A Spiritual Pilgrimage to Mount Jiuhua

**"If hell is not empty, I vow not to become a Buddha; only when all beings are saved will I attain Bodhi."** Mount Jiuhua, one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China, is the bodhimanda of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva. It boasts not only majestic temples but also a profound Buddhist culture. If you're seeking spiritual purification and pilgrimage, this guide is for you. --- 🌟 **Mount Jiuhua: First Impressions** - **Location**: Qingyang County, Chizhou City, Anhui Province - **Driving**: Approximately a 3-hour drive from Nanjing - **Parking**: Jiuhua Mountain Tourist Service Center, charging 1.7 yuan/kWh, parking fee 10 yuan for 4 hours - **Tickets**: 160 yuan per adult (prices may fluctuate during peak season) - **Scenic Bus**: 50 yuan round trip (to Yingxian Bridge ticket checkpoint) --- 🚶‍♀️ **Recommended Route: One-Way Journey** 1. **Hall of the Flesh Body** - **Highlights**: Houses the mummified body of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva, the heart of Mount Jiuhua. - **Experience**: Light three incense sticks, make a wish at the entrance of the hall, and feel the compassion and power of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva. 2. **Shangchan Hall** - **Highlights**: At the Dripping Water Guanyin, wash your hands, pat your forehead, and pat your eyes with the water, symbolizing cleansing the mind and enlightening the eyes. 3. **Zhandanlin Temple** - **Highlights**: Famous for its sandalwood Buddha statues, the serene environment is perfect for quiet worship. 4. **Huacheng Temple** - **Highlights**: The founding temple of Mount Jiuhua, it houses a museum and its prized treasures. Flocks of pigeons gather in the square, and you can buy feed to interact with them, experiencing the harmony between humans and nature. - **Tip**: Small shops in nearby alleys offer affordable souvenirs. 5. **Jingxin Vegetarian Restaurant** - **Highlights**: 15 yuan for a self-service vegetarian buffet, including noodles, rice, and more. Take only what you can eat to avoid waste. 6. **Grand Vow Culture Garden** - **Highlights**: A 99-meter-tall statue of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva. Take the scenic sightseeing bus (30 yuan round trip). Ascend the steps and bow at the Buddha's feet, feeling the solemnity and compassion. --- 📸 **Instagrammable Spots** 1. **Hall of the Flesh Body**: Make a wish in front of the hall and capture the moment of piety and tranquility. 2. **Huacheng Temple Square**: Interact with the pigeons and capture the harmonious moments between humans and nature. 3. **Grand Vow Culture Garden**: Stand at the foot of the 99-meter-tall Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva statue and feel its majesty and grandeur. --- 🌿 **Spiritual Experiences** - **Morning**: Light three incense sticks in front of the Hall of the Flesh Body, make a wish, and feel the compassionate vows of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva. - **Afternoon**: Feed the pigeons at Huacheng Temple Square, sit quietly for a while, and feel the inner peace and joy. - **Evening**: Gaze up at the Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva statue in the Grand Vow Culture Garden and feel the Buddha's light and spiritual purification. --- 🌟 **Final Tips** - **What to Bring**: - Small change: For incense offerings and souvenirs. - Portable charger: Ensure your phone has enough battery to capture beautiful moments. - Hand warmers: Temperatures can be low in winter, so dress warmly. - **Eco-Friendly Travel**: Mount Jiuhua is a sacred Buddhist site. Please do not litter and help protect this pure land. --- **Mount Jiuhua is more than just a mountain; it's a spiritual journey. May you find inner peace and strength on this pilgrimage, and may all your wishes come true.** 📸✨