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At West Jiuhua Scenic Area, visitors can explore the stunning Buddhist temples, walk along scenic trails, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. A must-do activity is visiting Jiuhua Mountain’s main temples, such as the Huacheng Temple, which is known for its religious significance and peaceful atmosphere.
Xijiuhua Scenic Area, also known as Dudu Mountain, is located on the picturesque Dudu Mountain in Liudian Township, Wuwei County. Far from the city, it offers stunning scenery and fresh air. Legend has it that over 2,000 years ago, King Xiang Yu of Chu stationed his troops here, leaving behind scenic sites such as " Bawang City " and " Horse Racing Track . " The mountain was named after General Zhou Yu, who passed by.
There is a Xijiuhua Temple on Dudu Mountain. It was first built during the Jingde period of the Song Dynasty and covers an area of more than ten hectares. It was built next to the Jiuzhang Stone on a steep cliff. The entire temple was built against the mountain and extended to the east and west. It has facilities such as the mountain gate, Heavenly King Hall, Three Saints Hall, bell tower, Buddha Hall, Dining Hall, and Guest Hall.
Surrounding the temple are lush forests, exotic flowers and plants of all shapes and sizes, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene. Even more remarkable is the presence of a massive rock suspended in mid-air at the summit of the temple. Over ten feet tall, it's so stunning that looking up at it threatens to plunge down. Legend has it that this rock is where Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva would sit in meditation in the dead of night.
The temple's main hall features three majestic Buddha statues seated cross-legged on a cloud-topped platform, flanked by the Eighteen Arhats, each displaying a different expression of joy, anger, and happiness. Guanyin, a lotus-shaped figure, holds a willow branch and offers blessings through pure water. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, with his benevolent gaze, offers salvation to all living beings. The monks' dining rooms, nestled among lush trees and ivy, are accompanied by morning bells and evening drums, creating a tranquil and elegant atmosphere.
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West Jiuhua Scenic Area is part of Jiuhua Mountain, a significant Buddhist site in China. It is one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains and is dedicated to Kshitigarbha (Dizang), the Bodhisattva of Hell. The mountain has been a pilgrimage site for centuries and houses numerous ancient temples and shrines.
West Jiuhua Scenic Area is located in the southeastern part of Anhui Province, near the city of Chizhou. You can reach the site by bus or taxi from the city center, or take a high-speed train to Chizhou and then a taxi to the mountain base. Walking is also an option for the more adventurous, especially for exploring the surrounding trails.
The area is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are in spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the surrounding foliage is most scenic. It is especially beautiful during the spring cherry blossom season.
The entrance fee is typically around 100-150 CNY for the main temple complex. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, and in some cases, online booking options are available through local tourism websites.
While advance booking is not mandatory, it is recommended during peak seasons (like holidays) to avoid long lines. Booking 1-2 days in advance is generally sufficient.
A visit to the West Jiuhua Scenic Area can take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours, depending on how much time you spend exploring the temples and hiking the trails. Plan for a full day if you want to take in all the views and visit multiple temples.
The must-see highlights include the Huacheng Temple, the Heavenly King Hall, and the great Kshitigarbha statue. Don’t miss the panoramic views from the top of the mountain, which offer a beautiful vista of the surrounding forests and valleys.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and some tour operators may offer English-speaking guides for international visitors. Audio guides in Chinese are also available for rent at the entrance.
The best viewpoints are from the top of Jiuhua Mountain, where you can capture breathtaking panoramic photos of the mountain range and surrounding landscape. The areas around Huacheng Temple and the Heavenly King Hall are also great for photography.
Start by visiting the Huacheng Temple at the base of the mountain, then take the trail up to the Heavenly King Hall. From there, hike to the top to enjoy the panoramic views and visit the Kshitigarbha statue. This route allows you to explore the key sights and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Night visits are generally not available at the West Jiuhua Scenic Area, and no light shows are organized. Special tours may be available during festival times, such as the Buddhist ceremonies, but these need to be booked in advance.
The area can become crowded during weekends and holidays. To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit during weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon hours.
There are basic facilities available, including toilets, rest areas, and small food stalls along the main routes. Shops selling Buddhist-related items, souvenirs, and snacks are also present in the area.
The area has steep paths, so it may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. However, there are some paved paths around the temples, and the main temple area is accessible for all visitors. Children will enjoy the open spaces and temples but should be supervised on the hiking trails.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted throughout the scenic area, including in shops and food stalls.
There are a few restaurants and cafes near the base of Jiuhua Mountain offering local Anhui cuisine. For more dining options, you can head to the city of Chizhou, which is about 30 minutes away by car.
Vegetarian food is available in local restaurants, especially around the temples. Vegan and halal options may be limited, so it’s best to inquire ahead or bring your own food if necessary.
There are several hotels near the base of Jiuhua Mountain, ranging from budget to mid-range options. For a more luxurious experience, you can stay in Chizhou, which offers a wider range of accommodations.
Other nearby attractions include the Jiuhua Mountain Cultural Scenic Area and the Dadu Mountain. You can also visit the ancient town of Tangyue, which is known for its historical architecture.
Yes, there are souvenir shops selling items such as Buddhist figurines, prayer beads, and other local handicrafts. Incense and tea are also popular souvenirs.
After visiting West Jiuhua Scenic Area, you can take a taxi or bus to Chizhou city for further travel. From there, you can catch a train or bus to other parts of Anhui Province or beyond.
