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West Jiuhua Mountain Scenic Area is located in Gushi County, Henan Province. According to legend, West Jiuhua Mountain is the dojo of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. It was the first dojo in the Central Plains before Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva settled in Jiuhua Mountain, Anhui Province, so it is called West Jiuhua Mountain.
The West Jiuhua Mountain Tea Culture Scenic Area, set against the backdrop of a vast tea garden, showcases Xinyang Maojian, one of China's ten most famous teas. Through its Miaogao Temple Buddhist Tea Plantation, Tea Art Gallery, and Tea and Bamboo Cultural Garden, visitors can experience the rich history of southern Henan's tea culture. Here, visitors can enjoy spectacular performances on the folk art stage and personally experience the tea production process.
Suitable for all seasons, best in spring and autumn
Famous Temple in Southern Henan·Miaogao Zen Temple
Miaogao Temple, nestled midway up West Jiuhua Mountain, covers over 80 mu (approximately 1,000 acres) and is surrounded by lush bamboo and shrouded in mist. Originally built during the Sui Dynasty, Miaogao Temple was historically known as the Great Buddha Temple, Huayan Temple, and Ksitigarbha Temple. It served as the first monastery of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva in the Central Plains before he ascended to Mount Hua in Anhui.
Miaogao Temple - Main Hall
Liumeng River Valley Landscape Gallery is a scenic canyon area, approximately three kilometers long, with the Liumeng River running through it. Within the scenic area, there are six large waterfalls, the most famous of which is the White Dragon Pond Waterfall, a breathtaking spectacle. In midsummer, the valley's dense shade creates a cool and refreshing atmosphere, with temperatures averaging 2-3 degrees Celsius lower than outside, making it a rare summer escape. In autumn, the valley's warm colors, such as red maple and cotinus, contrast with the cool greens of tea trees, fir trees, and bamboo forests, creating a vibrant, layered, and vibrant scene reflected in the tranquil pools. In winter, the valley is blanketed in snow, creating a unique icefall landscape. The Liumeng River Valley Landscape Gallery embodies the essence of West Jiuhua Mountain's natural landscape and is a must-see destination.
The scenic area pass is 100 yuan per person, including 30 yuan for Liumeng River Valley, 30 yuan for Folk Culture Village, 20 yuan for Xungen Building, and 20 yuan for the tourist bus within the scenic area.
8:00-18:00
West Jiuhua Mountain is part of the Jiuhua Mountain range in Henan and is renowned for its natural beauty and religious heritage. It holds historical significance as a site of Buddhist worship and traditional Chinese cultural practices.
Located near Xinyang in Henan province. Visitors can reach the mountain by taxi or private car from Xinyang city. Local buses serve the base area, and hiking is required to access the main scenic spots.
Open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking and photography due to pleasant weather and colorful foliage.
Entrance fees are approximately 60–80 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online via local travel platforms.
Booking 1–2 days in advance is recommended for weekends and public holidays to avoid long lines.
4–6 hours, depending on the trails chosen and stops for sightseeing.
Guided tours are typically available in Chinese. English-speaking guides may be arranged with prior notice.
Begin at the main entrance, follow marked trails to key viewpoints and temples, descend via a different trail to experience varied scenery, and include forest walks and riverside paths.
Night visits are generally not allowed. Special tours may be arranged during religious festivals or cultural events.
Weekdays are generally less crowded. Avoid national holidays for a quieter experience.
Facilities include restrooms, rest areas, small eateries near trailheads, and water stations along main trails.
Trails can be steep and uneven. Elderly, children, and visitors with mobility issues should exercise caution; wheelchair access is limited.
Mobile payments are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is recommended for small vendors or remote areas.
Local restaurants near the base offer Henan regional cuisine and snacks. Small cafes are available at major scenic entrances.
Vegetarian options are available; vegan and halal choices may be limited.
Guesthouses and small hotels in Xinyang city or nearby towns provide convenient lodging for visitors.
Souvenir shops sell postcards, Buddhist artifacts, handmade crafts, and local specialty foods.
Taxis, private cars, or local buses are suitable for reaching nearby towns, Xinyang city, or other scenic spots in the area.
