Jizu Mountain
Jizu Mountain or Chicken Foot Mountain is one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains of Chinese Buddhism. Its name comes from the fact that this volcanic mountain is shaped like a chicken’s foot with three hills on one side and a single hill at the back. Many of the temples on the mountain were first built during the Tang Dynasty, reaching their heyday during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. However, during the cultural revolution, many were razed to the ground. Now what still remains are the Jiuling Temple, Zunsheng Temple and Huideng Temple and a few other smaller temples. Besides these Buddhist attractions, you can also climb to the top of the mountain in the early morning and watch the sunrise. It is possible to make a round trip to the mountain top within a day, but lodging in the Bingchuan County is inevitable.
Why is Jizu Mountain so special?
Jizu Mountain (Chinese name: 鸡足山) is a national AAAA level scenic spot in Dali. It is a Buddhist shrine enjoying good fame in South Asia and Southeast Asia and one of China’s top ten famous Buddhist mountains and important national scenic area in Dali. It is a multifunctional tourist attraction based on Buddhist culture and ecological landscape, combining Buddhist pilgrimage, Buddhist studies, tourism and science expeditions.
It is the Buddhist shrine of Southeast Asia, the intersection of Chinese Buddhist and Tibetan Buddhist, enjoying the reputation as “the No.1 Chinese Buddhist Mountain in China” and other titles. It was listed and the 44 tourist attractions in China.
Where is Jizu Mountain?
Jizu Mountain is situated at the northwest of Bingchuan County of Dali at the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, with Dali and Eryuan at its west and Heqing at its north. The mountain looks like chicken foot (means Jizu in Chinese), hence the name.
How to Get to Jizu Mountain?
The straight line distance between the modern Dali on the southern shore of Erhai Lake to Jizu Mountain (Jizushan in Chinese) is only about 45 kilometers. But the driving distance around the lake and up a valley is about 100 kilometers to the town of Binchuan in a valley below the mountain. The trip to Binchuan from Dali takes about two hours. From there to the Huideng Temple is about another 30 kilometers, and buses and vans are available. There are horses, a walking path, and a cable car from there to Lengyan Pagoda.
History
According to legend, the Shakyamuni Buddha’s first disciples brought gold grass-robe and the Buddha’s relic – tooth to Jizu Mountain.
During Tang Dynasty, there were full of temples. In Yuan and Ming Dynasty, the 8 temples and 71 jungles were built on the mountain, among which the Jiguang Temple was the main temple. During Qing Dynasty, the main temple is Zhusheng Temple, with other 35 temples and 72 nunnerys, with about 2000 or 3000 monks and nuns.
Main Attractions
1.Zhusheng Temple (祝圣寺)
As the largest temple on Jizu Mountain, Zhusheng Temple was first built during Ming Jiajing Period. In Qing dynasty, the famous Zen Master – Xuyun Monk raised money and built the temple. On the left wall of the temple, there is painted “the Panorama of Jizu Mountain”. In front of the gate, there is a semi-circular pond with an octagonal pavilion on it. The whole temple is in grand scale with rich ethnic and religious characteristics.
2.Jinding Temple and Lengyan Pagoda（金顶寺）
On the tallest peak of Jizu Mountain is a monastery that includes the ancient Jinding Temple and Lengyan Pagoda. The square-shaped pagoda was built after the Tang Dynasty, but it looks similar in style to the Tang Dynasty pagoda in the ancient city of Dali. But this was built at the top of a very high and steep peak. Imagine the work that went into its construction a thousand years ago! The attached Jinding hall has statues where Buddhists go to worship. The original Jinding Temple was moved from Kunming to this mountain in 1637. On a clear night, you can see the Milky Way and thousands of stars. If you stay in the accommodations nearby, you can see the sunrise.
3.4 Sights and 8 Landscapes （四观八景）
Jizu Mountain is naturally beautiful with the “4 sights and 8 landscapes”. The 4 sights are: sun sight, cloud sight, sea sight and snow sight and the 8 landscapes are: the Buddha’s light, the thunder in a clear sky at Huashou, snow at Cangshan Mountain, the mist on Lake Erhai, the pine trees, the flowing fall, the autumn moon in the yard of the pagodas. In addition, there are some other scenic spots, such as Huashou Gate, the fall at Yulong,the empty ancient tree. The scholars of different dynasties, for example, Yang Fu, Yang Shen, Li Yuanyang, Xu Xiake, Zhao Fan, Yuan Jiagu and Xu Beihong, visited Jizu Mountain and wrote poems or drew pictures to describe the scenery here. During the Festival of Worship on Jizu Mountain from January 1 to 15 (according to the lunar calendar) each year, tourists from all directions, even foreign countries, come here to visit. Nowadays, tourists can enjoy themselves on the Jizu Mountain due to the convenient transportation, for example, the tour road reaching from the county and the tour cable from Huideng Nunnery to the Golden Top.
Recommended Tour
2 Days Dali Pilgrimage Hiking Tour from Erhai Lake to Jizu Mountain
Accommodate at Jizu Mountain
There are several hotels on the top of Jizu Mountain, such as Jinding Hotel, Jizu Mountain Hotel. Travelers also can stay at Zhusheng Temple, Jiulian Temple and Huideng Temple. The room fee is 40-50 yuan per person.
Best Time to Visit Jizu Mountain
The best time to visit Jizu Mountain is in the 12th and 1st months of the lunar calendar when Pilgrimage Festival is held. There are many featured activities at that time.
Nearby Attractions
Dali Ancient Town is a historic town with rich culture located between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. Unlike any other Chinese town, the traditional Bai ethnic houses give the town distinctive feel. Travelers can wonder in this leisure town to appreciate the unique ethnic architecture and discover its profound history and culture.
Baoxiang Temple is also called as Shibao Temple. It is known as the “Hanging Temple of Yunnan” since it is situated on the steep cliff.
Located in Shizhong Shan Mountain (石钟山) of the Shibao Shan mountain range, the Shizhong Shan Grottoes (石钟山石窟) are also sometimes referred to as the Shibao Shan Grottoes (石宝山石窟), or “Stone Treasure Mountain Grottoes.” Housed in buildings clutching the mountainside, these ancient grottoes house Buddhists sculptures, statues of Bai deities of the ancient Nazhao and Dali Kingdoms, and yoni shrines (representing the female sex), some dating back over a thousand years.
Useful Travel Tips
- Cable car and horse riding are available if you don’t want to climb up to the Jinding Temple.
- Please do not take the photos of the Buddha to show your respect
- Wear more clothes as the top of the mountain can be cold.
Golden Summit Temple
Located in the summit of Tianzhu Peak on Jizu Mountain, Jinding (golden summit) Temple(金顶寺) is the top attraction of Jizu Mountain. It consists of Duguangtai, Maitreya Hall, Lengyan Tower and Daxiong Hall. Jiding Temple enjoys the long and profound history, also the best place for appreciate the landscape, appreciating the sunrise from the east, Cangshan and Erhai Lake in west, the forest of Xiangyun in south and Jade Dragon Mountain in north. The traveler Xu Xiake(徐霞客) also climbed the Jizu Mountain and appreciated four sights here.
History
Golden Summit Temple has gone through a lot. Firstly, monks built the temple here; In Jiajing Period of Ming Dynasty(1522-1566, scholar of Dali Li Yuanyang built Puguang Hall; in 1600, Censor Sun Yu(御史孙愈) built the Guangming Pagoda according to the requirements of monks; in 1641, Mu Tianbo(沐天波) moved the copper temple from Yingwu Mountain(鹦鹉山) of Kunming to Tianzhu Peak in Jizu Mountain(鸡足山天柱峰) and destroy the Puguang Hall. To the 30 years of Kangxi Period of Qing Dynasty(1691), the hall was burned, and the copper temple and pagoda were left. Lengyan Pagoda was built in 1929 by Long Yun(龙云). During the Anti-Japanese War, it was a natural buoy for foreign aid materials flying over the Tuofeng.
Accommodation
There are several hotels on the top of Jizu Mountain, such as Jinding Temple Guesthouse(金顶寺接待部), Jizu Mountain Hotel. Travelers also can stay at the hotels at the foot of Jizu Mountain, like Dali Zhusun Hotel(大理竹笋庄园).
Useful Travel Tips
- Cable car and horse riding are available if you don’t want to climb up to the Jinding Temple.
- Please do not take the photos of the Buddha to show your respect.
- Wear more clothes as the top of the mountain can be cold.
- When the weather is fine in Dali, the sunshine is heated, and ultraviolet light is strong. People should avoid direct sunlight, and the sun hat preparation is required during outdoor activities, a pair of sunglasses will make you comfortable in the trip.
Nearby Attractions
Jizu Mountain in Binchuan County, Dali
Shizhong Temple
Shizhong Temple(石钟寺) is one of the oldest temples of Jizu Mountain. It was built in Tang Dynasty and repaired in Yongle Period and Zhengtong Period of Ming Dynasty. There stand the plum blossom trees of Yuan and cypresses of Song in font of the temple, also the giant reclining Buddha behind the temple. Therefor, it is also called as the Wofo Temple(卧佛寺)(Reclining Buddha Temple). Temple enjoys the cliff painting and statues of Tang and Song dynasties, which are the important materials of the history of Buddhism in Yunnan Province.
Legend
It was said that the reclining Buddha was a “living Buddha” of Tibet, trekking for thousands of miles, and sincerely coming to the mountains for pilgrimage.
After traveling around Jizu Mountain, his wish came true. He rested beneath the eaves of temple and slept eternally never to wake up. According to his posture, people carved the reclining statue and put the crutch besides him. After that, many Tibetan people hike for thousands miles to worship the reclining Buddha. These Tibetan people will play their instruments and dance for the Buddha.
Useful Travel Tips
When the weather is fine in Dali, the sunshine is heated, and ultraviolet light is strong. People should avoid direct sunlight, and the sun hat preparation is required during outdoor activities, a pair of sunglasses will make you comfortable in the trip.
Please keep quiet when visiting temple.
Nearby Attractions
Jizu Mountain in Binchuan County, Dali
Golden Summit Temple of Jizu Mountain in Binchuan County, Dali
Zhusheng Temple of Jizu Mountain in Binchuan County, Dali
Shizhong Mountain Grottoes
WuhuaAn Temple of Jizu Mountain is one of the Best Tourist Attractions and Top Things to Do when travel to Dali, it introduces the main scenic spots, address, entrance tickets booking, The best time to visit, How to Get there, the highlights, facts, history, photos, visiting routes, travel tips, tour maps of WuhuaAn Temple of Jizu Mountain(宾川鸡足山五华庵).
Chinese Name: 宾川鸡足山五华庵
English Name: WuhuaAn Temple of Jizu Mountain in Binchuan County, Dali
Fota Temple of Jizu Mountain in Binchuan County is one of the Best Tourist Attractions and Top Things to Do when travel to Dali, it introduces the main scenic spots, address, entrance tickets booking, The best time to visit, How to Get there, the highlights, facts, history, photos, visiting routes, travel tips, tour maps of Fota Temple of Jizu Mountain in Binchuan County(宾川鸡足山佛塔寺).
Chinese Name: 宾川鸡足山佛塔寺
English Name: Fota Temple of Jizu Mountain in Binchuan County, Dali
http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_4e05caf30100peov.html
Dali Huashoumen Gate of Jizu Mountain in Binchuan County travel guide introduces the main attractions, entrance tickets booking, The best time to visit, How to Get there, the highlights, facts, history, photos, weather, accommodation, visiting routes, travel tips, tour maps of Huashoumen Gate of Jizu Mountain in Dali(大理鸡足山华首门).
Chinese Name: 大理鸡足山华首门
English Name: Huashoumen Gate of Jizu Mountain in Binchuan County, Dali
Location:
Dali Yulong Waterfall of Jizu Mountain in Binchuan County travel guide introduces the main attractions, entrance tickets booking, The best time to visit, How to Get there, the highlights, facts, history, photos, weather, accommodation, visiting routes, travel tips, tour maps of Yulong Waterfall of Jizu Mountain in Dali(宾川鸡足山玉龙瀑布).
Chinese Name: 宾川鸡足山玉龙瀑布
English Name: Yulong Waterfall of Jizu Mountain in Binchuan County, Dali
Location:
Zhusheng Temple of Jizu Mountain is one of the Best Tourist Attractions and Top Things to Do when travel to Dali, it introduces the main scenic spots, address, entrance tickets booking, The best time to visit, How to Get there, the highlights, facts, history, photos, visiting routes, travel tips, tour maps of Zhusheng Temple of Jizu Mountain(宾川鸡足山祝圣寺).
Chinese Name: 宾川鸡足山祝圣寺
English Name: Zhusheng Temple of Jizu Mountain in Binchuan County, Dali
Location:
Dali Lingshan Yihuifang Archway of Jizu Mountain in Binchuan County travel guide introduces the main attractions, entrance tickets booking, The best time to visit, How to Get there, the highlights, facts, history, photos, weather, accommodation, visiting routes, travel tips, tour maps of Lingshan Yihuifang Archway of Jizu Mountain in Dali(宾川鸡足山灵山一会坊).
Chinese Name: 宾川鸡足山灵山一会坊
English Name: Lingshan Yihuifang Archway of Jizu Mountain in Binchuan County, Dali
Location:
Chinese Name:宾川县鸡足山朝山会
English Name: Jizu Mountain Pilgrimage Festival of Bai Ethnic Minority in Binchuan County, Dali
每年农历正月初一至十五日，大理州境内的各族群众都要前往鸡足山朝山，祈求国泰民安和观赏鸡足山风光。节日期间，民族文化活动比较丰富，如耍龙、舞狮、狩猎、赛马、打歌、闹花灯、猜灯谜等，独具特色。
节日简介
鸡足山是佛教名山，每年农历正月初一至十五日为朝山会，是时大理州境内的各族群众都要前往朝山，祈求国泰民安和观赏鸡足山风光，朝山者每个寺院都要到达，给佛像敬香供果，向寺主捐献德，以作寺院维修之用。朝山期间，每天游人和朝者络绎不绝，到处欢歌笑语，热闹非常，游山朝都要到鸡足山金顶观日出。尤其是正月十五日凌晨观日出者，成百上千。
主要节目
鸡足山朝山节日期一般在农历腊、正月间，朝山信徒甚众，来自东南亚国家和地区。节日期间，民族文化活动比较丰富，如耍龙、舞狮、狩猎、赛马、打歌、闹花灯、猜灯谜等，独具特色。
景区介绍
鸡足山是中国四大佛教名山之一，山势背西北而面东南，前列三峰，后拖一岭，形如鸡足，故名。鸡足山在中国和东南亚享有盛名，同时又是著名的风景名名胜区。
鸡足山位于宾川县城西北30公里处，距大理市100余公里。40座奇山，30座险峰，34处崖壁，45个幽洞，吸引了无数的旅游者。相传，释迦牟尼的大弟子在此讲经，故鸡足山成了历代朝佛的胜地。鼎盛时，有36庵，72寺，108所寺院。僧人达5000多。鸡足山金顶海拔3240米，棱严塔高耸如云。
登顶眺望，东观日出，西望苍山洱海，南赏祥云，北眺玉龙雪山。明朝大旅游家徐霞客云：“此不特首鸡山，实首海内也。”
Jizushan Town of Binchuan County is one of the Best Tourist Attractions and Top Things to Do when travel to Dali, it introduces the main scenic spots, address, entrance tickets booking, The best time to visit, How to Get there, the highlights, facts, history, photos, visiting routes, travel tips, tour maps of Jizushan Town of Binchuan County.
Chinese Name:大理宾川县鸡足山镇
English Name: Jizushan Town of Binchuan County in Dali
Hiking Tour Map of Jizu Mountain in Binchuan County, Dali
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Jizu Mountain in Binchuan County, Dali
Jizu Mountain Jizu Mountain or Chicken Foot Mountain is one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains of Chinese Buddhism. Its name comes from the fact that this volcanic mountain...
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Shizhong Temple Shizhong Temple(石钟寺) is one of the oldest temples of Jizu Mountain. It was built in Tang Dynasty and repaired in Yongle Period and Zhengtong Period of Ming...
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Dali Huashoumen Gate of Jizu Mountain in Binchuan County travel guide introduces the main attractions, entrance tickets booking, The best time to visit, How to Get there, the highlights,...
Yulong Waterfall of Jizu Mountain in Binchuan County, Dali
Dali Yulong Waterfall of Jizu Mountain in Binchuan County travel guide introduces the main attractions, entrance tickets booking, The best time to visit, How to Get there, the highlights,...
Zhusheng Temple of Jizu Mountain in Binchuan County, Dali
Zhusheng Temple of Jizu Mountain is one of the Best Tourist Attractions and Top Things to Do when travel to Dali, it introduces the main scenic spots, address, entrance...
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Jizu Mountain Pilgrimage Festival of Bai Ethnic Minority in Binchuan County, Dali
Chinese Name:宾川县鸡足山朝山会 English Name: Jizu Mountain Pilgrimage Festival of Bai Ethnic Minority in Binchuan County, Dali 每年农历正月初一至十五日，大理州境内的各族群众都要前往鸡足山朝山，祈求国泰民安和观赏鸡足山风光。节日期间，民族文化活动比较丰富，如耍龙、舞狮、狩猎、赛马、打歌、闹花灯、猜灯谜等，独具特色。 节日简介 鸡足山是佛教名山，每年农历正月初一至十五日 ...
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Jizushan Town of Binchuan County is one of the Best Tourist Attractions and Top Things to Do when travel to Dali, it introduces the main scenic spots, address, entrance...
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Hiking Tour Map of Jizu Mountain in Binchuan County, Dali...
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Exchange some local currency for your trip
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