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It is one of the oldest mountains in North China, with geological structures and periglacial landforms dating back about 2.5 billion years.
It is the first of the four famous Buddhist mountains and the only religious holy place in China where Han Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism coexist.
It is a living specimen of ancient Chinese architectural art, preserving 47 temple buildings from the Northern Wei Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty.
It is a model of world cultural heritage, perfectly embodying the Chinese philosophy of "harmony between man and nature";
This is the place of practice for Manjushri Bodhisattva, Mount Wutai.
Let’s discuss this today.
The origin of Mount Wutai and its interesting historical stories and legends!
Let us travel through thousands of years of history
Let’s talk about why you should go to Mount Wutai for pilgrimage!
Origin, rooting, development, and prosperity
Big Chaotai + Small Chaotai
Clockwise towards Taiwan
Counterclockwise towards Taiwan
Shunchao Great Perfection
Eight platforms in a row
Everyone knows that "Mount Wutai" is named because the tops of its five peaks are flat like platforms. Do you know an interesting legend about the origin of the name of Mount Wutai?
Mount Wutai, originally called Wufeng Mountain, suffered from a harsh climate, characterized by freezing winters and scorching summers, rendering crops infertile. To create a cool and blissful haven for practitioners, Manjushri Bodhisattva transformed himself into an old monk and sought the "Dragon Resting Stone" from the Dragon King of the East China Sea. The Dragon King, convinced that the stone weighed tens of thousands of pounds and was impossible for a mortal to lift, readily agreed. The Bodhisattva chanted a spell, and the stone instantly shrank to the size of a bullet, slipped into his sleeve, and vanished. The Dragon King's five sons, in pursuit, wreaked havoc, flattening the five peaks with their tails, resulting in the flat summit of Mount Wutai.
The earliest religious activities in Mount Wutai can be traced back to Taoism.
According to the Qingliang Mountain Records, Mount Wutai, originally known as "Zifu Mountain," was a place where Taoist deities practiced cultivation, with the Zifu Temple and Xuanzhen Temple built there. Taoists believed this place was a sacred place where "purple air came from the east."
Legend has it that before Buddhism was introduced to China, Manjushri Bodhisattva appeared in the form of a "poor woman" and other incarnations, leaving behind relics such as the "Shipen Cave", suggesting the early fusion of Buddhism and Taoism.
Buddhism was officially introduced into China in the 11th year of Yongping in the Eastern Han Dynasty (68 AD).
At that time, there were two eminent monks named Kasyapa Matanga and Zhu Falan, who were invited by Emperor Ming of Han to come to Mount Wutai (then called "Qingliang Mountain") from the White Horse Temple in Luoyang. They wanted to build a temple there, but because there was already a stupa of King Ashoka in the mountain and the terrain was very similar to India's Vulture Peak, they were obstructed by Taoist forces.
Three years later (the 14th year of the Yongping reign), 690 Taoists jointly submitted a petition demanding a "competition to determine authenticity" with Buddhism. They also challenged the Daoists to "burn their teachings." The Daoist texts were completely destroyed, while the Buddhist canon remained intact. Consequently, Buddhism was granted permission to build a temple on Mount Wutai. Thus, the first temple, Dafu Lingjiu Temple, was established.
Xiantong Temple
It is today's "Xiantong Temple", one of the earliest Buddhist temples in China, as famous as the White Horse Temple. It also marks that Buddhism has officially taken root in Mount Wutai.
During the Southern and Northern Dynasties, the development of Buddhism in Mount Wutai reached its first climax.
Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty expanded the temple complex on a large scale, building twelve temples around Lingjiu Peak, including Shanjingyuan and Zhenrongyuan, laying the foundation for Buddhism on Mount Wutai. During the Northern Qi Dynasty, the number of temples on Mount Wutai increased dramatically to over 200.
During the Sui Dynasty, Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty issued an edict to build a temple on each of the five terraces, enshrining Manjusri Bodhisattva with different Dharma names:
Wanghai Temple on the east platform (Manjushri of Wisdom/in charge of academic studies), Puji Temple on the south platform (Manjushri of Wisdom/in charge of wealth), Falei Temple on the west platform (Manjushri of Lion's Roar/in charge of career), Lingying Temple on the north platform (Manjushri of Purity/in charge of health), Yanjiao Temple on the middle platform (Manjushri of Childhood/in charge of marriage).
This also corresponds to the "Five Wisdoms" philosophy in Buddhism, promoting the localization of Buddhism.
From then on, anyone who went to Mount Wutai for pilgrimage had to worship in one of the five temples on the top of the mountain, which was called Chaotai.
During the Tang Dynasty, the development of Buddhism in Mount Wutai reached its second climax and went international!
The number of temples increased to over 360, with over 10,000 monks and nuns. Eminent monks such as Xuanzang and Chengguan preached here. Furthermore, the Tang Dynasty's economic prosperity and national strength attracted monks from India, Japan, Korea, and other countries to make pilgrimages and seek the Dharma. Japan even named a mountain range in its homeland "Wutai Mountain" in imitation of the Japanese.
Based on the Huayan Sutra, Wu Zetian officially named Mount Wutai "Qingliang Mountain" and established its supreme status as the Manjusri Dharma Place!
Since Mount Wutai became a Buddhist holy land in the Eastern Han Dynasty, it has attracted 9 emperors, including Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty, Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, and Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, to visit 18 times. It can be called the "No. 1 Royal Pilgrimage Mountain" in ancient China!
Emperor Kangxi made five pilgrimages to Mount Wutai; Emperor Qianlong made six pilgrimages to Mount Wutai, the most by any emperor. He built an "Imperial Throne Room" on the top of Bodhisattva Peak, imitating the Ningshou Palace in the Forbidden City, and personally wrote the "Preface to the Qingliang Mountain Records", which elevated Mount Wutai's status to the top of Buddhism in the country.
The Big and Small Pilgrimage Platforms are two ways to worship at Mount Wutai. One pilgrimage is equivalent to 500 years of spiritual practice!
This hike involves traversing the five peaks of Mount Wutai (Wanghai Peak in the East, Yedou Peak in the North, Cuiyan Peak in the Middle, Guayue Peak in the West, and Jinxiu Peak in the South). Each peak houses a different Manjushri Bodhisattva, and it's the most sublime aspect of any Mount Wutai pilgrimage. If you don't visit Mount Wutai Peak, you're not truly a pilgrim! The entire journey is over 50 kilometers. Each temple offers stamps, so remember to express your gratitude and sincerity after receiving them.
This refers to climbing Dailuo Peak, located east of Taihuai Town on Mount Wutai, beside the Qingshui River. Dailuo Peak houses five statues of Manjushri Bodhisattva from various peaks, enshrined in the Five Directions Manjushri Hall. Climbing Dailuo Peak to pay homage to the five Manjushri Bodhisattvas in the Five Directions Manjushri Hall is like visiting five peaks, thus saving significant travel time and energy. This is why it's called the "Small Chaotai."
Dailuoding
How many common ways are there to walk around Mount Wutai? We'll explain them in detail below.
Beitai Yedou Peak, the only 3,000-meter peak in North China, has an altitude of 3,061 meters and is known as the "Roof of North China."
The "Three Colors Wutai" is well-deserved. In summer, the green Wutai, the meadows are like green waves, and golden lotus flowers are everywhere.
In the autumn, the peak and valley of Mount Wutai are covered with a colorful forest landscape of golden, orange, and dark green.
In winter, the top of Mount Wutai is covered with silver. The red walls of the temple contrast with the white snow, making it look more ancient and tranquil.
One of the charms of Mount Wutai pilgrimage is that it retains the sense of wild freedom of exploration while lowering the threshold through mature supporting services, allowing hikers of different levels to find a pilgrimage method that suits them.
The trails in Mount Wutai are well-marked, yet full of wild charm. You'll experience a variety of scenes, from dirt roads and pine needle trails to alpine meadows. You'll also encounter various pilgrims: white horses grazing leisurely, foxes watching the pilgrims, and cattle and sheep walking side by side with hikers.
There are many supply points along the hiking route, and many places provide temple hanging services. Each temple can provide hot water and sell drinks.
*Tourists-style selected quality accommodation, private bathroom with shower throughout the trip, just to give you a good experience.
Mount Wutai is centered around the "Chaotai Culture" and is divided into the Big Chaotai and the Small Chaotai. According to the order of pilgrimage, it is further divided into the forward pilgrimage and the reverse pilgrimage.
Clockwise route: South Peak → West Peak → Middle Peak → North Peak → East Peak
Counterclockwise route: East Peak → North Peak → Middle Peak → West Peak → South Peak
The clockwise route starts from the South Terrace, while the counterclockwise route starts from the East Terrace. Both routes cover all the terraces, but in opposite directions.
The route continues uphill, with the main climb from South Terrace to North Terrace requiring continuous climbing, which requires a high level of physical fitness. The second half of the route is easy, with the main downhill climb from North Terrace to East Terrace.
The route back in time is difficult at first but becomes easier. From East Peak to North Peak, you'll need to climb, but the distance is relatively short. From there, the route from Middle Peak to South Peak is mainly downhill and flat. This is a beginner-friendly route suitable for those with little hiking experience.
Clockwise (clockwise) Circumambulating toward the pagoda: In Buddhist tradition, clockwise (clockwise) represents respect and the accumulation of merit, consistent with rituals such as circumambulating a pagoda or turning a prayer wheel. Devout Buddhists often choose this direction to align with their faith and practice.
Counterclockwise pilgrimage: This is more common among ordinary tourists who focus on natural scenery and hiking experiences, or non-Buddhists who focus on exploring the landscape rather than religious rituals.
Both routes allow you to appreciate the unique charm of Mount Wutai’s “Cool Holy Land”. When choosing, you can weigh your personal beliefs, physical fitness, and interests.
There are multiple meeting points for hiking in Wutai Mountain. The hiking routes vary in length and difficulty. Here is a route comparison chart to help you quickly choose the right route based on your physical fitness.
Route: Big Chaotai + Small Chaotai (reverse direction)
Difficulty: 3.5 stars, suitable for outdoor enthusiasts who can hike 10km+ in a single day
Mileage: about 50km
Route: Counterclockwise & Clockwise
Difficulty: 4.5 stars, suitable for outdoor enthusiasts who hike 20km+ a day
Mileage: Approximately 58km
Route: Wutai Mountain's top-level perfect route, the trajectory is a circle with a perfect closed loop
Difficulty: 5 stars (suitable for advanced outdoor people)
The total climb is 5000 meters, and the hike lasts for 3 days. It is suitable for outdoor enthusiasts who can hike 25km+ per day and have a certain carrying capacity.
Mileage: 78km
Route: Dongtai - Nantai - Gu Nantai - Xitai - Zhongtai - Zhiqitai - Gu Beitai - Beitai
Difficulty: 6 stars (suitable for hiking masters)
The total climb is 6700 meters and the hike lasts 4.5 days. It is suitable for outdoor enthusiasts who can hike 35km+ per day and have a certain carrying capacity.
Mileage: 100km
The climate of Mount Wutai varies significantly throughout the year, and you can experience completely different scenery and atmosphere when visiting in different seasons.
In spring (April-May), the ice and snow melt, wild flowers bloom, solemnity and vitality coexist, and there are frequent Buddhist ceremonies such as Buddha's Birthday, creating a strong religious atmosphere.
In summer (June-August), the climate is cool, with an average temperature of only 17-22℃. Even in the hottest months of July and August, the temperature does not exceed 30℃. It is a rare summer resort in North China. The alpine meadows are green and rolling, flowers are everywhere, and there is a high probability of sea of clouds after rain. Wild foxes and white horses dot the area, which is full of wild fun. Summer is the peak season for pilgrims in Wutai Mountain, and there are many religious activities. Accommodation, catering and other resources need to be booked in advance.
In autumn (September-October), the forest is full of colors and the ancient trees are towering. There are relatively few tourists. The temples with red walls and yellow tiles look particularly solemn and majestic under the golden sunlight.
In winter (November to March), the mountain is often covered with snow. The top of the mountain is covered with silver, and the snowy fields and rime cover the eaves of the temples. The scene is like a fairyland. The sky is clear and full of stars. The temperature is cold, with the lowest temperature reaching minus 30℃. But it is this chill that gives Mount Wutai its unique charm.
If you only go to Mount Wutai once in your life, please make sure it is in the summer!
It's peak hiking season at Mount Wutai! While other places are scorching hot, the temperature feels halved. Wearing short sleeves won't keep you cold, and wearing sun-protective clothing won't keep you stuffy. Enjoy the natural air conditioning at 20°C. Summer rain is plentiful, and the chance of a sea of clouds rolling in after a rain is high, with sunrises framing the sea of clouds. From June to August, the summit meadows are blanketed in golden lotus blossoms, intertwining the golden hues and sea of clouds, a truly breathtaking spectacle far surpassing any other season.
