Jiuxian Mountain, Dehua: A Must-Visit Secret Mountain Retreat in Southern Fujian

Recently, I went to Jiuxian Mountain in Dehua with my friends. We were lucky enough to see the mountain covered in rime ice, a rare sight in the snowless south. The natural scenery was stunning. Although we didn't get to see the sunrise due to the heavy fog, the rime ice and sea of clouds were breathtaking enough. Jiuxian Mountain is located in Ming'ai Village, Chishui Town, Dehua County, Quanzhou, the "Porcelain Capital of the World." The main peak is 1,658 meters above sea level and is known as the "First Mountain of the Central Plains." The mountain combines magnificent natural scenery with rich cultural heritage. The "sunrise, sea of clouds, and rime ice" are the three most famous attractions. There are also historical sites such as the Tang Dynasty stone carving of Maitreya Buddha and Lingjiu Rock Temple, which add to the mysterious charm of the area. ⏰[Opening Hours] The scenic area is open from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm in summer and from 5:30 am to 5:30 pm in winter. Tickets are sold from 5:30 am to 4:30 pm in winter. Shuttle buses: During the rime ice season (December to February), buses depart according to the number of passengers. On weekdays, the first bus departs at 7:30 am and the last bus departs at 5:30 pm. If you choose to hike up the mountain, it will take about 3.5 to 4 hours. 💳[Ticket Prices] Adult ticket: CNY 75 (including shuttle bus fare). Half-price ticket: CNY 47.5 (for students, teachers, and seniors aged 60 to 65). Child ticket: CNY 37.5 (for children 1.2 to 1.5 meters tall). In addition, military personnel, people with disabilities, seniors over 70, and firefighters can enjoy free admission with valid ID. 🚶‍♀️[Highlights] 1. Weather and Scenery Sunrise: The observatory at the weather station offers a great view. When the morning light shines on the sea of clouds, the golden light reflects off the forest, creating a beautiful picture. To catch this beautiful sight, make sure to catch the earliest shuttle bus up the mountain, which usually takes about 20 minutes. Rime ice: In winter, when the temperature drops, the water vapor in the mountains condenses into beautiful rime ice. The best time to see it is from December to February. Be sure to check the weather forecast in advance to see if the conditions are right for rime ice to form (low temperature and high humidity). Sea of clouds: After the rain or in the early morning when the mist is thick, you can often see a vast sea of clouds, as if you are in a dreamlike fairyland. 2. Hiking Route Suggestions Maitreya Hall → Juxiantai → Tianchi (about 3.8 km, 2 to 3 hours): This path passes through the Sky Mirror and Lingjiu Rock. The wooden walkway winds through the pine trees and rocks, creating a vivid picture. There are also small shops along the way where visitors can replenish their energy. In addition, there is a snow park and off-road vehicle project in the mountains, which is perfect for families. For culture lovers, the Tang Dynasty Maitreya Buddha stone carving and Lingjiu Rock Temple are also must-see attractions. 🚗[Transportation Guide] Self-driving: From Quanzhou, take the Quannan Expressway to the Jiuxian Mountain toll station, which takes about 1.5 hours. From Xiamen or Fuzhou, it takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. There is a parking lot at the entrance of the scenic area. Please note that during the rime ice season, you must take the shuttle bus provided by the scenic area. Private cars are not allowed to drive directly into the mountains. Bus: You can take bus No. 18 from Dehua Station to the scenic area, but there are few buses, so it is recommended to check the schedule in advance to plan your trip. Considering the distance between the city and the scenic area, it is more convenient to drive or rent a car locally. 📅[Recommended Itinerary] 5:30 am: Take the shuttle bus to the top of the mountain to watch the sunrise → 9:00 am: Start hiking down the mountain to explore Maitreya Cave and Juxiantai → 12:00 pm: Have lunch at the scenic area restaurant → Afternoon: Experience the snow park or drive an off-road vehicle → 4:00 pm: Return home. If you have more free time, you can also consider going to Shiniu Mountain Scenic Area (about 1.5 hours by car) or visiting Wulin Traditional Village in Jinjiang to experience the unique folk customs of southern Fujian. 🏨[Accommodation Recommendations] If you want to stay near the scenic area, Jiuxian Mountain Hotel is a good choice. For self-driving travelers, returning to the city will provide more accommodation options and allow you to better enjoy the nightlife in Dehua. 🍽️[Food Recommendations] Farmhouse Cuisine - Tea Set City Restaurant: This restaurant offers authentic local dishes, such as braised chicken, handmade stone-ground black tofu, and tea oil pig stomach soup, all of which are worth trying. 🛡️[Preparation] Cold weather gear: The temperature on the mountain in winter can be as low as -8°C, so be sure to bring a down jacket, snow boots, hat, gloves, and a warm baby to keep warm. Hiking gear: A lightweight and practical hiking stick will be a good helper during the hike. Don't forget to bring a thermos filled with hot water and some high-calorie snacks to replenish your energy. Photography tips: Use backlighting to capture the rime ice to better show its layers. In cold weather, choose gloves that are suitable for touch screen operation for convenience. Other tips: If you plan to see the rime ice, be sure to check the weather conditions in the scenic area in advance and get the latest information through the official channels of "Dehua Jiuxian Mountain Resort." I hope this guide will help you plan a pleasant and memorable trip to Jiuxian Mountain! ✨