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Take a leisurely walk through the forest, enjoy the fresh air, and appreciate the aromatic sandalwood trees. Visit the tranquil meditation areas, or take a guided tour to learn about the significance of sandalwood and its uses in traditional medicine and culture.
The Chantan Forest is a large temple built in the late 19th century. Inside, the temple's brackets and window lattices are intricately and vividly carved with depictions of Tang Monk's journey to the West and Buddhist myths. Inside the main gate is a two-story Buddhist hall. The upper floor houses the Maitreya Hall, while the rear hall houses the Skanda Hall.
A nationally recognized key temple, also known as the "Sandalwood Zen Forest," it is located southwest of Jiuhua Street. Originally built during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, it was one of the 72 dormitories of Huacheng Temple. The temple survived during the reign of Emperor Daoguang, but was destroyed during the Xianfeng era. In the 12th year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu (1886), Monk Dingchan raised funds to rebuild it.
Legend has it that when the temple was first built, monks felled an ancient tree on the pipa-shaped hill behind the temple. Seeing its hard wood, fine veins, and unique fragrance, they compared it to the sandalwood tree, a treasure of Buddhism. The pipa-shaped hill resembled the Niutou Mountain in South India, described in Buddhist scriptures as renowned for its abundant sandalwood trees, and so the temple was named "Sandalwood Forest." In the early years of the Republic of China, the abbot, Fuxing, expanded the temple, and lay Buddhist Yi Guogan gifted it with the inscription "Fuhui Shuangxiu." The succeeding abbot, Zhen'an, expanded the hall and established a single hall for the public.
North subtropical monsoon climate; suitable for travel in all four seasons.
Temple of the Three Saints, Great Compassion Tower;
It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours
Included in the Jiuhua Mountain ticket
8:00-17:30
Sandalwood Forest is a significant natural site in Chizhou, Anhui. The forest is known for its sandalwood trees, which are prized for their aromatic properties and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine and incense production for centuries. The forest also has cultural and ecological importance in the region.
Sandalwood Forest is located in Chizhou, Anhui Province. You can reach the forest by taxi or private car from Chizhou city center. There are also local buses available, though they might take longer. Walking is possible if you are staying nearby, but it is a bit far from the central area.
The forest is open year-round, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are early in the morning or late in the afternoon to enjoy cooler temperatures and avoid the midday crowds.
The entrance fee is typically around 20-30 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, and there are currently no online ticketing options available.
No, advance booking is not necessary. You can buy tickets directly at the entrance upon arrival.
A visit to Sandalwood Forest typically takes around 1-2 hours, depending on how much time you wish to spend walking through the forest and enjoying the serene atmosphere.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may be available at the visitor center, but foreign language options are limited.
The best photography spots include the panoramic views of the forest from the elevated walkways, as well as close-up shots of the sandalwood trees and surrounding flora. Early morning or late afternoon light provides the best conditions for photos.
Start by visiting the visitor center to understand the forest's significance. Then take a walk through the main sandalwood groves, stopping at the meditation areas. If you have extra time, explore the surrounding nature trails for a deeper connection with the landscape.
There are no night visits or light shows available at Sandalwood Forest. The attraction closes by 6:00 PM, and special tours are not offered in the evening.
The forest can get moderately crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays, especially in the early morning hours.
Basic facilities are available, including public toilets, drinking water stations, and rest areas. There are also small shops selling souvenirs and snacks near the entrance.
Sandalwood Forest has some paved pathways that are suitable for elderly visitors and children. However, some of the natural trails may not be accessible for people with mobility issues. There are areas with benches for rest, making it suitable for a relaxed visit.
Cash is accepted, and mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are also commonly used. Credit cards may not be accepted at the entrance or smaller shops.
There are a few local restaurants near the entrance of the forest serving traditional Chinese cuisine. More dining options are available in the nearby Chizhou city center.
Vegetarian options are available at some restaurants, as traditional Chinese cuisine often includes plant-based dishes. Halal food options are more limited but may be found in Chizhou city.
There are souvenir shops at the entrance selling items like sandalwood incense, wood carvings, and small Buddha statues. Other typical souvenirs include traditional handicrafts and herbal products related to sandalwood.
