Wutai Mountain
Location: Shanxi Province
Transportation: Bus or train
Culture/History Rating: 4.5/5
Scenery Rating: 4/5
Hotels: N/A
Summary:
Description:
| Mount Wutai is often known as the roof of North China. Because of its high altitude, low temperature and snowfalls in summer, the Yedou Peak is known as the Mountain of Coolness. In side this ring of five peaks stands Taihui Town, which is the centre of a cluster of Buddhist monasteries and one of the Buddhist meccas for the Chinese Buddhists. In Wutai, the rising peaks and the plunging ravines look boundless, with the tall pines standing aloft among the mountain streams, the grass tapestry embroidered with blooming flowers, and in this backdrop of the nature, the maintain is intertwined with ancient chambers, halls, kiosks and pagodas. |  |
 | Of the four major Buddhist Mountains in China, Wutai Mountain has the longest and most prestigious history. It is the only Chinese mountain mentioned in Buddhist scriptures. Located in Shanxi Province's Wutai Country, 240 kilometers from the provincial capital of Taiyuan, the mountain is actually a cluster of five terrace-like peaks, hence the name Wutai (Five Terraces). Its cool and pleasant summer climate has also given rise to another name: Qingliang (Cool and Pleasant) Mountain. The mountain is called a "cool platform" and has been regarded as an ideal place for escaping summer heat since ancient times. |
| For hundreds of years, Wutai Mountain has been China's most sacred Buddhist ground mainly because it was where the highly revered Manjusri, the Bodhisattva of wisdom, once lived and taught Buddhism. As the most trusted aide of Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism, he drew emperors from various dynasties here on pilgrimage, adding more significance to the mountain. Furthermore, Wutai Mountain is China's only holy mountain where both Chinese Buddhism and Tibetan Lamaism are practiced. Dalai Lamas, Panchen Lamas and Lcangskyahothogthu (a living Buddha) have visited and preached here, some are even buried here. |  |
 | Wutai Mountain's Buddhist tradition dates back to the Yongping period (58-75) of the Eastern Han Dynasty, when the first temples were constructed. In later dynasties building and repairing of the temple continued, resulting in a large complex of ancient structures. In its heyday, the mountain had over 300 temples housing more than 10000 monks. Today, 47 of these temples are still in good condition and within their walls is a rich legacy of over 100000 superb sculptures and paintings, along with a great quantity of Buddhist cultural relics. |