Amidst China's mountainous landscape lies a place shrouded in mist, mystery, and devotion: Jiuhua Mountain (九华山), located in Anhui province. Considered one of the four sacred mountains of Chinese Buddhism , Jiuhua is not just a tourist destination, but a true spiritual sanctuary , where faith, nature, and history have intertwined for centuries.
The Origin of the Name
The name "Jiuhua" literally means "Nine Flowers." Legend has it that the famous Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai, upon contemplating the mountain range, wrote a poem describing the peaks as "nine lotus flowers rising from the ground," referring to their beauty and the unique shape of the rocky outcrops. Since then, the name Jiuhua has become associated with the region, also carrying the spiritual symbolism of the lotus flower—an icon of Buddhism.
One of the Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism
Jiuhua Mountain is dedicated specifically to the bodhisattva Kṣitigarbha (Dizang in Chinese) , a figure of great compassion and promise. Dizang is known as the guardian of the dead and the one who vowed not to attain nirvana while souls were still suffering in the lower realms. Therefore, Jiuhua is frequently visited by monks, devotees, and pilgrims seeking blessings for their ancestors or spiritual protection.
The Arrival of Kim Qiaoque: The Living Bodhisattva
Jiuhua's spiritual history began intensely in the 8th century, when a Korean monk named Kim Qiaoque arrived at the mountain to practice dharma. He lived for nearly 100 years in meditation and austerity. When he passed away, his body was found intact and without signs of decomposition —a phenomenon interpreted as a sign of enlightenment. Since then, he has been recognized as the incarnation of Kṣitigarbha , cementing Jiuhua as a center of pilgrimage.
His mummified body is still venerated in the Sacred Body Temple (Rou Shen Si) , one of the most important in the region.
A Complex of Faith and Architecture
The mountain currently houses 99 Buddhist temples , including ancient monasteries and modern buildings. The temples are scattered throughout the valleys and slopes of the mountain, some in difficult-to-reach locations, reinforcing the atmosphere of retreat and inner search. One of the most visited is Huacheng Temple , known as the mother temple of the mountain.
In addition to traditional Buddhist architecture, with curved roofs and golden ornaments, the mountain is punctuated by winding staircases, meditation caves, natural springs , and imposing statues of venerated bodhisattvas and monks.
Nature as an Ally of the Sacred
Jiuhua's natural beauty is a spectacle in itself. With peaks exceeding 1,300 meters in altitude, the mountain offers lush landscapes , with mist dancing among the trees, pine forests, trails through bamboo groves , and breathtaking views. Each season transforms Jiuhua into a new painting: flowers in spring, intense green in summer, golden leaves in autumn, and snow-capped peaks in winter.
This mystical nature is more than just a setting—it reinforces the atmosphere of introspection and transcendence that defines the experience of those who visit Jiuhua.
A Prosperity Ritual with AuraPura
During a spiritual immersion at Jiuhua Mountain, we took some of AuraPura's products for a special ritual with a local monk . This ritual was conducted with the intention of opening paths to prosperity , bringing positive energy and blessings to each item, and adding even greater symbolic and spiritual value to the products.
The vibrational power of this sacred place, combined with the monk's ancient wisdom, created a unique connection between the products and the mountain's energy—sealing in each piece an intention of abundance, protection, and purpose.
Jiuhua Today: Spiritual Tourism and Living Heritage
With the growth of spiritual tourism and international interest in Buddhism and meditative practices, Jiuhua has become one of China's most sought-after destinations. Yet, the mountain retains its sacred character. Thousands of pilgrims visit the site every year, especially during Buddhist festivals and ceremonies dedicated to Dizang.
The tourist infrastructure has been improved with hotels, cable cars, and support centers, but many visitors still prefer to hike the trails in silence as a form of devotional practice.