Jiuhua Mountain

​​Overview​​

Jiuhua Mountain (九华山), located in ​​Qingyang County, Chizhou City, Anhui Province​​, is a ​​UNESCO Global Geopark​​ and ​​National 5A Scenic Area​​. With a history spanning ​​1,300+ years​​, it’s celebrated as the ​​"Lotus Land of Buddhism"​​ and the ​​bodhimanda (sacred site)​​ of ​​Ksitigarbha (Dizang) Bodhisattva​​. The mountain spans ​​120 km²​​, featuring ​​99 peaks​​ (highest: ​​Shiwang Peak, 1,342m​​), lush forests (90% coverage), and rare wildlife like macaques.

​​Key Features​​

1. ​​Buddhist Heritage​​

   • ​​99 Temples​​: Including ​​Huacheng Temple​​ (oldest, Tang Dynasty) and ​​Baisui Palace​​ (home to a 1,000-year-old mummified monk).
   • ​​Ksitigarbha Culture​​: Founded by ​​Korean prince Kim Kiao Kak​​ in 719 AD, who meditated here for 75 years.
   • ​​Annual Rituals​​: ​​July 30th (lunar calendar)​​ marks Ksitigarbha’s birthday, attracting pilgrims worldwide.

2. ​​Natural Wonders​​

   • ​​"Four Marvels"​​: Sunrise, sea of clouds, Buddha’s halo, and sacred lights at ​​Tiantai Peak​​.
   • ​​Geological Diversity​​: Granite peaks, waterfalls (e.g., ​​Longxi Stream​​), and ancient pines like the ​​1,000-year-old Phoenix Pine​​.

3. ​​Cultural Treasures​​

   • ​​Tang Dynasty Relics​​: Including ​​blood-written sutras​​ and imperial decrees.
   • ​​Poetic Legacy​​: Inspired Li Bai’s verse: "Like a heavenly river, its green water embroidering hibiscuses".

​​Visitor Experience​​

• ​​Activities​​:

  • ​​Temple Tours​​: Explore ​​Huacheng Temple​​ and ​​Roushen Hall​​ (mummified monks).
  • ​​Hiking​​: Cable cars (¥120) to ​​Tiantai Peak​​ for panoramic views.
  • ​​Vegetarian Cuisine​​: Local Buddhist dishes like ​​tofu bamboo shoots​​.

• ​​Practical Info​​:

  • ​​Ticket​​: ¥160 (peak season), ¥80 (off-season).
  • ​​Transport​​: 1.5-hour bus from ​​Huangshan North Station​​.
  • ​​Best Time​​: ​​Spring (flowers)​​ and ​​Autumn (clear skies)​​.

​​Preservation & Recognition​​

• ​​UNESCO Global Geopark​​ (2019) for its geological and cultural value.
• ​​National Eco-Model​​: 90% forest coverage protects 216 rare species.

Jiuhua Mountain is a ​​spiritual sanctuary​​ and ​​natural masterpiece​​, offering serenity and adventure in equal measure.