2 Days Jiuhuashan Buddhism Tour: Top China Buddha Mountain

Route:  Qiyuan Temple - Longevity Palace (cable car up) - Dongya Temple - Tonghui Zen Forest - Incarnation Grand Hall- Huacheng Temple

Welcome to Jiuhuashan! Your Jiuhuashan Mountain journey begins the moment your driver greets you at your chosen railway station or airport. We handle the smooth transfer to the mountain base, ensuring you feel relaxed and cared for from the start.

Once on the mountain, we will begin our exploration at Qiyuan Temple (祇园寺), a working monastery that feels like an oasis of calm right in the center of the Jiuhua Street area. Stroll through its serene courtyards, where you can hear the faint sound of monks chanting, a perfect introduction to the spiritual rhythm of the mountain.

Next, we ascend to the Longevity Palace (百岁宫) to witness one of Jiuhuashan’s most profound miracles: the incorruptible body of Monk Wu Xia. Having lived to the age of 126, Wu Xia spent decades in a nearby cave, subsisting on wild fruits and dedicating every breath to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. His body, which has remained naturally intact for centuries, is revered as a physical sign of his extreme devotion and spiritual achievement. Standing before this sacred relic, you can feel the quiet, powerful energy of a life entirely dedicated to faith—a deeply moving highlight of any Buddhism tour.

From Longevity Palace, we walk to Dongya Chan Temple (东崖禅寺) , a quiet monastery perched on a cliff with open views of the surrounding peaks. The temple's wooden corridors creak softly underfoot, and the only sounds are wind through pine trees and distant chants. It's a perfect spot to sit for a few minutes, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and let your mind settle.

We then head to Tonghui Chan Monastery (通惠禅林), a lesser-known gem with serene courtyards and ancient ginkgo trees. The temple is known for its strict Buddhist practices – you may spot monks meditating or copying scriptures, their focus unshakable. The simplicity of the grounds – stone paths, lotus ponds, and plain wooden halls – reflects the essence of Chan (Zen) Buddhism.

The afternoon takes us to the most sacred site: the Incarnation Grand Hall (月身宝殿). Here you will find the preserved body of the Korean monk Kim Gyo-gak. His body did not decay after he passed away in the Tang Dynasty. Because of his deep devotion, many believe he is the incarnation of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. Seeing his ro-shen (preserved body) is one of the most important moments of a Jiuhuashan pilgrimage.

We conclude the day at Huacheng Temple (化城寺), the original, ancient temple from the Tang Dynasty, feeling the weight of over a thousand years of history settled within its walls. You'll check into your accommodation in Jiuhua Street for a peaceful night's rest, with the mountain silence settling around you.

Best time to visit? The most beautiful times are during Spring (April-May) when colorful azaleas bloom across the slopes, and Autumn (September-October) for crisp air and panoramic views. For the most intense spiritual experience, visit around Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva's Memorial Day (Lunar July 30th) and immerse yourself in a truly unforgettable wave of ceremonial chanting.

Start your day with breakfast before we board a shuttle bus to Fenghuang Pine Station. From here, we take a 15-minute cable car up to Tiantai Scenic Area – Jiuhuashan's "roof", where heaven and earth seem to meet. The cable car ride offers sweeping views of misty mountains and valleys, and on clear mornings, you may see the sunrise painting the peaks pink.

Once off the cable car, we hike 800-900 stone steps up to Tiantai Temple (天台寺) – the highest temple on Jiuhuashan, perched at 1,306 meters above sea level. The path winds through pine forests and past stone inscriptions of Buddhist sutras, and pilgrims often climb the steps on their knees as an act of devotion. At the top, the view is worth the effort: rolling mountains stretch as far as the eye can see, and the temple's red walls and golden roof stand out against the blue sky. Inside, the main hall houses a statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, and many visitors sit in the courtyard to meditate, absorbing the temple's calm energy.

On the way down, we stop at Ancient Prayer Platform (古拜经台), where Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is said to have prayed for sentient beings. The platform overlooks a steep valley, and the wind carries the sound of distant temple bells – a moment of pure serenity.

Next, we ride the cable car back down and visit the Phoenix Ancient Pine (凤凰古松). This 1,400-year-old tree is a symbol of Jiuhuashan, with its gnarled trunk and spreading branches resembling a phoenix spreading its wings. According to legend, the tree grew from a branch Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva carried to the mountain, and touching its bark is said to bring good fortune. Pilgrims often tie red ribbons to its branches, making wishes for peace and happiness.

Afterward, we head to the scenic area exit, where our driver will transfer you to the nearby airport or high-speed rail station for your next journey. Though this 2-day Jiuhuashan Buddhism tour is short, the peace and wisdom you'll take away will stay with you long after you leave – a reminder of the sacred mountain's enduring power to soothe the soul.