May Day Holiday Jiuhua Mountain Guide | Must-Read Tips to Avoid Crowds!

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle this May Day holiday and enjoy a dual healing experience for your soul and nature? Jiuhua Mountain, known as a Buddhist sanctuary and a scenic wonderland, is definitely worth adding to your travel list! This super detailed guide will help you avoid the crowds and explore the highlights—make sure to save it! · Itinerary Planning | Day 1: Core Pilgrimage Route Jiuhua Street Temple Cluster: Start at Huacheng Temple and visit Qiyuan Temple and Zhantan Zen Forest along the way to immerse yourself in the thousand-year-old Buddhist atmosphere. The walk takes about 2 hours; it’s recommended to start early in the morning to avoid crowds. Roushen Hall: The site where the true body of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is enshrined. Walk clockwise around the pagoda three times to pray and experience the solemn pilgrimage ritual. Baishui Palace Cable Car: Take the cable car to overlook the natural Sleeping Buddha phenomenon or challenge yourself to hike up 1,800 steps. Don’t miss the Ming Dynasty monk’s preserved body and the Hall of Five Hundred Arhats at the summit. Day 2: High Mountain Scenic Route Tiantai Scenic Area: Take the cableway to the ancient Sutra Worship Platform, then hike to the summit of Tiantai Temple for a panoramic view of Jiuhua Mountain. Check out the breathtaking "One-Line Sky" cliff and enjoy the sea of clouds and unique peaks. Huatai Walkway: Stroll along the high-altitude glass walkway (open in May) to admire alpine azaleas and cloud-covered rock formations. For those with stamina, challenge the summit of Dahua Peak, but beware of wild monkeys and travel in groups. · Transportation Guide | High-Speed Rail: Prioritize arriving at Chizhou Station, then transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus (50 RMB combo ticket includes scenic area transportation) to reach Jiuhua Mountain Visitor Center in just 1 hour. Self-Driving: During non-peak seasons, you can drive up the mountain, but during May Day, you’ll need to transfer to the scenic area bus at Kecun! Over 5,000 new parking spaces and charging stations have been added, so parking is hassle-free. Scenic Area Transportation: Combo ticket costs 50 RMB/person (valid for 3 days). Note that routes are not interconnected; returning from Huatai requires purchasing an additional ticket. · Accommodation Recommendations | [Jiuhua Mountain Kelaichu Homestay (Dayuan Cultural Park Branch)] Walking distance to the scenic area, with windows facing the statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. Hui-style courtyard with white walls and black tiles, surrounded by mountains and forests—every photo is Instagram-worthy. High-end room facilities! Panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows + viewing balcony, wake up to the Bodhisattva statue, and sleep under a starry sky. Private courtyard for maximum privacy, with pure and sweet well water untouched for decades—perfect for brewing tea and enjoying Zen moments. KTV + Mahjong Room for fun: Meditate and reflect in peace or enjoy lively gatherings. Thoughtful butler service: Fresh fruit and hot tea upon arrival, homemade comfort food to soothe your travel fatigue. · Food Recommendations | Taste Jiuhua Must-try specialties: Stinky mandarin fish (unique fermented flavor), free-range chicken soup (savory and warming), and baked pumpkin casserole (sweet and tender). · Important Notes | Advance Booking: May Day is limited to 50,000 visitors/day. Be sure to book tickets and transportation via the "Jiuhua Travel" WeChat account; tickets may sell out on the day. Pilgrimage Etiquette: Do not step on temple thresholds or photograph Buddha statues. Hold incense with your right hand at a 45-degree angle and bow clockwise to the four directions. Gear Suggestions: Wear non-slip athletic shoes! The mountain area is often foggy and rainy, so bring a jacket and rain gear. Sunscreen and mosquito repellent are essential. Monkey Warning: Wild monkeys may appear in Huatai and Tiantai areas. Do not feed or provoke them, and keep your belongings secure. The May Day holiday is just around the corner—grab this guide and embark on your healing journey!