"Jiuzu Mountain Notes: Knock on each step, with a heart toward Huashou"

The following is a detailed travel guide for Jizu Mountain, covering transportation, attractions, accommodation, food and other practical information to help you plan a perfect pilgrimage or mountaineering trip:

1. Introduction to Jizu Mountain
- Geographical location: Northwest of Binchuan County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, about 60 kilometers away from Dali City. It is a famous Buddhist mountain⛰️ and the place of practice for Kashyapa Bodhisattva.
- Altitude: The main peak, Tianzhu Peak, is 3,248 meters above sea level and is named after its shape resembling a chicken claw.
- Cultural status: One of the ten famous Buddhist mountains in China 🇨🇳1️⃣, the intersection of Han and Tibetan Buddhism, especially famous for the legend of "Venerable Kasyapa entering into meditation at Huashou Gate".

2. Best time to travel🕰️
- Spring and Autumn (March-May, September-November): Mild climate, blooming mountain flowers 🌸 or crisp autumn weather, suitable for hiking 🚶🏻‍♀️.
- Winter (December-February): There may be snow 🌨️, but some roads may be closed, so please check in advance.
- Avoid the rainy 🌧️ season (June-August): It is rainy and the roads are slippery. There is heavy cloud☁️ and fog🌫️, but the sea of clouds is spectacular after the rain🌧️.

3. Transportation Guide
1. Arrive at Jizu Mountain ⛰️
- From Dali:
- Shuttle bus: Dali East Bus Station → Binchuan County (about 1.5 hours, fare 20 yuan), transfer to the scenic area special bus (about 1 hour) .
- Charter 🚖/Self-drive 🚙: Dali Ancient Town → Jizu Mountain Scenic Area (about 2 hours) 🕰️, 📲 Navigation "Jizu Mountain Scenic Area", the mountain road is winding, so drive carefully.
- From Kunming: take high-speed rail 🚅 to Dali (about 2 hours) 🕰️, and then transfer as above.

2. Transportation within the scenic area
- Sightseeing bus: Shan⛰️ Gate 🚪 → ㊗️ Holy Temple (ticket price is about 20 yuan) 💰.
- Cable car 🚡: Huideng Temple → Jinding 🔝 Temple (about 45 yuan for one way, 75 yuan for round trip) 💰, saving energy.
- Hiking: The whole journey takes about 4-6 hours, mainly on stone steps, suitable for people with better physical strength.

4. Recommended core attractions
1. Jinding Temple
- At the highest point, you can watch the sunrise 🌅 the sea of clouds☁️ and visit the Lengyan Pagoda.
- Must experience: Watch the 👀sunrise🌅 in the early morning (need to stay at the 🏘️top of the mountain ⛰️ or climb the mountain in the early morning 🧗🏻‍♀️).

2. Huashou Gate
- This natural rock wall is said to be the place where the Venerable Kasyapa entered into meditation, and is a must-visit for Buddhist pilgrims.

3. Holy Mosque
- The largest temple at the foot of the mountain, with strong incense and magnificent architecture.

4. Xuyun Zen Temple
- In memory of the temple rebuilt by the old monk Xuyun, it is quiet and solemn.

5. Yulong Waterfall
- The rainy season is spectacular, with lush forests along the way.

5. Accommodation 🏘️ Suggestions
- Top of the mountain (near the Golden Summit Temple):
- The conditions are relatively simple, the standard room is about 200-300 yuan💰, convenient for watching the sunrise🌅.
- Recommended: Jinding Temple Guesthouse.
- Mountain waist (around the holy temple):
- There are many B&Bs, the price is 100-200 yuan💰, and the environment is quiet.
- Foot of the mountain (Shazhi Village):
- The farm stay is affordable and suitable for self-driving 🚙 or going up the mountain the next morning ⛰️.

6. Food and Specialties
- Vegetarian meals: provided by temples (such as the Holy Temple, 10-20 yuan/person)💰.
- Local characteristics:
- Binchuan Haishao fish 🐟 (spicy and delicious), cold chicken 🐔 rice noodles.
- Wild mushrooms (rainy season), walnuts, chestnuts.
- Note: There are few dining options on the mountain, so bring your own dry food.

7. Practical Tips
1. Ticket fees:
- The entrance ticket to the scenic area is 55 yuan, and the sightseeing bus and cable car are charged separately.
2. Wearing equipment:
- Hiking 🧗🏻‍♀️ shoes👟, windproof jacket🧥 (the temperature difference at the top of the mountain🔝 is large), and rain 🌧️ gear☔ are essential.
3. Religious rituals:
- It is noisy inside the temple and you need to walk clockwise around the pagoda.
4. Environmental protection tips:
- Take your garbage with you to protect the ecological environment.
5. Prevention of altitude sickness:
- The altitude is high, avoid strenuous exercise🧗🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️, and prepare common medicines💊.

8. Classic itinerary 🚶🏻‍♀️Reference (2 days and 1 night)
- Day 1: Dali → Jizu Mountain Gate → ㊗️Sheng Temple (lunch) → Cable car up the mountain → Jinding Temple (stay overnight) → watch the sunset.
- Day 2: Sunrise at Jinding 🔝 Temple 🌅 → Huashou Gate 🚪 → Hiking 🚶🏻‍♂️ down the mountain → Xuyun ☁️ Zen Temple → return.

Jizu Mountain ⛰️ combines natural scenery with Buddhist culture. Whether it is pilgrimage, hiking 🚶🏻‍♀️ or photography 🎥, you can gain a unique experience. Plan your trip in advance, pay attention to safety, and have a nice trip! If you have other needs, please ask additional questions~