China’s Four Famous Buddhist Mountains: Mount Jiuhua

1. Overview

Mount Jiuhua, located in Chizhou City, Anhui Province, overlooks the Yangtze River to the north and Mount Huang to the south. It is a UNESCO Global Geopark, one of the first national scenic areas, a 5A-level tourist attraction, and a renowned cultural tourism site in southern Anhui.

Mount Jiuhua is a mountain rich in historical and cultural significance. Its long history and unique culture have attracted many literary figures such as Tao Yuanming, Li Bai, Du Mu, Su Dongpo, Wang Anshi, Liu Yuxi, and Wang Yangming, who have left over 500 poems and essays. There are more than 20 existing academies and remnants of cultural sites, as well as 9 nationally and provincially protected cultural relics, totaling over 2,000 artifacts.

Mount Jiuhua is also an ecological scenic area. Situated on the mystical 30° N latitude, it is known for its “divine, strange, spiritual, and beautiful” landscapes. With 99 peaks, each displaying unique charm, the nine main peaks resemble blossoming lotus flowers. The area is filled with bizarre rock formations, steep cliffs, hanging temples, gorges, clear streams, and cascading waterfalls, creating breathtaking views alongside natural wonders such as seas of clouds, sunrises, and rime ice.

Floating Clouds Adorn Jiuhua

Radiant Light at Tiantai

The scenic area of Mount Jiuhua covers 120 square kilometers, with a protected area of 174 square kilometers, consisting of 11 major scenic spots. Among these, Jiuhua Street, Tiantai, and Huatai are the most famous.

Jiuhua Street is rich in cultural landmarks, with many historical relics and a temple complex that began to take shape during the Song Dynasty. The ancient street features cobblestone paths and neatly arranged shops and homes, where monks and locals coexist harmoniously.

Misty Jiuhua Street

The Tiantai Scenic Area is the highest point on Mount Jiuhua, where the Tiantai Zen Temple and ancient prayer platform blend seamlessly with steep cliffs, showcasing extraordinary architecture. Attractions such as Dapeng Listening to Sutras Stone, Candle Peak, and Hat Peak are remarkably stunning. Ancient texts have praised this place as “not of this world,” leading to the saying, “If you haven’t visited Tiantai, you haven’t really come.”

Tiantai Scenic Area

Ancient Prayer Platform

Tiantai Zen Temple

Tiantai in Winter

The Huatai Scenic Area is known for its breathtaking natural scenery, famous for its abundance of highland rhododendrons. The area features towering peaks, unique rock formations, and a scenic pathway that stretches 1,380 meters.

Cloud-Rolling Huatai

Huatai Scenic View

2. Recommended Accommodations Nearby

Hotels: Jiuhua Mountain Julong Hotel, Dongya Hotel, Jiuhua Mountain Central Hotel

Guesthouses: Jingxin Hostel, Miaoyin Homestay, Xizhu Homestay, Yannan Quiet Garden, Yunqi Lanshan

Jiuhua Mountain Julong Hotel

Located in the core scenic area of Mount Jiuhua, this high-end hotel combines accommodation, dining, business meetings, and leisure. Facing Baisheng Palace and Qiyuan Temple and backed by Huxing Mountain, major attractions are within a 10-20 minute walk.

The hotel is known for its culinary offerings, particularly Huizhou and farmhouse dishes, with signature dishes like “Hundred-Year Longevity Slices,” “Stone Ear Nourishing Soup,” “Guanyin Tofu,” and “Grilled Fish on Stone Plate.” Combining natural and cultural elements, the hotel features modern amenities and a service philosophy of “satisfaction plus surprise,” making it a preferred choice for visitors, often referred to as a “home away from home.”

Dongya Hotel

Dongya Hotel is centrally located within the scenic area of Mount Jiuhua, known for its elegant environment, unique architecture, convenient transportation, and professional service. It is a high-end boutique theme hotel under Anhui Jiuhua Mountain Tourism Development Co., Ltd., combining tourism and quiet retreat.

The tranquil rooms provide a perfect space for relaxation, meditation, tea tasting, and scripture copying, creating a serene atmosphere. The hotel offers personalized butler service, fostering a familial warmth and exclusive peaceful journeys.

Jiuhua Mountain Central Hotel

Jingxin Hostel

Miaoyin Homestay

Xizhu Homestay

Yannan Quiet Garden

Yunqi Lanshan

3. Recommended Dining Nearby

Jiuhua Mountain Local Cuisine, Jiuhua Vegetarian Cuisine, Jiuhua Dry Pot Stews, Jiuhua Polygonatum, Jiuhua Mountain Steamed Dishes, Minxi Tea Fragrant Stone Perch

Jiuhua Mountain Local Cuisine: Situated on the southern bank of the Yangtze River, Jiuhua Mountain local cuisine combines Huizhou, southern Anhui, and riverbank flavors, integrating local characteristics with a focus on nutrition and health.

Wealthy Dishes (Jiuhua Floor Specialty)

The southern Anhui flavors are represented by the ancient Huizhou mountainous region. The main characteristics include savory and rich flavors, focusing on original tastes. They excel in various cooking techniques such as roasting, stewing, braising, and steaming, emphasizing the quality of mountain delicacies, with heavy oils and colors.

Jiuhua Braised Pork

Jiuhua Mountain specialty dishes include Jiuhua Dry Pot Stew, Lingyang Deluxe Pot, Stinky Perch, Fried Tofu, and Braised Dried Bamboo Shoots with Pork.

Riverbank flavors encompass areas along both banks of the Yangtze River, characterized by a savory and slightly sweet taste, crispy and refreshing textures. They focus on knife skills, presentation, and utilize sugar for flavoring, excelling in cooking river fish, lake fish, and poultry through techniques like braising, steaming, and smoking.

Two-Color Perch (Jiuhua Floor Specialty)

Jiuhua Mountain specialties include Jiuhua Polygonatum and Stone Chicken Soup, Jiuhua Stone Fish, Jiuhua Stone Chicken, Qiupu Flower Perch, Tea Fragrant Perch, River Fish, and River Prawns.

Jiuhua Polygonatum and Stone Chicken Soup

With a thriving tourism industry, various restaurants populate the scenic area, fostering healthy competition. With experiences from numerous domestic and international visitors, Jiuhua cuisine has developed a unique character.