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Jizu Mountain, also known as Jiuqu Cliff and Qingding Mountain, has three peaks in front and a ridge behind, resembling a chicken's foot. The name "Jizu Mountain" refers to its "three claws in front and a spur in the back." Besides Mount Wutai, Mount Emei, Mount Putuo, and Mount Jiuhua, Jizu Mountain is the most famous Chinese Buddhist mountain, renowned throughout China and Southeast Asia. A massive natural stone gate stands to the south of Jizu Mountain's main peak, said to be the site where Kasyapa entered into meditation while guarding his robe. In front of it stand two four-meter-tall square pagodas with dense eaves, known as the Yinguang Twin Pagodas. Built during the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty, they are now well-preserved. The Eight Scenic Spots of Jizu Mountain are: Snow-covered Cangshan Mountain, Mist Returning to Erhai Lake, Cascading Waterfalls Piercing the Clouds, Clear Thunder over Huashou Mountain, Autumn Moon over the Pagoda Courtyard, Buddha's Light from the Pillar of Heaven, Pine Waves in Myriad Valleys, and Reflections on the Rocks.
Jizu Mountain, located in Dali, Yunnan, is a sacred Buddhist site with a history spanning over 1,000 years. It is renowned for its temples, cultural relics, and as a center for Bai ethnic culture, attracting both pilgrims and tourists.
Jizu Mountain is about 30 km from Dali Old Town. Visitors can take a bus, taxi, or private car from Dali. Once near the site, walking and cable cars are common for reaching temple areas and viewpoints.
Generally open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for mild weather and clear views.
The entrance fee is typically around 60–80 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or via official tourism websites and travel apps.
Booking in advance is optional but recommended during holidays and peak tourist seasons to avoid queues.
Plan for at least half a day to a full day to explore the main temples, trails, and scenic viewpoints.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin; limited English tours may be arranged with local travel agencies.
Top of the mountain peaks, temple courtyards, waterfalls, and bamboo forest paths offer excellent photography opportunities.
Start at the main entrance, visit temples along the trail, take scenic viewpoints along the hike, and end at local villages or waterfalls for a complete experience.
Night visits are generally not available; occasional religious festivals or temple ceremonies may be observed during the day.
Weekdays are less crowded. Holidays and weekends can be busy, especially around temple festivals.
Facilities include public toilets, small restaurants, snack stalls, rest areas, and souvenir shops near the entrance and main temple areas.
Main paths are moderately accessible. Elderly and children may need assistance on steep trails. Disabled access is limited in mountainous areas.
Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted. Cash is also usable at smaller shops.
Vegetarian options are widely available in temple areas. Halal options are limited but can be found in Dali town.
Guesthouses, boutique hotels, and small inns are available in Dali city and near the mountain entrance.
Souvenir shops sell local crafts, Buddhist items, Bai embroidery, and postcards.
Buses, taxis, or rented cars from Jizu Mountain can take visitors to Dali Old Town, Erhai Lake, or other nearby attractions.
