A Trip to Mount Jiuhua: A Soul-Cleansing Journey Worth Taking

I've always been fascinated by the sacredness and tranquility of Mount Jiuhua. This time, I finally set foot on this holy land and had a fulfilling experience. I can't wait to share this travel guide with you. 📍Itinerary Day 1: Tourist Service Center - Jiuhua Street - Huacheng Temple - Zhiyuan Temple After arriving at the Mount Jiuhua Tourist Service Center, take the scenic bus to the core scenic area, Jiuhua Street. Jiuhua Street is the center of Mount Jiuhua, with numerous ancient temples and shops, making it a bustling area. First, visit Huacheng Temple, the oldest temple on Mount Jiuhua. The temple's architecture is simple and elegant, housing many precious Buddhist relics. Here, you can experience a rich sense of history and Buddhist atmosphere. Next, head to Zhiyuan Temple, one of the four main monasteries on Mount Jiuhua. Built against the mountain, the temple rises layer upon layer, presenting a magnificent sight. In the evening, stroll along Jiuhua Street, watch the sunset glow on the roofs of ancient temples, and enjoy the peace and quiet. Day 2: Baisui Palace - Tiantai Scenic Area Take the cable car to Baisui Palace early in the morning. As the cable car ascends, you can overlook the magnificent mountain scenery of Mount Jiuhua. Baisui Palace enshrines the preserved body of Chan Master Wuxia. It is said that Chan Master Wuxia practiced here for 126 years before passing away, and his body remained incorrupt, earning him the title of "Baisui Gong" (Hundred-Year-Old Master). After visiting Baisui Palace, you can descend along the mountain trails, enjoying the beautiful scenery and seeing many cliff carvings. Then, take the scenic bus to the Tiantai Scenic Area. Tiantai is the main peak of Mount Jiuhua, with an altitude of 1,306 meters. There is a saying, "If you don't reach Tiantai, you haven't really been to Mount Jiuhua." Climbing the steep steps can be challenging, but when you reach the top of Tiantai and overlook the surrounding peaks and the swirling clouds and mist, you'll feel that it was all worth it. The Tiantai Temple on the summit is solemn and majestic, where you can pray devoutly and experience the sacredness of Buddhism. 🍱Food Recommendations Mount Jiuhua is famous for its vegetarian cuisine. Be sure to try the local specialty vegetarian dishes. Scrambled eggs with rock tripe is a must-try dish. Rock tripe is a local specialty of Mount Jiuhua, with a crisp texture. When paired with eggs, it creates a delicious flavor. There are also Dizang vegetarian biscuits, with a crispy crust and sweet filling, available in various flavors such as sweet osmanthus and red bean paste. They make excellent souvenirs. In addition, the local braised pork with dried bamboo shoots (vegetarian meat) is also very distinctive. The dried bamboo shoots are tender, and the vegetarian meat has a realistic texture, leaving a lasting impression. 🛏Accommodation Recommendations If you want to experience the tranquility and peace of Mount Jiuhua, it is recommended to stay in a homestay or inn on Jiuhua Street. You can see ancient temples right outside your door and hear the temple bells at night, creating a unique atmosphere. Prices vary depending on the room type and season, generally ranging from CNY 200 to 500. If you're on a budget, you can also choose to stay in hotels outside the scenic area, which are relatively cheaper. You can take the scenic bus to travel around. 🚗Transportation Guide If you take the high-speed train, you can get off at Chizhou Station. There are direct buses to the Mount Jiuhua scenic area from the station, and the journey takes about 50 minutes. If you are driving, navigate directly to the Mount Jiuhua Tourist Service Center. There is a parking lot inside the scenic area, making parking very convenient. ❗Important Notes Mount Jiuhua is a sacred Buddhist site. Please dress respectfully when entering temples and avoid wearing revealing clothing. Respect local religious beliefs and customs. Do not talk loudly or touch Buddha statues and ritual objects in temples. Pay attention to safety during the climb, especially on the steep steps in the Tiantai Scenic Area. It is best to bring a hiking stick. The weather on Mount Jiuhua is changeable, so it is recommended to bring rain gear and warm clothing. Mount Jiuhua is not only a mountain with beautiful natural scenery but also a holy place that can purify the soul. I hope this guide can help you embark on an unforgettable journey to Mount Jiuhua and gain plenty of positive energy.