What to Eat on Jiuhua Mountain & Where to Find Delicious Food

Jiuhua Mountain is a renowned Buddhist sacred mountain. Historically, monks and nuns abided by strict precepts banning meat and fish and could only eat vegetarian food. Meanwhile, the region had a large number of Buddhist believers, and local authorities also prohibited mountain villagers and pilgrims from eating meat. For centuries, vegetarian diets dominated here, gradually giving rise to the one-of-a-kind Jiuhua Mountain Vegetarian Cuisine.

After the 1930s, the ban on meat was relaxed. Except for Buddhists and pilgrims who strictly stick to vegetarian meals inside temples, ordinary tourists and local villagers are no longer restricted from eating meat. Meat restaurants have gradually multiplied along Jiuhua Street. Meanwhile, vegetarian restaurants can be found in all major hotels across the scenic area and along roadside streets, serving a wide range of local-style vegetarian dishes.

Dish prices on Jiuhua Mountain are generally slightly high; even simple vegetarian dishes cost dozens of yuan per serving, so it is best to confirm prices before ordering. Jiuhua vegetarian dishes made with mountain bamboo shoots, winter mushrooms and wild vegetables are the most distinctive local specialties and very popular among visitors.

Do not assume small out-of-the-way eateries offer cheap prices—their rates are roughly on par with star hotels such as Shangketang Hotel and Dongya Hotel. Therefore, if you plan to dine out on Jiuhua Mountain, it is recommended to choose larger restaurants.