China is a unique spiritual tourist destination associated with Buddhism’s formation and development. It has many magnificent mountain ranges, which attract the Buddhists’ attention worldwide.
Most of them are surrounded by open and peaceful natural surroundings. It helps visitors feel more relaxed and comfortable.
To help you better visualize these sacred scenes, below, I will introduce to you the Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism in China. Let’s read for more details!
The Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism (四大佛教名山)
In China, Buddhism is the most popular religion. It has a long formation history, about 2000 years. For Chinese people, Buddhism is important to their lives. So, they are all very reverent and show a respectful attitude.
With Chinese Buddhism, there are many differences from the forms of Buddhism in many countries. It consists of three distinct parts: Medieval, Tibetan, and Pali Buddhism.
- Medieval Buddhism: It predominates, with over 70% of the population participating.
- Tibetan Buddhism: Commonly found in several locations, such as Tibet, Inner Mongolia, Qinghai, and Gansu.
- Pali Buddhism: People who follow this form will usually be an ethnic minority in South Yunnan province.
Associated with Chinese Buddhism, it is impossible not to mention mountains, including Wutai, Emi, Putuo, and Nine Flowers. They are famous spiritual tourist attractions that attract millions of Buddhists and visitors from all over the world.
1. Wutai Mountain in Shanxi Province
Wutai Mountain, also known as Wutaishan, is a famous pilgrimage site for many Buddhists worldwide.
With outstanding architecture and impressive altitude, Wutai is known as the highest mountain in Northern China and has special significance.
Above Wutai are five treeless exposed peaks that cover year-round snow. Due to this feature, this place has become even more attractive to many tourists around the globe.
They can pray for peace and good luck and enjoy beautiful natural landscapes.
Here, about 50 different large and small pagodas are built with classical architecture, giving visitors a simple yet mysterious spiritual scene. Arriving in Wutai, you will be incredibly relaxed and peaceful.
- Location: Wutai is in Wutai District, Xinzhou City, Northeast Shanxi Province, China (about 230km from Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province).
- Impression: Stunning scenery, incredible, like heaven on earth, natural and close.
- Ideal Travel Time: The best time to visit Wutai is around July to August.
The winter (December to February) is cold, hindering your visit requirements. In the remaining months, the weather can be a bit sunny and dry for you to start a long trip. Generally, we can go to Wutai any month, depending on your sightseeing preferences.
2. Mount Emei in Sichuan Province
If you are a Buddhist looking for a meaningful pilgrimage, Emei is the ideal destination. It is famous for its majestic natural scenery and unique and sacred architectural temples.
In Emei, you will have the opportunity to admire Buddha statues of huge sizes.
- Location: It is in Southwest Emeishan, Leshan, Sichuan, China.
- Impression: Stunning peaks with breathtaking views.
- Ideal Travel Time: Spring (March to April), Autumn (September to October). These are the two most suitable times to visit Mount Emeishan.
3. Putuo Mountain in Zhejiang Province
Putuo is unique from many other mountains in terms of geography, located not entirely on the mainland but partly in the Zhoushan archipelago. It is about 100 nautical miles east of Haizhou Bay, Zhejiang Province, in the East China Sea.
Over the years, Putuo has been a giant magnet to attract millions of tourists worldwide, including Buddhist pilgrims and visitors. This mountain beauty is unique, combining majestic nature and rustic ancient scenery.
Putuo also features giant Buddha statues, making the scene even more sacred. When we set foot on the mountain, we will find our soul is more peaceful and lighter. You can let go of many worries and chaos in life.
It makes anyone who comes here for the first time fall in love with it. Many prominent temples were built long ago with new and solid architecture.
- Location: Belonging to Putuo District, Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province, Southeast China.
- Impression: It is a beautiful resort with meaningful pilgrimage sites and sacred islands.
- Ideal Travel Time: The best time to visit will usually fall between April and October every year. July to September is for beach and sand tourism.
4. Jiuhua Mountain in Anhui Province
Jiuhua Mountain is famous for its wild, poetic, and close beauty. It has more than 70 famous peaks, beautiful valleys, waterfalls, and streams.
It is like a lotus flower with a fragrance that lasts over time. So, this scenic spot is a pilgrimage for many Buddhas and tourists worldwide.
In Jiuhua, various temples are hundreds of years old. Yet, the most prominent one must be the Huacheng temple.
It was built long ago with unique ancient architecture, associated with many developmental milestones in Buddhism. If you can come to Jiuhua, try to visit this temple once, and you will be surprised at its beauty.
- Location: Belonging to Qingyang District, Chizhou City, South Anhui Province, China.
- Impression: Beautiful nature, the sacred mountain, a great place to relax and enjoy the view.
- Ideal Travel Time: March to October is the perfect place to visit Jiuhua Mountain. At that time, the natural scenery will be stunning and poetic.
Conclusion
The most famous sacred Buddhist mountains include Emei, Wutai, Putuo, and Jiuhua. Each place has its advantages of beauty, suitable for many visitors.
Sharing and actual travel experiences above will help you visualize the scenery at these famous places. From there, you will have a decision for your nearest trip.
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Thank you for reading!