Tiantai Mountain

Synopsis

Overview

Tiantai Mountain, located in Tiantai County, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, is the birthplace of the Tiantai Sect of Chinese Buddhism and the Southern Sect of Taoism. It has long been renowned as the "Source of Buddhism and Taoism, with Divine and Beautiful Landscapes." As a National Scenic Area, a National 5A-level Tourist Attraction, and a UNESCO Global Geopark, it is not only a famous mountain of religious culture but also...

Overview

Tiantai Mountain, located in Tiantai County, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, is the birthplace of the Tiantai school of Chinese Buddhism and the Southern school of Daoism. It is renowned as the "Source of Buddhism and Daoism, with Divine and Beautiful Landscapes." As a National Scenic Area, a National 5A Tourist Attraction, and a UNESCO Global Geopark, it is not only a famous mountain of religious culture but also a natural treasure trove featuring peculiar peaks, strange rocks, secluded caves, flying waterfalls, and clear springs. Its main peak, Huading Mountain, stands at 1,098 meters above sea level. Surrounded by mountains and blessed with a pleasant climate, the scenery varies with the seasons: admire the azalea blooms in spring, enjoy the cool retreat in summer, witness the colorful forests in autumn, and view the rime and ice formations in winter. It is an excellent destination for exploration, pilgrimage, sightseeing, leisure, and wellness.

History

Tiantai Mountain boasts a profound historical and cultural heritage. As early as the Three Kingdoms period, the eminent Daoist Ge Xuan practiced alchemy and cultivated the Dao here, initiating the Daoist tradition on the mountain. During the Southern Dynasties, Master Zhiyi (Zhi Yi) entered the mountain and founded the Tiantai school, the first indigenous sect of Chinese Buddhism. Guoqing Temple thus became the ancestral temple of the Tiantai school, with its influence spreading as far as Japan and Korea. In the Tang Dynasty, the poet-monk Hanshanzi (Cold Mountain) lived in seclusion here, leaving behind timeless anecdotes with the monk Shide of Guoqing Temple. Furthermore, the "Poet Immortal" Li Bai famously expressed his longing for Tiantai in his verse: "I care not for palaces of dragon and phoenix; I wish to soar directly to Tiantai." In the Song Dynasty, Zhang Boduan (the Purple Yang Perfected Being), the founder of the Southern school of Daoism, practiced and wrote the Wuzhen Pian (Awakening to Reality) here. Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism coexisted and intermingled here over a long period, forming the unique and splendid "Tiantai Mountain Culture."

Main Attractions

1. Guoqing Temple: An ancient temple from the Sui Dynasty and the ancestral temple of the Tiantai school. The temple features towering ancient trees, solemn halls, and precious historical sites such as the Sui Pagoda and Sui Plum Tree. The environment is tranquil and古朴 (ancient and simple), with thriving incense offerings.
2. Shiliang Waterfall (Stone Beam Flying Waterfall): The iconic landscape of Tiantai Mountain. A natural stone beam spans across the waterfall, from which the water surges forth and plunges into a deep pool with tremendous force. It is hailed as the "Number One Wonder under Heaven."
3. Huading National Forest Park: Located on the main peak, famous for its high-mountain azalea forests and celestial phenomena like "Clouds Returning to Huading." In spring, the sea of azalea blossoms covers the mountainsides, creating a spectacular sight.
4. Qiongtai Xiangu (Jade Terrace Immortal Valley): A typical gorge landscape renowned for its "majesty, peculiarity, beauty, and seclusion." Walking along the gorge plank walkway, visitors can see sights like Baxian Lake, Lingyun Plank Walkway, and the Hanging Corridor, as if stepping into an immortal's painting.
5. Chicheng Mountain (Red City Mountain): Featuring Danxia landform, the mountain's reddish-brown rocks resemble a castle. It houses Daoist relics like Ziyun Cave and Yujing Cave. The Liangfei Pagoda stands atop the peak, serving as one of Tiantai Mountain's landmarks.
6. Jigong's Former Residence: Recreates the birth and upbringing environment of the Southern Song Dynasty eminent monk and folk legend, Jigong (Li Xiuyuan). It is an important site for understanding Jigong culture.

Practical Information

The following is practical information for the core scenic areas (Please note: some independent sites like Guoqing Temple are free, but entering the scenic area may require a shuttle bus ticket):

References

1. Tiantai Mountain Tourism Group Official Website (Tickets & Official Info): http://www.ttsly.com
2. Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism - Tiantai Mountain Scenic Area Introduction: http://www.zj.gov.cn/art/2021/12/8/art_1229019361_24790.html
3. The Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China Portal - Report on Tiantai Mountain's Designation as a UNESCO Global Geopark: http://www.gov.cn/xinwen/2019-07/09/content_5407545.htm