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At Xiaojiuhua Scenic Area, visitors can hike along the scenic mountain trails, explore Buddhist temples, and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings. Don’t miss the cable car ride for panoramic views of the area, and visit the famous Jiu Hua Mountain Temple for a spiritual experience. Photography enthusiasts will also enjoy capturing the mountain landscapes, particularly during sunrise or sunset.
Jixi Xiaojiuhua Scenic Area is located in the northeastern part of Jingzhou Township, Jixi County. Its secluded landscapes are renowned for their unique beauty, citing the legend that Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva of Jiuhua Mountain once practiced asceticism here, hence the name . Xiaojiuhua Mountain, with its steep peaks and deep ravines, resembles a series of winding dragons. Amidst a hillock, the river meanders, forming a peninsula with the Ksitigarbha Temple atop it. On the opposite bank, a screen-like formation of mountains stands before Yinping Temple.
At Tianmen, Xiaojiuhua, the Jingzhou River meanders from west to east, winding here and forming a deep, dark green pool that stretches as far as the eye can see. This is the renowned " Iron Cauldron Pond . " Surrounding the pond are peaks and hills. The sheer heights and steepness of the water are breathtaking. Beside the pond lies the " Child-Sending Cave , " where steps lead to a statue of Guanyin. Prayers praying for children with incense were often met with such fervor that the statue was once particularly popular. The area is characterized by dramatic peaks, deep valleys, and winding streams.
Xiaojiuhua boasts ten springs: Deep Iron Cauldron, Drips of Green Silver Screen, Blade Piercing the Clouds, Hengyan Waterfall, Roaring Lion's Mouth, Mist and Rain on Shuangxi River, Five Dragons Seizing the Pearl, Dusk on the Peak, Sweet Springs of Nine Wells, and Early Snow on Meigang Hill. Numerous inscriptions and poems have been written about these springs throughout history. During the Cultural Revolution , all the temples, monasteries, and Buddhist statues were destroyed.
Suitable for all seasons, best for escaping the summer heat
Xiaojiuhua has a primitive and simple ecology and pure nature. In addition to the old " Ten Scenic Spots of Jiuhua " of " The Deep Iron Cauldron " , " The Silver Screen Dripping Green " , " The Blade Piercing the Clouds " , " The Hengyan Waterfall " , " The Lion's Mouth Roaring to the Sky " , " The Misty Rain in Shuangxi " , " The Five Dragons Fighting for the Pearl " , " The Evening Mist on the Peak " , " The Sweet Spring of Nine Wells " and " The Early Snow on Meigang " , the new ones include " A Line of Sky " , " The Hidden Dragon Canyon " and " Exploring the Iron Cauldron Pond ".
Recommended play time: more than 3 hours
68 yuan/person
8:30-18:00
Xiaojiuhua Scenic Area is part of Jiu Hua Mountain, a significant Buddhist site in China. It is renowned for its rich history, dating back over a thousand years, and is considered one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains in China. It is dedicated to the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha and attracts pilgrims from all over the world. The area is also known for its beautiful natural landscapes and serene environment.
Xiaojiuhua Scenic Area is located in Xuancheng, Anhui Province, China. The most convenient way to reach the area is by taxi or private car from the Xuancheng city center. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Xuancheng to the scenic area. Public transportation is limited, so a taxi or private car is often the easiest option.
The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is mild and the landscape is most picturesque. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to avoid the crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
The entrance fee is approximately ¥50. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, and there is currently no option for online booking. It's recommended to bring cash, as mobile payments might not be accepted at the ticket counter.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance for Xiaojiuhua Scenic Area. However, during peak seasons, especially Chinese holidays, it may be a good idea to arrive early to avoid long queues.
To fully explore the Xiaojiuhua Scenic Area, including hiking, visiting temples, and taking in the views, you’ll need approximately 3 to 4 hours. If you plan to take the cable car or visit specific temples, you might need a bit more time.
The must-see highlights include Jiu Hua Mountain Temple, the cable car ride with panoramic views, and the hiking trails that offer stunning views of the mountain and surrounding landscape. The Buddha statues and ancient temple architecture are also key attractions.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. If you do not speak Mandarin, it’s a good idea to bring a translation app or hire a local guide. Audio guides are typically not available in other languages.
The best viewpoints for photography are from the cable car, which offers stunning aerial views of the mountain and the surrounding valleys. The summit of Jiu Hua Mountain also provides excellent panoramic views, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Start your visit with a cable car ride to the top of Jiu Hua Mountain, where you can explore the temples and enjoy the panoramic views. Afterward, hike down along the scenic trails, visiting various temples and Buddha statues along the way. Be sure to take time to meditate or reflect in the peaceful areas around the temples.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Xiaojiuhua Scenic Area. The site closes by 5:00 PM, and special night tours are not offered. It’s best to plan your visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the scenic beauty.
The area can get crowded during weekends and holidays, particularly during the peak tourist season in spring and autumn. To avoid crowds, visit during weekdays or early in the morning, especially during off-peak months like winter.
Basic facilities such as toilets are available throughout the scenic area. There are also rest areas where visitors can relax. Food and water are sold at small shops around the entrance, but it’s a good idea to bring your own supplies if you plan to spend a long time in the area.
Xiaojiuhua Scenic Area is accessible for elderly and children, though there are steep sections along the hiking trails. The cable car offers a convenient way to reach the top for those with limited mobility. However, some of the temple areas and trails may be challenging for disabled visitors, so it’s important to plan accordingly.
Cash is commonly accepted at the entrance and small shops within the scenic area. Mobile payment options like WeChat Pay and Alipay are also accepted, but it’s recommended to carry some cash in case mobile payment systems are unavailable in certain areas.
There are no large restaurants within the Xiaojiuhua Scenic Area itself, but small local eateries can be found in nearby towns or along the road leading to the area. Traditional Chinese meals and snacks are commonly available.
Vegetarian food options are available in the local eateries near the scenic area. Halal options may be limited, so it’s recommended to check the menu or inquire with the restaurant staff in advance.
There are several hotels in Xuancheng city, which is about a 30-minute drive from the scenic area. For those wanting a closer stay, there are guesthouses and small hotels near the entrance to Xiaojiuhua Scenic Area.
Nearby attractions include the Xianxia Scenic Area, which is known for its beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails. The Xuancheng Museum is also close and provides insight into the local history and culture. Both can be visited as part of a day trip from Xiaojiuhua Scenic Area.
There are souvenir shops near the entrance where visitors can purchase items like local crafts, religious figurines, and traditional Chinese souvenirs. Common souvenirs include calligraphy scrolls, jade pieces, and small Buddha statues.
After visiting Xiaojiuhua Scenic Area, the best transportation options are by taxi or private car to other attractions in Xuancheng or nearby towns. Xuancheng Railway Station is the main hub for onward travel, and buses are also available for longer trips to nearby cities.
