Wuzhen Water Town: Living History & Culture
An Immersive Exploration of China's Four Great Buddhist Mountains
Journey Overview
The Ultimate Buddhist Pilgrimage Experience
Embark on a transformative 12-day spiritual odyssey through China's four sacred Buddhist mountains - Mount Emei, Mount Wutai, Mount Jiuhua, and Mount Putuo. This carefully curated journey combines profound religious significance with breathtaking natural landscapes and cultural immersion. Enjoy the comfort of private transportation and expert guidance throughout your pilgrimage.
Detailed Itinerary
Days 1-3: Sichuan Province - The Realm of Samantabhadra
Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu - Gateway to Spiritual Exploration
Accommodation: Chengdu Hotel
Meals: No meals included
Arrive in Chengdu, the vibrant capital of Sichuan province. Your personal guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your carefully selected hotel. Settle in and acclimate to your new surroundings, preparing for the spiritual journey ahead.
Day 2: Leshan Grand Buddha & Journey to Mount Emei
Accommodation: Mount Emei Area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Morning drive to Leshan to witness the magnificent 71-meter tall Leshan Giant Buddha via scenic cruise. Experience the awe-inspiring presence of this UNESCO World Heritage site before continuing to Mount Emei, the sacred abode of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva.
Day 3: Mount Emei Pilgrimage & Return to Chengdu
Accommodation: Chengdu Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Full day exploration of Mount Emei's spiritual highlights. Visit the significant Baoguo Temple before ascending via cable car to the Golden Summit, the mountain's highest sacred point. Experience the breathtaking views and profound spiritual atmosphere before returning to Chengdu.
Days 4-6: Shanxi Province - The Domain of Manjushri
Day 4: Journey to Mount Wutai - Abode of Wisdom
Accommodation: Mount Wutai Area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Morning flight to Taiyuan followed by scenic drive to Mount Wutai, China's premier Buddhist sacred site dedicated to Manjushri Bodhisattva. Visit key temples including Summit Bodhisattva Temple, Xiantong Temple, and Shuxiang Temple upon arrival.
Day 5: Temple Complex Exploration
Accommodation: Mount Wutai Area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Immerse yourself in Mount Wutai's rich spiritual heritage. Begin at the Hall of Manjusri, proceed to the incense-rich Wuye Temple, and ascend to the royal Summit Bodhisattva Monastery. Discover the iconic Great White Pagoda and enjoy panoramic views of Taihuai Town.
Day 6: Grand Worship - The Five Peaks Pilgrimage
Accommodation: Mount Wutai Area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Embark on the sacred Dachaotai ritual, visiting all five peaks of Mount Wutai. Experience Wanghai Peak (2,795m), Guanyue Peak, Jinxiu Peak, Yedou Peak (3,058m - highest in Northern China), and Cuiyan Peak. This full-day spiritual journey represents the ultimate expression of Buddhist devotion.
Days 7-9: Anhui Province - The Sanctuary of Ksitigarbha
Day 7: Transition to Mount Jiuhua
Accommodation: Mount Jiuhua Area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Journey from Mount Wutai to Mount Jiuhua via high-speed rail and private transfer. This travel day offers reflection time as you transition between sacred sites, arriving at the mountain dedicated to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.
Day 8: Jiuhua Street & Sacred Sites
Accommodation: Mount Jiuhua Area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore the cultural heart of Mount Jiuhua at Jiuhua Street Scenic Area. Visit Huacheng Temple, Diyuan Temple, and the remarkable Five Hundred Arhats Hall. Ascend to the Incarnation Hall and Longevity Palace via cable car, experiencing the unique integration of architecture and natural rock formations.
Day 9: Minyuan Scenic Area & Cultural Immersion
Accommodation: Mount Jiuhua Area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cable car ascent to Tiantai Peak and Tiantai Temple, the spiritual core of Mount Jiuhua. Afternoon visit to Dayuan Culture Theme Park featuring the magnificent 99-meter bronze statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and comprehensive exhibits on Ksitigarbha culture.
Days 10-12: Zhejiang Province - The Island of Avalokitesvara
Day 10: Island Transition to Mount Putuo
Accommodation: Mount Putuo Area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
High-speed rail journey to Hangzhou followed by scenic drive and ferry to Putuoshan Island, the sacred abode of Avalokitesvara (Guanyin). Settle into your island accommodation and enjoy initial exploration of this maritime Buddhist sanctuary.
Day 11: Comprehensive Putuo Mountain Pilgrimage
Accommodation: Mount Putuo Area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Full day exploration of Mount Putuo's most significant sites. Visit Huiji Temple, Fayu Temple with its exquisite Jade Buddhist Hall, and the ancient Puji Temple. Experience the spiritual presence at Purple Bamboo Forest and behold the majestic 33-meter golden Giant Avalokitesvara Buddha Statue.
Day 12: Departure from Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast
Morning ferry departure from Putuoshan Island followed by private transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your onward journey. Conclude your profound 12-day pilgrimage through China's sacred Buddhist mountains with renewed spiritual insight and unforgettable memories.