Two-Day Leisure Tour Guide to Jiuhua Mountain: Encounter Zen and Coolness in the Mountains

Last month, I just returned from Jiuhua Mountain, and my whole being was "cleansed" by the mountain's spiritual aura. If you also want to find a place to calm your mind and enjoy the scenery, this personal summary guide might help you. Day 1: Arrival and Initial Exploration at the Foot of the Mountain It is recommended to arrive the night before and stay near Qingyang County or the Jiuhua Mountain Visitor Service Center. There are many guesthouses at the foot of the mountain. The one I stayed at had a very enthusiastic owner who even reminded me of the sunrise time in the morning. Don’t sleep in the next day! Arrive at the visitor center by 7 or 8 a.m. to buy tickets for the mountain (tickets cost about 160 yuan). During peak season, remember to book online in advance. You must take the scenic area shuttle bus up the mountain; the winding mountain roads can cause motion sickness, so prepare some preserved plums or ginger slices if you’re prone to it. The bus will take you to Jiuhua Street. Unlike typical commercial streets, it’s quiet and quaint here. After dropping off your luggage, first visit Qiyuan Temple and Huacheng Temple. Huacheng Temple is the founding temple of Jiuhua Mountain, and its serene atmosphere will instantly calm you. For lunch, find a small restaurant on Jiuhua Street and try the Jiuhua vegetarian dishes. The shiitake mushrooms with greens and vegetarian chicken are especially delicious, quite different from city flavors. In the afternoon, you can visit Baishou Palace. It’s recommended to take the cable car up the mountain (one way about 55 yuan) to save energy for sightseeing. After taking the cable car, be sure to pay respects to the flawless true body Bodhisattva from the Ming Dynasty. Standing at the entrance of Baishou Palace, overlooking the entire Jiuhua Street with white walls and gray tiles hidden among green trees, it looks like a painting. If you still have energy, on the way down, you can visit Dongya Zen Temple, where the sea of clouds viewing platform offers an amazing view. Day 2: Climb Tiantai Peak, Seek Zen Day two is the highlight—Tiantai Peak. Be sure to get up early! After taking the Tiantai cableway up, you still need to climb a rather steep stone staircase. Along the way, you will meet many devout pilgrims, bowing every three steps; their faith is deeply moving. Keep climbing until you reach Tiantai Temple. When you see the plaque reading “Middle Heaven World,” all the fatigue is worth it. The clouds flow right beside you, and the distant mountains layer upon layer; the sense of openness is beyond words. After descending from Tiantai, if time allows, be sure to visit the Yuanshen Treasure Hall. It houses the true body of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva and is the core of the entire mountain. Outside the hall, incense lingers and ancient trees tower, creating a solemn and reverent atmosphere. Remember to dress neatly when entering temples and halls, avoid loud noises, and check for any photo restrictions before taking pictures. Some heartfelt reminders: · The weather on the mountain changes faster than flipping a book; raincoats and light jackets should always be in your backpack. Don’t assume it’s hot in summer—the wind at the summit is strong; winter is truly freezing, so keeping warm is the top priority. · Wear the most comfortable, well-broken-in non-slip sports shoes you have. The mountain paths have many steps, and new shoes causing blisters can make you question life. · Ask the price before buying. You can buy small souvenirs and local specialties from street vendors, but it’s always good to clarify the price first. I sincerely recommend bringing back some Polygonatum honey preserves or dried bamboo shoots, which are authentic local specialties. · Keep your mind calm and your movements gentle. This is a sacred Buddhist site; as visitors, maintaining respect and tranquility is itself a form of practice. The greatest gain from this trip wasn’t how many photos I took, but the rare peace in my heart. Jiuhua Mountain is not just a mountain; it’s more like a place where time slows down. I hope when you go, you’ll have good weather and see that wordless sea of clouds.