In Chinese Buddhism, there are the 4 Sacred Mountains of Buddhism. This article is only about the sacred mountains in Chinese Buddhism and not other sacred sites of types of Buddhism – such as the “Adam's” or “Buddha's” footprint up the mountain Sri Lanka). Buddhism is the most popular and widespread of the several religions in China and has a history there close to 2,000 years.
These Four Sacred Mountains attracts tourist and devotees of Buddhism from around the world and are famed for their remarkable Buddhist libraries, Buddhist architecture, stunning landscapes, and cultural antiques.
Buddhism In China and also the Four Sacred Mountains
According to Chinatoday.com, Buddhism in China can be roughly divided into three parts. These are:
- Han (Chinese) Buddhism: Prevailant Among The Dominant Han Ethnic Group
- Tibetan Buddhism: Present in Tibet, Inner Mongolia, Qinghai, Gansu, with Other Tibetan Communities
- Pali Buddhism: Based in the Dai Minority in The Southern Yunnan Province
In Han or Chinese Buddhism the Four Sacred mountains are:
- Mount Wutai: In Shanxi Province
- Mount Emei: In Sichuan Province
- Mount Putuo: In Zhejiang Province
- Mount Jiuhua: In Anhui Province
Next time likely to China, at these to the bucket list and get to determine a spiritual part of China lots of people skip on.
“According to legends, these four great mountains would be the locations from the enlightenment of Bodhisattvas Wenshu, Puxian, Guanyin, and Dizang.”
– Chinatoday.com
Mount Wutai
Mount Wutai is the tallest mountain in Northern China and means the “five terrace mountain.” At the summit of the mountain are five open peaks denuded of tree cover which are snowcapped for most of the year.
Pilgrimage: It's One Of The Five Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites In The World
Below the snow cover are lush forests of evergreen trees with lots of temples and monasteries. Some of these are extremely old and of great cultural value. The East Main Hall from the Foguang Temple was built completely during the Tang Dynasty. Religious sites about this mountain were visited by different Chinese Emperors and today the mountain remains centrally important to Buddhism in China.
- Monasteries: About 53 Monasteries Take presctiption this Mountain
“The temples and monasteries on Mount Wutai reflect how ancient Buddhist art and architecture influenced palace building styles in China for over a millennium.”
– Worldaltas.com
Mount Emei
Mount Emei is situated in Sichuan Province around 160 kilometers from the major city of Chengdu. Since 1996, Mount Emei and the nearby Leshan Giant Buddha (the world's second-largest stone-carved Buddha) happen to be UNESCO Listed.
- Designated: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Some of these Buddhist temples started back in the second century using their heyday coming in the 15th century. Today you will find around 30 temples around the sacred mountain (some of the most notable being Baoguo, Qingyinge, and Wannian).
- Temples: You will find around 30 Temples On Mount Emei
Baoguo Temple is particularly notable for being the oldest and best-preserved temple around the mountain. Two of its treasures really are a 2.4-meter tall porcelain Buddhist statue and a 2.3-meter tall 25-ton bronze bell.
- Elevation: Mount Emei is 3,079 Meters Above Sea Level
Mount Putuo
This mountain is actually not really around the mainland but belongs to a Zhoushan Islands 100 nautical miles east of Hangzhou Bay, Zhejiang Province within the East China Sea. For hundreds of years the island mountain has proven a magnet for millions of visitors (both pilgrims and tourists) who've been attracted through the spiritualness and also the natural splendor of the island.
The monasteries here serve as temporary or permanent residences for any large number of Buddhist monks and nuns. A few of the more remarkable temples here include Puji Temple, Huiji Temple, and Fayu Temple.
- Zhoushan Islands: Mount Putuo Is situated On Islands Off The Coast
- Garden: Mount Putuo Island is usually Described as a tropical Botanical Garden
Additionally, Mount Putuo is often referred to as an island botanical garden on account of its many diverse plants and lush forests.
Mount Jiuhua
Mount Jiuhua is recognized for its scenic beauty and it is located in the Qingyang County from the Anhui province around the southern bank of the Yangtze River. In ancient times it had been home to as many as 360 Buddhist temples and monasteries. It had been also the residence of some 4,000 to five,000 monks and nuns.
- Heyday: In the Heyday, It had 360 Buddhist Temples and Monasteries
Some from the more remarkable temples here include Huacheng Temple (the oldest and many prominent temple here), Dabeilou Temple, Tianchi Temple.
- Lotus Flower: The Mountain Has been said to become In the shape of a Lotus Flower
The mountain has over 70 noted peaks along with many beautiful valleys, streams, and waterfalls. The mountain is said to be the most famous mountain in Southeast China and is shaped like a lotus flower.
