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Jiuhua Mountain, located in southeastern Chizhou City, Anhui Province, is one of the "Four Famous Mountains of Chinese Buddhism" and the dojo of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. It is also one of the first national key scenic spots. Overlooking the Yangtze River to the north, Huangshan Mountain to the south, and Taiping Lake to the east, Jiuhua Mountain is renowned both domestically and internationally for its Buddhist culture and stunning natural scenery. Known as the "Nine-Nine Peaks," Jiuhua Mountain boasts over 20 peaks over a thousand meters high, led by the Ten Kings Peak. The mountains are captivating with winding streams and cascading waterfalls. The peaks, resembling terraces and pillars, soar into the clouds, resembling lotuses emerging from the water, a scene of divine craftsmanship.
Jiuhua Mountain has a northern subtropical humid monsoon climate, characterized by a high-altitude microclimate. Rainy weather is common, and sunshine hours are shorter than at the foot of the mountain. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit.
Regular tourist routes
Day Trips
Route A: Huacheng Temple - Hall of the Flesh Body - Min Garden - Tiantai
Route B: Huacheng Temple - Flesh Body Hall - Centenary Palace - Hall of Five Hundred Arhats - Tonghui Zen Forest - Great Compassion Hall
Two-day tour
Route A: D1 Huacheng Temple - Huixiang Pavilion - Dongya Zen Temple - Bell Pavilion - Baisui Palace - Five Hundred Arhats Hall - Gion Temple Buddhist Ceremony
D2: Hall of the Flesh Body - Min Garden - Phoenix Pine - Tiantai
Route B D1 Huacheng Temple - Jingjie Jingshe - Upper Zen Hall - Wheel-turning Hall - Flesh Body Hall - Ksitigarbha Zen Temple
D2: Centenary Palace - Hall of Five Hundred Arhats - Dongya Zen Temple - Huixiang Pavilion - Tonghui Zen Forest - Dabei Hall
Peak season : January 16th to November 14th every year Regular ticket: 190 yuan Discount ticket: 95 yuan
Off-season : November 15th to January 15th of the following year. Regular ticket: 140 yuan. Discount ticket: 70 yuan.
All day
Jiuhua Mountain is one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China, dedicated to Ksitigarbha, the Bodhisattva of the Earth. It has been a pilgrimage site for over 1,500 years and is home to numerous ancient temples and monasteries. Its cultural and religious significance attracts both devout Buddhists and tourists alike.
Jiuhua Mountain is located in Chizhou, Anhui Province. The mountain can be accessed by bus or taxi from Chizhou City, which is well-connected by train to other major cities in Anhui. From the base, there are shuttle buses or taxis available to take you to the entrance. Hiking up is also an option for the adventurous.
Jiuhua Mountain is open year-round, generally from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are in spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November), when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most vibrant. Avoid the peak summer months for a more peaceful experience.
The entrance fee for Jiuhua Mountain is typically around 120 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site, and in some cases, online through local travel platforms, especially during peak tourist seasons.
It is not strictly necessary to book tickets in advance, but during the Chinese New Year and Golden Week holidays, it is highly recommended to purchase tickets online ahead of time to avoid long queues.
To fully explore Jiuhua Mountain, including its temples, hiking trails, and scenic views, plan for a day trip. A visit typically takes around 5-7 hours depending on your pace and the activities you want to do.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some tours may offer basic English support. It’s recommended to arrange for a guide in advance if you need assistance in English.
Start by visiting the main temple complex, then hike towards Tianzhu Peak for sweeping views. Spend time exploring the other temples and monasteries, and don’t forget to take breaks in the forested areas to enjoy the serenity.
Currently, Jiuhua Mountain is not known for night visits or light shows. The best experience is during the day, as the mountain’s beauty is best appreciated in natural light.
Jiuhua Mountain can get crowded during national holidays and weekends. To avoid the crowds, try visiting on weekdays, especially outside of peak tourist seasons like Chinese New Year and Golden Week.
Basic facilities, such as toilets, rest areas, and water stations, are available throughout Jiuhua Mountain. There are also small shops selling snacks and souvenirs near the main entrance and temple areas.
The mountain is relatively steep in some areas, making it challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. However, there are paved paths near the base and some accessible facilities near the temples. Families with children may find the experience more enjoyable if they focus on the lower-altitude temples and scenic areas.
Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted, especially in larger cities. Cash is still accepted in most areas, but it is recommended to carry some in case mobile payments are not available in remote areas.
Vegetarian food is widely available, especially in the temples where monks prepare simple vegetarian meals. Vegan and halal options are more limited, but can be found in larger restaurants in Chizhou City.
Souvenir shops are available near the main temple and entrance areas. Typical souvenirs include Buddhist statues, prayer beads, incense, and local crafts.
