Gather at the designated location in the morning and board an air-conditioned tourist bus to one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains—Shanxi's Wutai Mountain (approximately 3-hour drive). The first stop is the renowned Wuye Temple, located in the Wutai Mountain Scenic Area's Wanfo Pavilion. Despite its modest size of 2,000 square meters and just over 20 halls, Wuye Temple is famed for its spiritual efficacy, attracting countless devotees. Built during the Ming Dynasty and later renovated in the Qing Dynasty, its main structures include the Manjushri Hall, Five Dragon King Hall, and an ancient opera stage.
The second stop is Shuxiang Temple, the ancestral temple of Manjushri Bodhisattva, located 1 km southwest of Taihuai Town. As one of Wutai Mountain's Five Great Zen Monasteries, it was established during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, rebuilt in the Tang Dynasty, and later restored after fires. Designated a key national temple in 1983, it draws thousands of pilgrims daily.
Next, visit Xiantong Temple (about 40 min), one of Wutai Mountain's Five Great Zen Monasteries and the oldest temple on the mountain, comparable to Luoyang's White Horse Temple. Founded in 69 AD, it spans 80,000 square meters with over 400 structures, mostly from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Highlights include the Copper Hall, cast in 1610 using 100,000 jin of copper.
The fourth stop is Luo Hou Temple (approx. 30 min), a key Tibetan Buddhist temple and one of Wutai Mountain's Ten Yellow Temples. Established in the Tang Dynasty and rebuilt in 1492, it features 18 halls, including a Tibetan-style stupa with a Manjushri statue.
Finally, explore the iconic Great White Pagoda at Tayuan Temple, located south of Xiantong Temple. Originally part of Xiantong Temple, it became independent after a Ming Dynasty renovation. The 75.3-meter-tall pagoda, a symbol of Wutai Mountain, enshrines relics of Sakyamuni Buddha.
Alternatively, you may choose a full-day free time to independently worship the Five Wisdom Bodhisattvas at Wutai Mountain. Emperor Kangxi visited this sacred site three times for minor pilgrimages---[Dailuo Peak] There is a widely circulated saying at Wutai Mountain: "If you come to Wutai Mountain but do not climb Dailuo Peak, you are not a true pilgrim!" Return to Baoding by vehicle, concluding this delightful journey!
1. Transportation: Round-trip air-conditioned travel coach
2. Admission Ticket: Self-paid (135 CNY)
3. Guide service: Excellent tour guide service throughout the journey
4. Insurance: Travel Agency Liability Insurance
