Mount Wutai (Wutai Mountain, 五台山) is located in the northeastern part of Shanxi Province, with an average elevation of over 1,000 meters. Its highest point is Ye Men Peak on the North Terrace, which stands at approximately 3,058 meters above sea level, earning it the nickname “Roof of North China.” The mountain spans an area of about 300 kilometers. It gets its name from its five peaks, which rise majestically like five towering pillars with flat tops resembling platforms. Due to its cool climate, even in the height of summer, it is also known as “Qingliang Mountain” (Cool Mountain). Mount Wutai is a tourist destination that combines natural scenery, historical relics, ancient architecture, Buddhist culture, folk customs, and a summer retreat.
Mount Wutai is a world-renowned Buddhist sacred site, dedicated to Manjushri Bodhisattva. It ranks as the foremost of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains (the other three being Mount Emei, Mount Putuo, and Mount Jiuhua) due to the long history and grand scale of its temples. It is also one of the world’s five major Buddhist holy sites, alongside Lumbini in Nepal, Sarnath, Bodh Gaya, and Kushinagar in India, and is well-known in countries like Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Nepal. The construction of temples on Mount Wutai began during the reign of Emperor Ming of the Han Dynasty. During the Tang Dynasty, the flourishing “Manjushri Faith” led to the establishment of over 360 temples. In the Qing Dynasty, with the introduction of Lamaism to Mount Wutai, distinctive green and yellow temples emerged. The area encircled by the five peaks is known as the Inner Terrace, while the surrounding area is referred to as the Outer Terrace.
When visiting Mount Wutai, it’s common to stay in Taihuai Town, and a three-day itinerary is recommended. This allows for a leisurely pace and enough time to visit the major temples. There are two must-do activities at Mount Wutai: visiting the major temples to pay homage and offer prayers, and making a pilgrimage to the five terraces (known as the Grand Pilgrimage). It is suggested to spend two days visiting the temples and one day for the pilgrimage to the terraces.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Natural Scenery of Mount Wutai
- Buddhist Temples on Mount Wutai
- Buddhist Fairs in Mount Wutai
- Legend of Mount Wutai
- History of Mount Wutai
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 3 days |
| Ticket Price | 135 RMB |
| Sight-seeing Bus | 50 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughou the year |
| Telephone Number | 0086-400-166-6236 |
Location and Transportation
Mount Wutai, located at the northern end of the Taihang Mountains, is situated in the northeastern part of Wutai County, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province. The majority of the area lies within Wutai County, centered around Taihuai Town.
By Car: To travel from Taiyuan to Mount Wutai, you can take a tourist bus from the Taiyuan East Long-Distance Bus Station, which takes approximately 4-5 hours. Alternatively, you can catch a regular bus from the Taiyuan Long-Distance Bus Station, with a ticket price of around 70 RMB. There is also a long-distance bus station in Taihuai Town, providing services to surrounding areas and car rental options.
By Train: Trains run from Taiyuan to Mount Wutai, with a journey time of about 4 hours and a ticket price of around 30 RMB. The train arrives at Wutai Mountain Station, located in Shihe Town, Fanzhi County, about 74 kilometers from the Mount Wutai scenic area. From the train station, direct buses or minibuses are available to Taihuai Town.
By Air: Taiyuan Wusu Airport offers both domestic and international flights. From the airport, you can take an airport shuttle bus or public transportation to Taiyuan city and then transfer to a long-distance bus heading to Mount Wutai. Alternatively, Wutai Mountain Airport, located in Dingxiang County, Xinzhou City, is 96 kilometers from the Mount Wutai visitor center. An airport shuttle bus provides direct access to the scenic area.
Intra-Scenic Transportation: Inside the Mount Wutai scenic area, public buses and taxis are available. Public buses operate from 6 AM to 8 PM, connecting the visitor center with major attractions. Taxis within Wutai County start at a fare of 5 RMB and charge based on distance. Special pilgrimage vehicles are also available for those visiting the five main peaks of the mountain.
Natural Scenery of Mount Wutai
Writings Cliff
Mount Wutai is renowned for its mystical peaks and cliffs, with over fifty notable ones. Among them, Writings Cliff (写字崖) is particularly intriguing. When the cliff is wetted and carefully wiped with a handkerchief, inscriptions resembling seal script or clerical script become visible. These writings fade as the water dries. In some cases, even after removing the outer layer of stone, the inscriptions can still be seen on the underlying layers. Each layer features different characters. Notably, phrases such as “The Three Treasures of Heaven: Sun, Moon, and Stars; The Three Treasures of Earth: Water, Fire, and Wind; The Three Treasures of Humanity: Essence, Energy, and Spirit” have been discovered.
Wanghai Peak (Sea Viewing Peak)
Mount Wutai consists of five major peaks representing the five wisdoms of Manjushri: Great Round Mirror Wisdom, Subtle Observation Wisdom, Equality Wisdom, Accomplished Wisdom, and Dharma Realm Wisdom, as well as the Five Directions Buddhas: Akshobhya Buddha in the East, Amitabha Buddha in the West, Bhaisajyaguru Buddha in the South, Amoghasiddhi Buddha in the North, and Vairocana Buddha in the Center.
Wanghai Peak (望海峰), also known as the East Terrace, stands at an elevation of 2,795 meters. The peak is named for its panoramic views: “The clouds steam and the sun bathes in the clear autumn air, the eastern horizon is like a mirror reflecting the great sea.” Due to its high altitude, temperatures remain low even in summer, requiring warm clothing. Zhao Puchu, former president of the Buddhist Association of China, praised it in a poem: “At East Peak, even in summer, one still wears fur. The sky dresses in rosy clouds to greet the sunrise; peaks float like boats on the sea of clouds, radiating vitality throughout the land.”
Guayue Peak (Hanging Moon Peak)
Guayue Peak (挂月峰), also known as the West Terrace, stands at an elevation of 2,773 meters. Its summit is broad and flat, giving the impression of a suspended mirror when the moon sets. This distinctive feature inspired its name. A poem celebrates the peak: “The western ridge rises majestically to touch the distant sky, casting a glance back at the homeland with clouds nearby. The solitary peak links the green ridges of Shanxi, with eight rivers flowing to nourish the lands. On sunny days, the wild flowers spread like Sichuan brocade, and in autumn, the fairy osmanthus falls with heavenly fragrance. Once, the lion left its mark here, and the rocks and valleys often shimmer with five-colored light.”
Jinxiu Peak (Scenic Peak)
Jinxiu Peak (锦绣峰), located in the south terrace, reaches an elevation of 2,485 meters. The summit is shaped like an inverted bowl with a circumference of about one mile. The peak is steep and covered in mist and greenery, with a variety of grasses and flowers, giving it the appearance of a brocade. The famous poet Yuan Haowen praised it in verse: “In the deep dragon’s lair, clouds and mist gather; a hundred grasses and a thousand flowers receive rain and dew. The Buddha’s land cannot be compared to the human realm; who can follow this path to attain the golden lotus?”
Yedou Peak (Leaf Dipper Peak)
Yedou Peak (叶斗峰), or the North Terrace, stands at an elevation of 3,061 meters, making it the highest peak of Mount Wutai and earning the title of the “Roof of North China.” The summit is flat and wide, with a circumference of about four miles. From below, it appears to touch the handle of the Big Dipper, which is how it got its name. Emperor Kangxi praised it in a poem: “The rugged steps reach the towering peaks, where the cold is close to the celestial palace. The bells ring beyond a thousand ridges, and human voices echo among the clouds. Snow remains from the north wind, and the spring ice has yet to melt. Gazing into the void, one sees the land and sea; this is indeed the realm of Penglai.”
Cuiyan Peak (Emerald Rock Peak)
Cuiyan Peak (翠岩峰), located in the central terrace, reaches an elevation of 2,896 meters. Its summit is broad and flat, with a circumference of about five miles. The peak is majestic and surrounded by emerald mist. It is named for its verdant appearance. A poem celebrates the peak: “The peaks embrace the marvelous view from all sides, with morning rain and mist accumulating on the green ridges. Leaning on a staff, one never tires of the mountains; even in June, the chill remains. Surrounded by blue cliffs and verdant ridges, ancient trees and yellow sand stretch widely. As the clouds and mist gradually rise, one might doubt if they are already in the clouds.”
Buddhist Temples on Mount Wutai
Tayuan Temple (Pagoda Courtyard Temple)
Tayuan Temple (塔院寺), located in the center of Taihuai Town, is named after its prominent feature, the White Pagoda. This pagoda stands 75.3 meters tall with a circumference of 83 meters. It was originally constructed during the Northern Wei Dynasty under Emperor Xiaowen, and has been renovated several times over the centuries, including a major reconstruction during the Ming Dynasty. According to records, the White Pagoda contains a stupa made by Indian Emperor Ashoka, making it a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists visiting Mount Wutai. The temple also houses a Monju Tower, which is said to contain a strand of hair from Manjusri Bodhisattva.
Xiantong Temple
Located behind Tayuan Temple, Xiantong Temple (显通寺)’s existing structures were built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Covering an area of over 80,000 square meters, the temple complex includes more than 400 buildings. The main axis features seven halls from front to back: Guanyin Hall, Manjusri Hall, Great Buddha Hall, Wuliang Hall, Thousand Buddhas Hall, Bronze Hall, and the Sutra Hall. The Wuliang Hall is particularly notable for its 21-meter height, constructed entirely from bricks without any wooden beams. The outer eaves are decorated with intricate floral patterns, and the interior features a suspended caisson ceiling that resembles a flower-topped jewel. Inside the hall, a tower made of white silk displays over 600,000 characters from the Avatamsaka Sutra in fine, elegant script. The Bronze Hall, measuring three square rooms and standing five meters tall, is adorned with sculptures of flowers, figures, and various animals.
Pusa Ding (Manjusri Peak)
Situated on Lingjiu Peak behind Xiantong Temple, Pusa Ding (菩萨顶) is believed to be the residence of Manjusri Bodhisattva. Also known as Manjusri Temple or Zhenrong Courtyard, the temple is accessed via a set of 108 stone steps. At the top, a wooden archway inscribed with the characters “灵峰胜景” (Lingfeng’s Majestic Scenery) greets visitors. According to Buddhist belief, the 108 steps symbolize the 108 afflictions of the human mind, with each step representing a way to overcome one of these afflictions, leading to spiritual transcendence. The main buildings of Pusa Ding are covered with yellow, green, and blue glazed tiles. In the front courtyard stands the Kangxi Inscription Stele, and in the eastern courtyard stands the Qianlong Inscription Stele. The latter, a massive square stone stele carved from a single block, stands six meters tall and one meter wide on each side, and features inscriptions in Chinese, Mongolian, Manchu, and Tibetan, making it the largest and tallest stele on Mount Wutai.
Nan Chan Temple (South Zen Temple)
Nan Chan Temple (南禅寺) holds special significance in the history of Chinese Buddhism. During the Tang Dynasty, when Emperor Wuzong launched a campaign against Buddhism, Nan Chan Temple was the only one to survive the destruction, making it the oldest surviving wooden building in Mount Wutai. The temple is compact and exquisite, with the Mahavira Hall (Daxiong Baodian) dating back over 1,200 years to the third year of the Jianzhong period under Tang Dezong. This hall preserves typical Tang Dynasty architectural style. Inside, the temple’s altar features seventeen Tang Dynasty clay sculptures of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, disciples, and deities. These sculptures are noted for their rich expressions, vivid postures, and smooth lines, making them valuable artistic treasures and rare cultural artifacts.
Foguang Temple (Buddha Light Temple)
Nestled on the mountainside of Foguang Mountain, Foguang Temple (佛光寺) is renowned as the “Asian Buddhist Light.” The temple is set against a backdrop of three peaks to the east, south, and north, creating a grand and majestic setting. Its architecture, sculptures, murals, and calligraphy are celebrated as the “Four Wonders.” Established during the reign of Northern Wei Emperor Xiaowen, the temple was destroyed during the Tang Dynasty’s Wuzong era persecution of Buddhism. It was rebuilt in the 11th year of the Tang Dynasty’s Dazhong period. Foguang Temple is a notable example of Tang Dynasty wooden architecture and holds an important place in architectural history. Inside the East Main Hall, there are thirty-five Tang Dynasty painted clay Buddha statues, known for their robust forms and lifelike expressions. The murals are mostly original Tang pieces, with some from the Song and Ming Dynasties, representing rare and valuable artworks. The Manjusri Hall is the only surviving Jin Dynasty building on Mount Wutai.
Nanshan Temple (South Mountain Temple)
Built on the mountainside with terraced steps, Nanshan Temple (南山寺) is approached via 108 steps that are covered in clouds and greenery, resembling a heavenly ladder. Each architectural feature is distinctive and renowned for its intricate carvings. The temple is situated halfway up the mountain, with a grand white marble archway at the top of the steps, leading to a series of seven opulent halls that rise in tiers. Ancient trees and meandering springs add to the temple’s serene atmosphere. In front of the temple is a delicately crafted brick-carved screen wall, while the temple grounds feature white marble reliefs depicting flowers, birds, insects, animals, historical figures, and Buddhist scriptures, all vividly and artistically rendered.
Longquan Temple (Dragon Spring Temple)
Located in the embrace of Jiu Long Ridge, Longquan Temple (龙泉寺) features a unique layout with three courtyards arranged horizontally. Stone railings flanking the steps are intricately carved with monkeys, birds, flowers, and peaches. At the mountain gate, a pair of white marble lions and a curved bridge are complemented by flagpoles on either side, showcasing superior craftsmanship.
The most striking feature of Longquan Temple is its white marble archway, which is celebrated as one of the temple’s highlights. The archway is meticulously carved from the base to the roof, adorned with dignified Buddha statues and intricately detailed dragons coiled around the stone pillars. Additionally, the archway features exotic flowers, birds, and animals. In the wall screen, there is a large carved stone panel, reportedly depicting the South Sea Guanyin Hall, with a rigorous and innovative composition.
Buddhist Fairs in Mount Wutai
Tiao Bu Zha
Tiao Bu Zha (跳布扎), held around the 15th day of the sixth lunar month each year, originates from Tibet and is a major Buddhist event in the Yellow Sect of Wutai Mountain. On the day before the event, monks in the temple begin chanting protective scriptures and performing the Vajra Dance to “pacify evil spirits” at the Bodhisattva Peak. On the 15th, over a hundred distinguished lamas leave the Bodhisattva Peak and parade through the streets and alleys. The procession is led by a statue of Maitreya Bodhisattva, followed by high lamas in palanquins and on horseback, while other monks play ceremonial music as they proceed to Luo Hou Temple for the “spirit dance.” On the 16th, they return to the Bodhisattva Peak to “cut off demons,” with high and secondary lamas dressed in imperial robes and other monks wearing masks representing the 28 constellations, performing circle walking and hand gestures. This event aims to dispel evil and usher in peace and prosperity.
Mule and Horse Fair
Held annually in the sixth lunar month, the Mule and Horse Fair (骡马大会) features large-scale Buddhist ceremonies, folk cultural activities, and livestock trading. The fair is notable for its rich variety of events, with monks gathering in Taihuai Town to conduct ceremonies and chant scriptures, infusing Wutai Mountain with a mystical religious atmosphere.
Legend of Mount Wutai
According to legend, Mount Wutai was originally known as Five Peaks Mountain and was notorious for its harsh climate. Winters were bitterly cold, with dripping water turning to ice; springs brought swirling dust and stones; and summers were unbearably hot, making it impossible for farmers to cultivate their land. The suffering of the people was immense, and they were desperate for relief.
At this time, Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, visited the region. Upon witnessing the plight of the local inhabitants, Manjushri resolved to change the mountain’s climate to alleviate their suffering. He learned of a magical stone called the “Resting Dragon Stone” located in the Dragon Palace of the Eastern Sea. This stone was said to have the power to transform dry climates into moist and fertile lands.
Taking on the guise of a humble monk, Manjushri journeyed to the Eastern Sea to request the Resting Dragon Stone from the Dragon King. Upon arriving at the Dragon Palace, he encountered the enormous stone and felt its cool aura from afar. The Dragon King welcomed him and listened to his request. Regrettably, the Dragon King explained that the stone could not be lent out, as it had been painstakingly retrieved from the sea floor over many years. It provided a crucial respite for the dragon offspring, who rested upon it to relieve their exhaustion after laborious work. Without it, they would have no place to recuperate.
Despite the Dragon King’s reluctance, he did not want to outright refuse Manjushri. He figured that the stone was so heavy that it would be impossible for a single monk to carry. Thus, he reluctantly said, “You may take the stone if you are able to carry it.”
Manjushri expressed his gratitude and approached the stone. He chanted a powerful spell, and miraculously, the enormous stone transformed into a small pebble. Manjushri easily placed the pebble into his sleeve and departed. The Dragon King was left astonished and regretful, realizing too late the true power of the monk.
Upon returning to Five Peaks Mountain, Manjushri found the region suffering under a relentless sun. The land was parched and cracked, and the people were in dire straits. He placed the magical pebble in a valley at the heart of the mountain, and a miracle occurred: the valley transformed into a lush and cool pastoral haven. The valley was named Qingliang Valley (Cool Valley), and a new temple was established there, named Qingliang Temple (Cool Temple). Consequently, Five Peaks Mountain was renamed Mount Qingliang (Cool Mountain).
The legend of Manjushri’s intervention and the magical transformation of Mount Wutai symbolizes the triumph of wisdom and compassion over suffering. The mountain’s new name and the establishment of the temple marked a turning point in its history, establishing it as a renowned center of Buddhist worship and a sanctuary of tranquility and relief.
History of Mount Wutai
Mount Wutai, known as one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains in China, has a rich historical and spiritual heritage. Originally named “Purple Court Mountain” (紫府山), it was regarded as a divine abode for immortals and Taoist practitioners. The mountain was first called “Purple Court” due to its mystical reputation and was also known as the Five Peaks Mountain Daoist Sanctuary. A Daoist temple, Purple Court Temple, was once established here for ascetic practices. According to the “Qingliang Mountain Chronicle,” when the Buddhist figure Manjushri first arrived in China, he dwelled in the Stone Basin Cave, a site significant in Daoist mysticism, indicating that Mount Wutai was initially a center for Daoist activity.
Early Buddhist Influence
The introduction of Buddhism to Mount Wutai is generally believed to have occurred during the Eastern Han Dynasty. In 68 CE, the Indian monks Kasyapa Matanga and Zhu Falan arrived at Mount Wutai, then known as Qingliang Mountain. They discovered relics of Emperor Ashoka’s stupa and, recognizing the mountain’s connection to Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom, decided to establish a temple. The temple, initially called Lingjiu Temple, was later renamed Dafu Lingjiu Temple by Emperor Ming of Han to signify his Buddhist devotion. This marked the beginning of Mount Wutai’s transformation into a central site for Chinese Buddhism.
Expansion During the Northern and Southern Dynasties
During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, particularly under the Northern Wei and Northern Qi Dynasties, Mount Wutai saw significant growth in its Buddhist infrastructure. Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei extensively renovated Lingjiu Temple and constructed additional temples, including the Shanjing Academy and Zhenrong Courtyard, expanding the total to twelve temples. By the Northern Qi period, the number of temples on Mount Wutai had increased to over two hundred.
Sui and Tang Dynasties
The Sui Dynasty furthered the development of Mount Wutai by establishing temples on each of the five peaks, reflecting the mountain’s importance in Buddhist worship. These included Wanghai Temple on the Eastern Peak, Pujie Temple on the Southern Peak, Falai Temple on the Western Peak, Lingying Temple on the Northern Peak, and Yanjiao Temple on the Central Peak. Each temple dedicated to Manjushri had a distinct aspect of his wisdom, symbolizing different virtues and aspects of enlightenment.
The Tang Dynasty represented a peak in the mountain’s Buddhist prominence. According to “Ancient Qingliang Records,” there were over three hundred temples and more than three thousand monks residing at Mount Wutai. The mountain became a prominent Buddhist pilgrimage site and was considered the foremost Buddhist sacred mountain in China. This period marked the beginning of Mount Wutai’s dominance in the Chinese Buddhist landscape, becoming a key religious and cultural center under imperial patronage.
The Decline and Revival
Despite its flourishing during the Tang Dynasty, Mount Wutai faced severe challenges during the Tang Wuzong era, who initiated a massive anti-Buddhist campaign known as the “Huichang Persecution.” The government ordered the destruction of temples and forced monks and nuns to return to lay life. Over 44,600 temples were demolished across China, and more than 260,000 monks and nuns were displaced. Mount Wutai was not spared; its monasteries were destroyed, and its monks dispersed. This period of destruction was known as the “Huichang Destruction of Buddhism.”
However, the revival of Buddhism came with the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, who reinstated support for Buddhist institutions. The number of monks on Mount Wutai was officially restored to 5,000, although the actual number was higher, including itinerant and unofficial monks. The Tang Dynasty’s influence solidified Mount Wutai’s reputation as a major Buddhist center, evidenced by its bustling temples and the vast number of monks.
International Recognition
During the Tang Dynasty, Mount Wutai’s prominence attracted attention from Buddhist practitioners from various countries. The Tang Dynasty’s economic prosperity and strong international standing made it a cultural hub in Asia. Foreign monks from India, Japan, Korea, and Sri Lanka came to Mount Wutai to pay homage and seek Buddhist scriptures and teachings. This international reverence further established Mount Wutai as a significant Buddhist pilgrimage destination.
