How a Tang Dynasty Poet Transformed a Mountain into a Sacred Buddhist Icon

Countries & Cities · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Mount Jiuhua was once known simply as Mount Jiuzi, or Nine-Peak Mountain. Its transformation into a legendary Buddhist site was cemented by a poetic verse from Li Bai, which inspired its current name. Today, it stands as one of China’s four great Buddhist mountains, housing ancient relics and breathtaking natural landscapes.

Located in Qingyang County, Anhui Province, Mount Jiuhua is a sprawling landscape of 99 peaks, with Shiwang Peak reaching the highest elevation at 1,342 meters. The mountain’s religious significance is deeply tied to Kim Qiaoque, a Silla prince from modern-day South Korea. Arriving in 719 AD, he spent 75 years in cultivation before passing away at age 99. His body remained intact, leading the monastic community to identify him as an incarnation of Dizang Bodhisattva. Consequently, the mountain became a primary site dedicated to this figure.

The mountain’s cultural evolution is marked by its changing nomenclature. During the Han dynasty, it was called Mount Lingyang, and later Mount Jiuzi during the Liang and Chen dynasties. The shift to Mount Jiuhua occurred after the poet Li Bai visited and penned lines describing the peaks as having nine glories. This poetic rebranding helped solidify its status as a major pilgrimage destination, particularly during the Ming and Qing dynasties, when the site supported up to 5,000 monks and nuns across 360 temples.

Beyond its spiritual heritage, the mountain is a geological marvel. It features a diverse array of natural wonders, including waterfalls, ancient pines, and bamboo forests. Its status has been formally recognized through various designations, including its admission as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2019. Since opening to the public in 1979, it has maintained a significant reputation across East Asia, serving as a center for both Buddhist practice and tourism. Modern visitors can witness a massive 109.9-meter statue of Dizang, a testament to the mountain's enduring role as a bodhimaṇḍa.

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