own characteristics, but also are the longing places in the hearts of countless pilgrims.
The first time I set foot on the land of Jiuhua Mountain was in the early morning.
The sun had just risen, the golden sunlight shone on the golden roof of the ancient temple on the top of the mountain, and the temple bells echoed in the clear air, and at that moment, I felt as if I had touched the footprints of those practitioners thousands of years ago. My heart was deeply touched, and an indescribable feeling of emotion and admiration arose.
It's not just a simple trip, it's more like a baptism of the soul.
On this trip, I have a pious heart, hoping to find inner peace and answers under the protection of this holy mountain. For every visitor, Jiuhua Mountain is not only a geographical trip, but also a spiritual pilgrimage.
Jiuhua Mountain is not only a quiet place for people to be purified, but each of its temples carries profound cultural and spiritual values.
The first to arrive is the Yuanyuan Temple, which is a must-visit first stop for all pilgrims. The temple is solemn and solemn, as if welcoming every visitor who steps into this holy place.
Every stone slab of Yuanyuan Temple is engraved with the traces of time, and its tranquility and solemnity make people unconsciously slow down and immerse themselves in this ancient tranquility.
Take the cable car to Hyatose Palace, a temple located on the top of a hill where you can see the mountains that resemble a natural sleeping Buddha.
The 100-year-old palace enshrines the bodhisattva of the Arhat Hall, and its sacrosanct aura makes every visitor awe-inspired.
It is not only a sustenance of faith, but also a symbol of harmonious coexistence between man and nature.
A short walk away is Tonghui Temple and Min Gong Temple. Although the Min Gong Temple was not open that day, the Tonghui Temple next to it was also dedicated to the Bodhisattva in the flesh.
These temples are not just places of religion, but also like a drop of water in the long river of history, reflecting the light of faith.
Keizenji Temple
Min Gong Temple
Zhantanlin is notable for its magnificent architecture and three huge Buddha statues. Each Buddha statue seems to tell an ancient story, and the exquisite architectural decoration is the best foil to these stories.
Moving on, we came to the Purity House. On the way to the ashram, you can see a sculpture of Guanyin dripping water, which slowly drips from Guanyin's hands, symbolizing endless compassion and purity. The interior of the ashram displays parietal bone relics, providing visitors with an opportunity to get up close and personal with Buddhist relics.
In this series of pilgrimages, each step is a cleansing of the soul. The Moon Body Treasure Hall needs to climb 81 steps, and each step is as if it is undergoing a spiritual sublimation.
And arriving at the Jizo Zen Temple, it makes people feel the stability and smoothness of career and life.
Jiuhua Mountain Travel Guide
Buddha Worship Route: It is recommended to start from Yuanyuan Temple and visit the major temples one by one along the mountain road. Considering the topography of Jiuhua Mountain and the distribution of temples, a reasonable planning of the itinerary can save physical strength and time.
Where to stay: There are a variety of accommodation options around Jiuhua Mountain, ranging from budget hotels to high-end resorts. Booking accommodation at the base or summit of the mountain can make it easier for you to start and end your pilgrimage.
Dining options: Restaurants in Jiuhuashan mainly offer vegetarian options to suit Buddhist eating habits. Try the local specialty vegetarian food, which is not only healthy but also experience the local food culture.
Best time to travel
• Timing: Morning is the best time to visit the temple, with fewer people and a more relaxed experience.
• Holiday Notes: Jiuhua Mountain is usually crowded on holidays and weekends, so if you want to avoid the crowds, you can choose to go on weekdays.
• Temple opening hours: Most temples are open from 6 AM to 5 PM, so you can arrange your time wisely to avoid missing any temple visits.
Traffic information
The high-speed rail can go directly to Jiuhuashan Station, and those who drive can navigate to the Qingyang Expressway Exit and get off, and then go to Jiuhuashan. There is a lot of traffic on weekends and holidays, and there will be traffic control, so those who drive cannot go up the hill and can only park at the station below the mountain.
Next to the station is Jiuhua Mountain Dayuan Cultural Park, commonly known as the 99-meter Buddha, you can go in to play a circle, you can also go down the mountain to the last stop to come here, itself is free of admission.
Jiuhua Mountain free ticket policy
As our trip to Jiuhua Mountain draws to a close, have you been captivated by the mystery and beauty of this mountain?
Jiuhua Mountain is not only a place of pilgrimage for Buddhist believers, but also a must-visit destination for every traveler seeking peace of mind and self-exploration.
Every stone, every leaf here is full of stories, waiting for you to experience and discover for yourself.
If you are eager to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and find a place where you can cleanse your soul, then Jiuhua Mountain is undoubtedly the ideal choice for you.
Here, you can slow down, listen to your inner voice, and experience the peace and harmony that can only be felt when you are there.
Don't just sit in front of a screen and imagine it, plan a pilgrimage to Jiuhua Mountain! Explore this land of history and spirituality, feel the tranquility and mystery of Buddhism, and let your soul be truly purified and uplifted.
Jiuhua Mountain is waiting for everyone who is eager for in-depth travel and spiritual exploration, bring your backpack, start a different journey, and find your own spiritual home!