Live Your Best Lives
Jiuri Mountain, located west of Fengzhou Town in Nan'an City, is named after the Jin Dynasty, where people who migrated south would climb the mountain on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month each year to enjoy the panoramic views. The mountain boasts a long history, with scholars and poets from the Tang Dynasty onwards having ascended or lived there. The mountain's dramatic peaks, rising to approximately 100 meters, are crowned by towering cliffs and steep cliffs, shaded by verdant trees. The Jinjiang River meanders before it, creating a truly captivating scene: "Rippling streams, serene peaks, and picturesque streets, all hidden within a single district." Its captivating scenery, beautiful landscape, and rich cultural heritage make it one of Quanzhou's most renowned tourist destinations.
The mountain has three peaks, east, west, and north, shaped like a pair of pincers. A Five-Dynasty stone Buddha statue stands on the summit, giving it the name Stone Buddha Mountain. Carved by Chen Hongjin during the Five Dynasties, the statue stands 4.5 meters tall and 1.5 meters wide, depicting a bare-chested, cross-legged figure sitting on a lotus pedestal. The folds of his robe flow symmetrically, making it the earliest stone sculpture in Quanzhou. At the foot of the mountain stood the Yanfu Temple, founded in the ninth year of the Taikang reign of the Western Jin Dynasty (228 AD), the earliest Buddhist temple in Quanzhou. During the Southern Dynasties, the Indian monk Kunaratana translated the Diamond Sutra here and learned Chinese. The stone remains of the sutra translation still remain on the mountain.
Subtropical maritime monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours
25 yuan/person
8:30--17:00
Jiuri Mountain is a sacred mountain in Quanzhou with deep historical and cultural significance. It has been a center for Buddhist practices for centuries and is famous for its temples, ancient architecture, and natural beauty. The mountain is also known for its biodiversity and is a popular destination for pilgrims and nature enthusiasts alike.
Jiuri Mountain is located in the northeastern part of Quanzhou. It is accessible by taxi, or you can take a bus from Quanzhou city to the base of the mountain. The hike to the summit takes around 1 to 2 hours depending on the route chosen. Public transportation options are limited, so taxis or private vehicles are recommended for convenience.
Jiuri Mountain is open year-round, but the best time to visit is in spring and autumn when the weather is cooler and the natural scenery is at its peak. The hiking trails are open during daylight hours, typically from 8 AM to 5 PM. Visiting early in the morning is ideal to avoid crowds and to enjoy the tranquility of the area.
The entrance fee to Jiuri Mountain is usually modest, around 20-30 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the mountain. While there are no online ticketing options, it is easy to buy tickets on-site.
No advance booking is required for Jiuri Mountain. You can purchase tickets on the day of your visit directly at the entrance.
Exploring Jiuri Mountain, including hiking and visiting the temples, typically takes around 3-4 hours. If you plan to take a leisurely hike and explore more of the surrounding areas, you may want to set aside a full day.
Guided tours are available at Jiuri Mountain, generally in Mandarin. Some local guides may offer tours in basic English, but it's best to check availability in advance if you require English-speaking guides. Audio guides are not typically offered.
Start by visiting the Jiuri Mountain Temple at the base. Then, embark on a scenic hike towards the summit, where you can take in breathtaking views. Along the way, take time to enjoy the natural environment and photograph the unique landscapes. After reaching the summit, descend through different trails to explore the area further.
There are no special night visits or light shows at Jiuri Mountain. The area is best enjoyed during daylight hours. However, night hikes or tours are not available, and the site is generally closed after sunset.
Jiuri Mountain is relatively quiet, but it can get crowded during weekends and public holidays, especially in the spring and autumn. The least crowded times are early in the morning on weekdays or during the off-season (winter months).
Basic facilities such as public toilets are available near the base and at the temple. There are also small rest areas along the hiking trails. For food and water, it's recommended to bring your own supplies as there are limited food stalls or shops on the mountain itself.
Jiuri Mountain's hiking trails may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors due to the uneven terrain and steep inclines. Children can enjoy the area, but the hike to the summit might be difficult for younger children. It's recommended to assess personal fitness levels before attempting the hike.
Cash is commonly used at Jiuri Mountain, especially for tickets and small purchases. However, mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted in the area, and credit cards may be accepted at larger establishments.
There are a few local restaurants and snack stalls near the base of Jiuri Mountain where you can try regional specialties like noodles and mountain-grown tea. For more dining options, head back to Quanzhou city.
Vegetarian and vegan food options are available in the nearby restaurants, though choices may be limited. Halal food options are less common but can be found in some restaurants in Quanzhou city.
There are several hotels and guesthouses in Quanzhou city, which is around a 30-minute drive from Jiuri Mountain. Some hotels closer to the base of the mountain may also offer convenient accommodations for hikers.
There are small souvenir shops near the base of Jiuri Mountain selling items like local tea, mountain herbs, and religious artifacts. Typical souvenirs include tea sets, hand-carved wooden figurines, and traditional handicrafts.
After visiting Jiuri Mountain, you can return to Quanzhou by taxi or bus. Taxis are the most convenient option for direct travel, while buses may require some transfers depending on your next destination.
