Nanjing Road Trip: A Two-Day, One-Night Pilgrimage to Mount Jiuhua

At 6 a.m., we set off from Nanjing, and after a four-hour drive, we arrived at the famous Buddhist mountain, the sacred site of Jiuhua. Because it was the weekend, traffic was restricted and private vehicles were not allowed up the mountain, so we parked at the foot of the mountain and took a tourist shuttle (50 yuan per person; keep the ticket).

On Saturday morning, it was misty and foggy. The shuttle wound its way up, with the majestic peaks hidden in the mist, creating a unique atmosphere.

First, we arrived at the main gate of Mount Jiuhua. After entering, since we had booked a hotel in the scenic area, we headed straight to the hotel to check in.

First stop: Guanyin Hall.

Stepping on the stone steps carved with lotus motifs, we climbed up to Guanyin Hall. Legend has it that this is where Li Bai washed his brush. Then we followed the crowd to queue for the "three-point Guanyin water."

Second stop: Yueshen Hall.

Continuing up the steps, we soon reached Yueshen Hall. This is where the physical body of the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, incarnated as Jin Qiaojue, is enshrined. All around, devotees were burning incense and prostrating. August 26th is the birthday of the incarnation of Ksitigarbha. Though we are not believers, we showed respect by walking around the pagoda three times, praying for smoothness and well-being.

Third stop: Tiantai.

Heading west from the hall, passing through a corridor, we went down to the west gate. There we waited for the scenic area bus (the ticket must be kept). The bus ride took about half an hour, and the scenery along the way made the time pass quickly.

There were several stops along the way (I lost count because I was enjoying the view), but the final stop was Tiantai Station. The second-to-last stop was Xiaotiantai, so don't get off at the wrong one.

As the saying goes, "If you don't go to Tiantai, your visit is in vain." Once at Tiantai, there are two ways up the mountain: one is hiking, which takes about three hours—great for those who are fit, and the scenery along the way should be unforgettable. The second is the cable car, round-trip ticket costing 160 yuan per person.

We chose the cable car (and after going up, we realized it was a wise decision). Because the fog was heavy, the cable car was wrapped in mist, and we could see nothing but white. On a clear day, there would be spectacular peaks to admire. The cable car ride took about ten minutes, but that was not the end—we still had to climb further. As we went up, the weather improved, and the mist swirled around, making it feel like a fairyland, with peaks appearing and disappearing. After about half an hour of climbing steps, we finally reached the highest temple—Tiantai Temple. The scenery needs no description; only by experiencing it yourself can you feel the sudden enlightenment after the hard climb.

Fourth stop: Huacheng Temple.

After taking photos and resting at Tiantai, we returned the same way, then took the scenic bus back to the hotel. The hotel was near Huacheng Temple, so we stopped by to see it. This temple houses various relics of Ksitigarbha and recounts his deeds. In front of the gate, the release pond was full of flying white doves, bringing a bit of joy to our tired bodies.

It was past 5 p.m. when we returned to the hotel. In the evening, we found a small restaurant near the hotel and ordered three dishes. They were ordinary in taste, nothing special. If I had to recommend something, the braised fish was good, and the bamboo shoots in it were delicious.

My personal suggestion: stay at a hotel inside the scenic area. After dinner, you can stroll along the commercial street, and in the morning, you can experience the unique feeling of "being right in the middle of the mountain."

Mount Jiuhua has many other temples, such as Baisui Palace, and many attractions like Huatai, all worth seeing. But you don't have to see everything. Just look around, pay your respects, and go with the flow—it's more relaxing that way.

On the morning of August 28, after breakfast, we started our return journey.

On the way, we stopped to see the 99-meter-tall statue of Ksitigarbha. It is not far from the parking lot at the foot of the mountain, just a ten-minute drive. From afar, we could see the golden, majestic statue. There is no entrance fee for the scenic area; you just need to make a reservation via an app, which is very convenient. The scenic area is large, with beautiful views, definitely worth a visit.

Thus ended our two-day, one-night pilgrimage to Mount Jiuhua.

1. Car expenses (tolls + fuel): Tolls 200 yuan + Fuel 280 yuan = 480 yuan

2. Meals + Accommodation: Meals 320 yuan + Accommodation 314 yuan = 634 yuan

3. Tickets + Scenic transport: Tickets 160 yuan * 2 + Shuttle bus 50 yuan * 2 + Cable car 160 yuan * 2 = 740 yuan

Total: 1854 yuan for a self-driving trip of two people.