Must-see Attractions of Jiuhua Mountain – Introduction to Classic Scenic Spots

Many visitors only have limited time for Jiuhua Mountain and ask for a list of essential scenic spots they cannot miss:

It was first discovered by the late Monk Rende, and the mountain silhouette bears a striking resemblance to the monk himself.

China’s tallest outdoor bronze Buddha statue. (The construction was incomplete at the time of writing; the consecration ceremony was scheduled for 2011. The picture shown is a rendering.)

This scenic zone officially opened to the public recently. It boasts the most stunning natural scenery, the best-preserved ecological environment and the largest number of Buddhist natural wonders across Jiuhua Mountain.

The oldest temple on Jiuhua Mountain, now converted into the Jiuhua Mountain Historical Cultural Relics Museum.

The shrine housing the flesh relic of Jin Qiaojue, who is regarded as the earthly incarnation of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.

Home to the intact flesh body of Monk Wuxia, known as the Manifestation Bodhisattva.

The highest temple on Jiuhua Mountain and the landmark of the famed "Dawn over Tiantai Peak". On clear days, visitors atop the summit can catch a distant view of the Yangtze River. Plan a full day if you intend to visit Tiantai Peak.

Hailed as the No.1 Pine under Heaven.

Jiuhua Mountain’s longest aerial ropeway was put into operation the same year. The total length of the cableway reaches 2,908 meters, with a horizontal span of 2,807 meters and an elevation difference of 823 meters between the upper and lower stations.

Take the Huatai Cableway uphill to overlook glacial erratics (remnants of ancient glaciers) and ecological tea plantations, and gaze afar at Dagu Peak and Min Garden Grand Canyon. Arrive at the upper cableway station, pass the Precept Stone and enter the Buddhist precincts. Trek through primeval forests, view the landmark "Ksitigarbha’s Drying Boots", and climb to the main Huatai Summit to take in the panoramic splendor of Jiuhua Mountain, and appreciate the profound poetic line: The subtle Dao divides Yin and Yang; this sacred mountain unfolds the nine blossoms. Proceed to Xuanwu Peak to see the "Roc Bird Listening to Scriptures", then reach Immortal Gathering Peak to pray at the Wishing Spirit Stone. Descend to Minor Huatai and explore Dreamlike Stone Valley, Cool Terrace, Stone Buddha and the Divine Sea Stabilizing Needle. Head back to the lower station of Huatai Cableway, with the whole trip taking around 2 hours.

(Alternative route: Hike from Minor Huatai to Tiantai Scenic Area and take the Tiantai Cableway downhill. The full journey also lasts 2 hours, offering a richer immersive hiking experience.)