Jiuhua Mountain

Pilgrimage to Jiuhua Mountain: Embrace the Zen Charm of the Lotus Buddhist Kingdom

Hello everyone! I'm your tour guide, and today I'll be taking you to explore Jiuhua Mountain—one of China's Four Great Buddhist Mountains, renowned as the "Lotus Buddhist Kingdom." It is the sacred site of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Dizang Wang Pusa), blending Buddhist culture, natural landscapes, and human heritage.

Located in Chizhou, Anhui Province, Jiuhua Mountain's highest peak, Shiwang Peak, stands at 1,342 meters. The name "Jiuhua" (meaning "Nine Glorious Peaks") comes from the nine main peaks that resemble the petals of a blooming lotus flower. Since the Tang Dynasty, when the Silla Prince Kim Gyo-gak (Jin Qiaojue) practiced asceticism here and became identified as an incarnation of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, Jiuhua Mountain has been a major Buddhist pilgrimage site.

🌄 Why Visit Jiuhua Mountain?

Core Buddhist Culture: The principal site dedicated to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, featuring the rare cultural phenomenon of "incorruptible bodies" (roushen).

Natural Wonders: Breathtaking landscapes represented by the Tiantai Scenic Area, with stunning sea of clouds and unique peaks.

Unique Experiences**: Listen to the morning bells and evening drums in ancient temples and savor exquisite Buddhist vegetarian cuisine.

📍 Detailed Guide to Key Attractions

1. Huacheng Temple - The Founding Temple of Jiuhua Mountain

Location: Center of Jiuhua Street.

Highlights: The oldest temple on the mountain and the birthplace of its Buddhist culture. Its name, meaning "Transformation City," comes from a parable in the *Lotus Sutra*, symbolizing a spiritual resting place on the path to enlightenment.

Must-See:

Architecture: A classic example of southern Anhui (Huizhou) vernacular style, simple and elegant.

Artifact: The Ming Dynasty "Ancient Bell of Huacheng Temple," known for its deep, resonant toll.

Legend: Closely linked to the story of Kim Gyo-gak (Jin Qiaojue) when he first arrived at Jiuhua.

Visitor Tip: This is the perfect starting point to understand the mountain's history and feel the weight of its millennium-long legacy.

 2. Roushen Baodian (The Hall of the Incorruptible Body) - The Core Sacred Site

Location: About a 500-meter walk north from Jiuhua Street.Highlights: The core hall housing the incorruptible body of Kim Gyo-gak (Jin Qiaojue), making it the most active site for worship.

Must-See:

Architecture: A palace-style structure with red walls and yellow glazed tiles. Look for the plaque "First Mountain in the Southeast" inscribed by Emperor Kangxi.

81 Steps: Symbolizing the 81 hardships on the Buddhist path. Devotees often climb them with a kowtow on each step.

The Golden Stupa: A seven-story wooden pagoda gilded in gold, preserving the incorruptible body.

The Sacred Halo: During the annual Ksitigarbha Dharma Assembly (around lunar July 30th), a circular halo of light is said to appear around the pagoda—a spectacular sight.

Visitor Tip: Please maintain a respectful and quiet demeanor while following the orderly flow of pilgrims.

 3. Baisui Gong (The Hundred-Year-Old Palace) - The Ancient Temple on the Cliff

Location: On the cliff of Chaxiao Peak .

Highlights: Famous for being built into a sheer cliff face and for housing the incorruptible body of the Ming Dynasty monk Wuxia, who lived to be 128.

Must-See:

Cliffside Architecture: The temple complex seems to hang magically from the precipice.

The Incorruptible Body of Monk Wuxia: Enshrined in a hall within the palace.

The "Beamless Hall" (Wuliang Dian): An architectural marvel built entirely of brick and stone without wooden beams.

The View: Offers a panoramic vista of Jiuhua Street and the surrounding mountain ranges.

Visitor Tip: The climb is rewarding. It combines cultural reverence with awe-inspiring natural scenery.

 4. Qiyuan Temple - A Model of Grand Monastery Architecture

Location: Eastern end of Jiuhua Street.

Highlights: One of the Four Great Monasteries of Jiuhua, known for its large scale, majestic layout, and as the seat of the Jiuhua Mountain Buddhist Association.

Must-See:

Grand Scale: A vast complex with multiple halls arranged along the mountain slope.

Main Buddha Hall: Houses a magnificent 13-meter-tall gilded wooden statue of Sakyamuni Buddha.

Scripture Pavilion: Stores precious Buddhist texts, including a canon bestowed by a Ming emperor.

Visitor Tip: Feel the serene atmosphere of an active monastic center. It's a great place to observe monastic life and architecture.

5. Tiantai Scenic Area - The Peak Natural Experience

Location: The main peak area of Jiuhua Mountain.

Highlights: The essence of Jiuhua's natural beauty, featuring majestic peaks, rolling seas of clouds, and strange rock formations. The saying goes: "You haven't truly been to Jiuhua without climbing Tiantai Peak."

Must-See:

Tiantai Peak (1,306m): The summit offers the iconic view of the nine peaks spreading out like a lotus flower, with Jiuhua Street at its heart.

Tiantai Temple: The highest-altitude temple on the mountain, blending seamlessly into the rocky summit.

Shiwang Peak (1,342m): The highest peak of Jiuhua Mountain.

Natural Sights: "One-Line Sky" crevice, the thrilling "Hanging Bridge," and various peculiarly shaped rocks.

Visitor Tip: Wear comfortable hiking shoes. The climb is challenging but offers the most spectacular views. The "Moon-Viewing Festival" at Tiantai Temple during Mid-Autumn is a special experience.

🍜 Must-Try Jiuhua Mountain Cuisine

The local food centers on **Buddhist vegetarian cuisine** (sushai), featuring mountain delicacies known for being light, fresh, fragrant, and healthy.

Jiuhua Vegetarian Feast: A must-try. Dishes like "Vegetarian Ham," "Vegetarian Chicken," and "Vegetarian Fish" are crafted masterfully from tofu, gluten, and mushrooms to mimic meat in taste and texture. Best enjoyed at temple-affiliated restaurants like **Qiyuan Vegetarian Restaurant**.

Jiuhua Polygonatum (Huangjing): A precious local herb used in dishes like *Polygonatum Braised Chicken* or porridge. It's renowned for its health-tonifying properties.

Kudzu Root Starch Balls (Gefen Yuanzi): A sweet, chewy, and glutinous local dessert made from kudzu root starch, often filled with sesame or peanuts.

Jiuhua Stone Ear (Shi'er): A rare and precious lichen growing on cliffs. It's a delicacy often served in soups, known for its unique texture and health benefits.

✨ Practical Tips for Your Visit

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather and clear views. Avoid national holidays for smaller crowds.

What to Wear: Comfortable walking/hiking shoes are essential. Temperatures are cooler at the summit, so bring a layer.

Etiquette: Temples are active places of worship. Dress modestly, speak quietly, and follow photography rules (often no flash inside halls).

Getting Around: Cable cars are available to reach higher points like Baisui Gong and the Tiantai area, saving time and energy.

🎯 Conclusion

Jiuhua Mountain is more than a scenic spot; it's a spiritual sanctuary where nature and faith intertwine. From the ancient incense of Huacheng Temple to the breathtaking vista from Tiantai Peak, every step offers a chance for reflection and wonder.

May our connection through Buddhism bring us together again." I hope you carry the peace and Zen spirit of Jiuhua Mountain with you. Wishing you a safe and wonderful journey. Thank you!