2 Days Jiuhuashan Buddhism Tour from Shanghai: Walk Into the Sacred Realm of Ksitigarbha

Your driver meets you at your hotel in Shanghai and transfers you to the high-speed rail station for the journey to Jiuhuashan. The landscape outside the train window shifts gradually—from the flat Yangtze River Delta to the soft folds of Anhui's mountains—preparing you for the peaceful days to come.

Welcome to Jiuhuashan! Upon arrival at Jiuhuashan rail station, our driver will transfer you to the mountain base. We'll start our exploration in the core area, where ancient temples nestle among pines.

We begin at Qiyuan Temple (祇园寺), a bustling yet serene monastery right in Jiuhua Street. Step through its wooden gates, and the sound of temple bells and distant chants wraps around you. Wander the stone courtyards, where monks tend to lotus ponds, and breathe in the faint scent of incense—your first taste of Jiuhuashan's spiritual rhythm.

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), perched on a cliff edge. The temple's wooden corridors overlook the mountains, and the wind carries the rustle of pine needles. It's a perfect spot to sit for a few minutes, close your eyes, and let the mountain's silence sink in.

We then head to Tonghui Chan Monastery (通慧禅林), a hidden gem with ancient ginkgo trees and quiet courtyards. Here, you might see monks copying scriptures or meditating—their focus a gentle reminder of the peace we seek. The simple stone paths and plain wooden halls reflect the essence of Zen Buddhism.

The afternoon's highlight is the Incarnation Grand Hall (月身宝殿). As you approach, you'll notice pilgrims bowing respectfully. Inside, the dim light illuminates the preserved body of Kim Gyo-gak, the Korean monk who became Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. The air is thick with reverence, and even a few moments here feel transformative.

We end the day at Huacheng Temple (化城寺), Jiuhuashan's oldest temple (dating back to the Tang Dynasty). Walk through its ancient halls, and imagine the monks who've prayed here for over a thousand years. Then, check into your accommodation in Jiuhua Street—spend the evening listening to the mountain's quiet or savor a simple vegetarian meal at a local temple restaurant.

Wake up to the smell of mountain air and a simple breakfast before we board a shuttle bus to Fenghuang Pine Station. From here, a 15-minute cable car ride takes you up to Tiantai Scenic Area—Jiuhuashan's "roof." The cable car glides over misty valleys, and on clear days, you'll see peaks stretching to the horizon.

Once off the cable car, we hike 800-900 stone steps to Tiantai Temple (天台寺). The path winds through pine forests, past stone carvings of Buddhist sutras. Some pilgrims climb on their knees as an act of devotion—feel free to walk at your own pace, pausing to admire the views.

Along the way, we stop at Ancient Prayer Platform (古拜经台), where Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is said to have prayed for all living beings. The platform overlooks a steep valley, and the sound of distant temple bells echoes through the air. It's a moment of pure serenity.

At the top, Tiantai Temple awaits. Its red walls and golden roof shine against the blue sky, and inside, a statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva sits calmly. Stand in the courtyard, and take in the panoramic views—mountains rolling like waves, forests stretching as far as you can see. It's easy to understand why this spot is called "where heaven meets earth."

After soaking in the peace, we hike back down to the cable car and ride to the base. Our next stop is the Phoenix Ancient Pine—at 1,400 years old, it's a living symbol of Jiuhuashan. Its gnarled trunk and spreading branches look just like a phoenix spreading its wings. Pilgrims tie red ribbons to its branches, making wishes for happiness and peace—feel free to add yours.

From the pine, we head to the mountain exit, where our driver will transfer you to the airport or high-speed rail station. As you leave Jiuhuashan, you'll carry more than memories—you'll take the mountain's calm and wisdom with you.

This 2-day Jiuhuashan Buddhism tour from Shanghai is more than a trip—it's a chance to slow down, connect with something greater, and return to daily life refreshed. Our local team is here to make every step easy—whether you want to adjust the itinerary, book extra days, or learn more about Buddhist culture. Let us help you turn this spiritual journey into reality.