Jiuhua Shan, nicknamed the mountain of nine splendors, is one of Chine's four sacred Buddhist mountains. Located in Anhui province, Jiuhua Mountain is bordered by the Yangtze River to the north and faces the Yellow Mountain to the south.

History

During the Han Dynasty, Jiuhua Mountain was known as Mount Lingyang. It was renamed during the Liang period and called Mount Jiuzi until the Southern Chen Dynasty.

The mountain received its present name after Li Bai, a celebrated poet of the Tang Dynasty, wrote a text referring to the mountain as Jiuhua Peak.

Jiuhua Shan became an important pilgrimage destination and quickly established itself as one of Chine's four sacred Buddhist mountains. At its height, the mountain was home to approximately 360 temples with over 5,000 monks and nuns.

Since its opening to the public in 1979, Jiuhua Mountain has enjoyed a strong reputation throughout South Asia.

Features of Jiuhua Mountain

Located southwest of Qingyang County, the massif is bordered by the Yangtze River to the north and Huangshan to the south, offering a breathtaking landscape.

Jiuhua Mountain boasts 99 peaks and no fewer than 18 scenic sites. The mountain range covers 120 km² with 114 km² designated as a protected area. Its main peak, Mount Shiwang, rises to an elevation of 1,342 meters. Today, nearly 90 temples can be discovered throughout the mountain via various hiking trails.

Hiking Jiuhua Shan

Although this sacred mountain is often overshadowed by Mount Huang, it's well worth reserving 1 to 2 days on-site for a peaceful hike full of surprises.

On the relatively uncrowded trails, you may encounter locals and a few pilgrims visiting one of the many temples scattered across the mountain. The spectacular vistas benefit from being clear and can be enjoyed in complete tranquility.

The trails are exceptionally well-maintained, and while climbing endless staircases can be tiring, the hike requires no particular level of physical fitness. The temples you encounter along the way provide welcome rest stops during your ascent and showcase stunning Buddhist architecture.

Some are still inhabited by monks or nuns and are therefore particularly well-preserved. You may discover sutras dating back a century or more, perfectly conserved, along with artistic paintings and engravings.

Huacheng Temple

This Buddhist sanctuary is the oldest and most important temple on Jiuhua Mountain. The beauty of the edifice and its significance in the Buddhist world has attracted numerous painters and poets throughout history. Their legacy is reflected in the elegant calligraphy and paintings visible today on the temple walls and within its sacred grounds.

Daxiong Baodian Temple

Located at the summit of Jiuhua Shan's highest peak, this temple offers a spectacular panorama of the entire massif. For most hikers, it represents the ultimate destination during a Jiuhua Shan excursion. While not the most ornate temple, its hilltop location among the rocks gives it particular significance. Once there, you'll soon appreciate the remarkable feat of engineering required for its construction.

Guoqing Temple

This temple, situated atop Mount Tiantai, impresses visitors with the sheer number of chambers within its grounds. Nearly 600 rooms and 14 halls comprise its complex.

Jiuhuashan Village

The village at the mountain's base, though more touristy than the trails themselves, has managed to maintain a pleasant atmosphere with charming shops nestled among local homes and squares. You can spend a night here or simply enjoy a meal before continuing toward Nanjing or Hefei.

The best way to reach Jiuhua Shan is by bus. Daily services operate from Hefei, Huangshan, and even Nanjing.

Admission Fees

January 16 to November 14: 190 RMB

November 15 to January 15: 140 RMB