Practical Guide to Visiting the Buddhist Holy Land in Western Yunnan

1. Location and Altitude Jizu Mountain is located in Binchuan County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is one of the five major Buddhist mountains in China (legend has it that it is the dojo of the Venerable Kasyapa) and is known as the 'Holy Mountain and Buddhist Capital.' The main peak, Tianzhu Peak, has an altitude of 3320 meters and is named for its resemblance to a chicken's foot. The mountain climate is variable, cool in summer, and occasionally snowy in winter. From the summit, you can overlook Cangshan and Erhai Lake and see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance. The sea of clouds and sunrise are particularly spectacular. 2. Ticket Information · Scenic Area Ticket: Full ticket 55 RMB/person (off-season November-March), peak season 80 RMB/person (April-October). · Discounted Ticket: Students, seniors aged 60-70 with valid ID, half price; seniors over 70, military personnel, and disabled persons free. · Other Fees: · Sightseeing Bus: One-way 15 RMB, remember it is divided into 4 sections, each section requires a separate ticket. · Cable Car: Round trip 75 RMB (one-way up 45 RMB, down 30 RMB), can reach near Jinding Temple. 3. Transportation Guide 1. External Transportation · From Dali: · Take a bus from Dali East Bus Station (Xiaguan) to Binchuan County (about 1.5 hours, fare 20 RMB), then transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus (30 minutes, 10 RMB); · Dali Ancient City Tourist Express: In peak season, there is a direct tourist line to Jizu Mountain (about 2 hours, fare 40 RMB) · Didi has a city direct route for 19 RMB per person, which is very cost-effective and can reach Dali Railway Station or the ancient city. · Self-driving: Depart from Dali Ancient City, take the Daxi Line and turn onto Niusha Road, the total distance is about 90 kilometers, the mountain road has many bends, drive carefully, the scenic area parking fee is 10-20 RMB/day. 2. Internal Transportation · Hiking: It takes about 3-4 hours from the mountain gate to Jinding, passing through Zhusheng Temple, Huideng Nunnery, and Kasyapa Hall, suitable for those with good physical strength. · Sightseeing Bus + Cable Car: Time-saving and labor-saving, it takes about 1.5 hours to reach the top of the mountain, recommended for tourists with tight schedules. 4. Recommended Tour Routes 1. Classic One-Day Tour: Mountain Gate → Sightseeing Bus to Zhusheng Temple → Hike/Ride to Cable Car Station → Take Cable Car to Tianzhu Peak → Jinding Temple (watch sunrise and sea of clouds) → Huashou Gate (Kasyapa's meditation place) → Descend and return. 5. Must-Visit Attractions · Jinding Temple: At an altitude of 3248 meters, the temple's Lengyan Pagoda is a symbol of Jizu Mountain, you can ring the bell for blessings. · Huashou Gate: The natural rock wall resembles a Buddhist gate, legend has it that it is the place where Kasyapa entered meditation, the core of Buddhist pilgrimages. · Zhusheng Temple: The largest Zen temple in the mountain, Master Xuyun once preached here, ancient trees tower, incense is flourishing. 6. Notes 1. The altitude is high, some sections are steep, it is recommended to bring a windproof jacket, comfortable hiking shoes, and sunscreen. 2. Respect Buddhist etiquette, dress appropriately when entering temples, and do not make loud noises. 3. The temperature at the top of the mountain is low, the summer average is 15-20℃, in winter bring a down jacket. 4. Monkeys are active in the mountains, do not feed or tease them, and keep your belongings safe. 7. Travel Tips · Best Season: Spring and autumn (March-May for rhododendron blooms, September-November for stunning autumn colors). · Food and Accommodation: Vegetarian meals are available around Zhusheng Temple on the mountainside (20 RMB/person), simple meals are provided at the mountain top inns, it is recommended to bring your own snacks. · Cultural Experience: The first to fifteenth day of the first lunar month is the pilgrimage festival, you can experience traditional ceremonies and folk activities.