Practical Guide to Visiting the Buddhist Holy Land in Western Yunnan

1. Location and Altitude Jizu Mountain is located in Binchuan County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is one of the five major Buddhist mountains in China (legend has it that it is the ashram of the Venerable Kasyapa) and is known as the 'Holy Mountain of Buddhism.' The main peak, Tianzhu Peak, has an altitude of 3320 meters and is named for its resemblance to a chicken's foot. The mountain climate is variable, cool in summer, and occasionally snowy in winter. From the summit, you can overlook Cangshan and Erhai Lake and have a distant view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The sea of clouds and sunrise are particularly spectacular. 2. Ticket Information · Scenic Area Ticket: Full price 55 RMB/person (off-season from November to March), peak season 80 RMB/person (April to October). · Discounted Ticket: Half price for students and seniors aged 60-70 with valid ID, free for seniors over 70, military personnel, and disabled persons. · Other Fees: · Sightseeing Bus: 15 RMB per segment, remember there are 4 segments, each requiring a separate ticket. · Cable Car: Round trip 75 RMB (one-way up 45 RMB, down 30 RMB), directly to the vicinity of Jinding Temple. 3. Transportation Guide 1. External Transportation · From Dali: · Take a bus from Dali East Bus Station (Xiaguan) to Binchuan County (about 1.5 hours, fare 20 RMB), then transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus (30 minutes, 10 RMB); · Dali Ancient City Tourist Express: There is a direct tourist line to Jizu Mountain during the peak season (about 2 hours, fare 40 RMB) · Didi offers a direct city ride for 19 RMB per person, which is very cost-effective and can reach Dali Railway Station or the ancient city. · Self-driving: Depart from Dali Ancient City, follow the Daxi Line and turn onto Niusha Road, the total distance is about 90 kilometers. The mountain road has many bends, so drive carefully. The scenic area parking fee is 10-20 RMB/day. 2. Internal Transportation · Hiking: It takes about 3-4 hours from the mountain gate to Jinding, passing through Zhusheng Temple, Huideng Nunnery, and Kasyapa Hall, suitable for those with good physical strength. · Sightseeing Bus + Cable Car: Time-saving and labor-saving, it takes about 1.5 hours to reach the top, recommended for tourists with tight schedules. 4. Recommended Tour Routes 1. Classic One-Day Tour: Mountain Gate → Sightseeing Bus to Zhusheng Temple → Hike/Ride to Cable Car Station → Take Cable Car to Tianzhu Peak → Jinding Temple (watch sunrise and sea of clouds) → Huashou Gate (Kasyapa's meditation place) → Descend and return. 5. Must-Visit Attractions · Jinding Temple: At an altitude of 3248 meters, the temple's Lengyan Pagoda is the symbol of Jizu Mountain, where you can ring the bell for blessings. · Huashou Gate: A natural rock wall resembling a Buddhist gate, said to be the place where Kasyapa entered meditation, the core of Buddhist pilgrimages. · Zhusheng Temple: The largest Zen temple in the mountain, where Master Xuyun once preached, with towering ancient trees and a thriving incense. 6. Precautions 1. The altitude is relatively high, and some sections are steep. It is recommended to bring a windproof jacket, comfortable hiking shoes, and sunscreen. 2. Respect Buddhist etiquette, dress appropriately when entering temples, and avoid loud noises. 3. The temperature at the top of the mountain is relatively low, with an average of 15-20°C in summer. In winter, bring a down jacket. 4. Monkeys are active in the mountains, do not feed or tease them, and keep your belongings safe. 7. Travel Tips · Best Season: Spring and autumn (March to May for rhododendron blooms, September to November for stunning autumn colors). · Food and Accommodation: Vegetarian meals are available around Zhusheng Temple (20 RMB/person), simple meals are provided at the mountain top inns, and it is recommended to bring your own snacks. · Cultural Experience: The pilgrimage festival from the first to the fifteenth day of the lunar new year offers a chance to experience traditional ceremonies and folk activities.