Jiuhuashan — One of China's Great Buddhist Mountains
Jiuhuashan is one of the Four Great Buddhist Mountains in China and the sacred bodhimanda of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva.
Basic Overview
Jiuhuashan is located in Qingyang County, Chizhou City, Anhui Province.
It borders the Yangtze River to the north and faces Huangshan Mountain to the south.
A national 5A-level tourist attraction and a site of both cultural and natural heritage, it is known as the "Buddhist Kingdom of Lotuses" and the "Most Famous Mountain in the Southeast".
The mountain was originally called Jiuzishan. It was renamed Jiuhuashan after the famous Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai wrote:
"From the Jiujiang River I gaze at the peaks of Jiuhua;
The heavenly river hangs green waters, nine lotus flowers bloom fair."
The scenic area covers about 120 square kilometers, with 99 extraordinary peaks. The highest peak, Shiwang Peak, reaches 1,342 meters above sea level.
Buddhist History & Origin
In 719 CE, Jin Qiaojue, a prince of the ancient Silla kingdom (modern Korea), came to China. He practiced asceticism in Jiuhuashan for 75 years and passed away at the age of 99. His body remained incorrupt, and he was revered as the earthly manifestation of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva.
Since then, Jiuhuashan has officially become the sacred bodhimanda of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva.
At its peak during the Ming and Qing dynasties, there were more than 300 temples. Today, 78 ancient temples are well preserved.
Major Temples & Attractions
Huacheng Temple
The oldest and founding temple of Jiuhuashan, serving as the spiritual center of the whole mountain.
Body Hall (Roushen Hall)
The most sacred site of Jiuhuashan, housing the sacred stupa of Jin Qiaojue. It is the core place for worshiping Kṣitigarbha.
Centenary Palace (Baisui Palace)
Built on a steep cliff, it enshrines the incorrupt body of Master Wuxia from the Ming Dynasty, which has lasted for more than 400 years.
Qiyuan Temple
The largest temple in Jiuhua Street, famous for its grand imperial-style architecture and delicious vegetarian food.
Tiantai Temple (Tiantai Summit)
One of the highest temples on the mountain.
There is a local saying: "Not reaching Tiantai means not truly visiting Jiuhuashan."
Great Vow Cultural Park
Home to the famous 99‑meter‑tall bronze statue of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva, symbolizing the age when Jin Qiaojue passed away.
Culture & Festivals
The grandest festival is the birthday of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva on the 30th day of the 7th lunar month.
Jiuhuashan is world‑famous for its incorruptible Buddhist bodies, a rare and precious cultural phenomenon.
Jiuhuashan Temple Fair, Buddhist music and vegetarian cuisine are listed as intangible cultural heritages.
Transportation Tips
Reach by train to Chizhou Railway Station or by flight to Jiuhuashan Airport, then take a direct shuttle bus.
Scenic buses and cable cars are available for getting around the mountain.