Xiaojizu Mountain in Weishan County, Dali

Geographical Location

• Location: Xiaojizu Mountain is located in Weishan County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is situated in the western part of Weishan County and is adjacent to Wuyin Mountain.
• Mountain Features: The mountain is known for its majestic and spectacular scenery, with a shape resembling the claws of a rooster standing among other mountains, hence the name “Xiaojizu” (Small Rooster Foot Mountain). It is considered the “ancestor of the western mountains” in the region.

Historical and Cultural Background

• Buddhist Connection: Xiaojizu Mountain is associated with Buddhist legends and is said to be a sacred site where Mahakasyapa, a disciple of Buddha Sakyamuni, once roamed and manifested. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Buddhists built the Mahakasyapa Pavilion on the summit and the Guanyin Temple on the mountain slope to commemorate this connection.
• Cultural Significance: The mountain has been a famous scenic spot in Weishan since the Ming and Qing Dynasties, attracting numerous visitors. It holds significant cultural and religious importance in the local area.

Cultural and Religious Activities

• Festivals and Gatherings: Every year from the 13th to the 15th day of the first lunar month, a mountain pilgrimage festival is held at Xiaojizu Mountain. During this period, in addition to the Yi ethnic group’s traditional singing and dancing activities, pilgrims gather at the viewing platform outside the Mahakasyapa Pavilion on the 15th to watch the sunrise. In the second and eighth lunar months, visitors can also admire the sunset and evening glow from the same platform, making it a well-known spot for such views.

Natural Scenery and Tourism

• Natural Beauty: Xiaojizu Mountain is not only a place of religious significance but also offers breathtaking natural scenery. The mountain’s rugged terrain, lush vegetation, and serene environment make it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
• Tourist Attractions: Key attractions include the Mahakasyapa Pavilion and the viewing platform, which are recognized as key cultural heritage sites by the Weishan County government. These sites provide visitors with a unique experience of the mountain’s natural and cultural beauty.