Jiuhua Mountain Travel Guide: China's Sacred Buddhist Mountain in Anhui

Jiuhua Mountain, Anhui: A Sacred Buddhist Mountain & Cultural Landmark

Welcome to Jiuhua Mountain in Anhui Province. Located in Qingyang County, Chizhou City, Jiuhua Mountain is one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, alongside Mount Wutai, Mount Emei, and Mount Putuo. Renowned for its stunning natural scenery, deep-rooted Buddhist heritage, and spiritual significance, it attracts visitors from around the world - especially Buddhists and travelers seeking cultural and spiritual experiences. Revered as the sacred site of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, Jiuhua Mountain is often called the "Land of the Lotus Buddha."

Buddhist Significance & Spiritual Appeal

Sacred Site of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva: Jiuhua Mountain is believed to be the place where Prince Kim Gyo-gak of ancient Silla (modern Korea) practiced and attained enlightenment, making it an important pilgrimage site for prayer and devotion.

Peaceful Environment for Practice: Home to many temples, the mountain offers a quiet and spiritual atmosphere ideal for meditation, Buddhist rituals, and experiencing monastic life.

Body Bodhisattvas: Jiuhua Mountain is famous for its preserved "|Body Bodhisattvas" (mummified monks), regarded as symbols of high spiritual attainment and deep faith. 

Top Attractions & Experiences

A visit to Jiuhua Mountain is often described as  "worship in the Front Mountain, scenery in the Back Mountain."
The main hub is Jiuhua Street, located on the mountain, serving as the transport center and primary area for dining and accommodation.

Front Mountain – Cultural & Buddhist Core

Body Relic Hall (Rou Shen Bao Dian): The most sacred site on Jiuhua Mountain, enshrining the preserved body of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. A must-visit for pilgrims.

Baisui Palace: Reachable by cable car or on foot. It houses the body of Master Wuxia, who passed away at age 126. From here, enjoy views of the naturally formed "Sleeping Buddha" across the mountains.

Huacheng Temple: The founding temple of Jiuhua Mountain, located in the heart of Jiuhua Street. Famous for its exquisite "Nine Dragons Playing with a Pearl" ceiling artwork.

Zhiyuan Temple: The only palace-style temple complex on the mountain and the largest in scale, noted for its grand and imposing architecture.

Back Mountain – Natural Highlights

Tiantai Scenic Area: Often said, "If you don't visit Tiantai, you haven't truly been to Jiuhua." Take a cable car and hike to Tiantai Zen Temple for panoramic mountain and sea-of-clouds views. Along the way, visit the Ancient Sutra Platform and sacred footprints believed to be left by Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.

Huatai Scenic Area: Known for pure natural scenery. Spring brings blooming azaleas, while dramatic rock formations appear year-round. A glass skywalk offers a thrilling experience. Hiking from Tiantai to Huatai is scenic and quiet but requires good fitness and attention to trail signs.

Mountain Foot Landmark

Dayuan Cultural Park: Located at the foot of the mountain, featuring the world's tallest outdoor 99-meter statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva - a striking symbol of modern Buddhist culture.

Recommended Experiences

Prayer & Mindfulness: Listen to temple bells, join morning chanting, or light a lamp for blessings.

Scenic Hiking: Trek from Tiantai to Huatai to experience the quiet beauty of the back mountain (recommended with companions and proper gear).

Zen Living: Stay in a temple-style guesthouse, enjoy tea tasting, sutra copying, and moments of inner calm.

Nearby Extensions & Suggested Itineraries

Jiuhua Mountain is part of the  "Southern Anhui Golden Triangle" with Huangshan and Huizhou villages.

Nearby Highlights:

• Huangshan: 2–3 hours away, UNESCO heritage with pine peaks, clouds, and hot springs.

• Hongcun & Xidi: Classic Huizhou villages en route.

• Hefei: Anhui's capital and transport hub.

Suggested Itineraries:

• 3-Day Jiuhua Mountain: Spiritual retreat with temple visits, sunrise worship, Tiantai scenic area, and Great Vow Cultural Park.

• 5-Day Southern Anhui Loop: Hefei →  Huangshan → Hongcun → Jiuhua Mountain; combines mountains, villages, and  Buddhist culture.

Check out tours including Huangshan and Jiuhua Mountain:

11-Day Shanghai, Huangshan, and Buddhist Sites Tour

6-Day Jiuhuashan, Huangshan, Wuyuan & Hangzhou Tour

Getting There & Getting Around Jiuhua Mountain

By Air: 
The nearest airport is Chizhou Jiuhuashan Airport (about 30 km from the scenic area). You may also fly to Hefei Xinqiao International Airport or Anqing Tianzhushan Airport, then transfer by long-distance bus or high-speed train.

By High-Speed Train / Train:
The most convenient options are Chizhou Railway Station (about 45 km from the scenic area) or Jiuhua Railway Station (about 30 km from the scenic area). Take taxi or book private car/van to the Jiuhua Mountain Visitor Service Center.

Inside the Scenic Area:

·       Shuttle Buses: Mandatory transport between the Visitor Service Center and Jiuhua Street on the mountain.

·       Cable Cars: The Baisui Palace Cable Car and Tiantai Cable Car help save energy and reach major sites quickly.

Best Time to Visit

·       Best Seasons: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) offer mild weather and beautiful mountain views. Spring features blooming azaleas, while autumn is ideal for clear skies and sea-of-clouds views.

·       Summer (June–August):
A popular summer retreat and pilgrimage season. Expect cooler temperatures but more rainfall—rain gear and non-slip shoes are recommended.

·       Winter (December–February):
Snow-covered landscapes create a serene, Zen-like atmosphere. Temperatures are low, and some hiking trails may be closed, so dress warmly.

Must-Try Local Food

Jiuhua Mountain cuisine focuses on Buddhist vegetarian dishes and local mountain specialties.

1.     Jiuhua Vegetarian Cuisine:
Served at temples and vegetarian restaurants. Made with local bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and tofu—light, fresh, and deeply rooted in Buddhist food culture.

2.     Stone Ear Mushroom Stewed Free-Range Chicken:
A classic southern Anhui dish. Rare cliff-grown stone ear mushrooms are simmered with local chicken for a rich, nourishing soup.

3.     Polygonatum (Huangjing):
A local medicinal herb, often brewed as tea, added to soups, or made into pastries for its health benefits.

4.     Braised Pork with Dried Bamboo Shoots:
A traditional Hui-style comfort dish - savory, aromatic, and especially popular in spring.

Recommended High-End Hotels & Guesthouses

Luxury Guesthouse at the Mountain Foot
Jiuhua Mountain · Hetan Yue Se Panoramic Resort
Located opposite the Visitor Service Center and within walking distance. Elegant design, peaceful surroundings, mountain-view rooms, and well-reviewed service and dining.

Zen-Style Boutique Guesthouse
Floral Lux · Cloud Above Jiuhua Mountain
Situated in Chaxi Town, just a 5-minute drive from Dayuan Cultural Park. Modern Chinese style with tea rooms and meditation spaces, ideal for a tranquil retreat.

Comfortable Hotels on the Mountain
Boutique Hotels on Jiuhua Street
Staying here offers easy access to major temples and an immersive Buddhist atmosphere with morning bells and evening chants. Options include renovated heritage buildings and Zen-themed inns.