Chicheng Mountain

Chicheng Mountain

Chicheng Sunset Glow: This refers to the magnificent sunset glow over Chicheng Mountain. At sunrise or sunset, clouds and mist envelop the mountainside, while radiant beams of light bathe the area in dazzling hues.

The Yuan Dynasty local poet Cao Wenhui described this scene in his poem "Chicheng Sunset Glow": “The Chicheng sunset glow rises high, / Ten thousand crimson rays flood the sky. / A beauty’s silk unfolds not, so fine, / An immortal pours cinnabar from a divine vat.” Gu

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Tour Route: Mountain Gate — Sino-Japanese Friendship Forest — Purple Cloud Cave — Ji Gong West Courtyard — Ji Gong East Courtyard — Moon-Contemplation Tower — Jade Capital Cave (Chicheng Taoist Temple) — Meal-Cloud Cave — Liangfei Pagoda Intro

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Located just 2 kilometers from both the county town and Guoqing Temple, the scenic area spans 1.3 square kilometers. Chicheng Mountain, also known as Burning Mountain, is an isolated hill formed by the erosion of sedimentary rock remnants. “Unlike other peaks in hue, it dares rise a thousand zhang sheer.” Its name comes from its red-hued cliffs and layered stone formations resembling a city wall. It is the only Danxia landform landscape within Tiantai Mountain.

In ancient times, Taizhou was called the “Chicheng Commandery,” and Tiantai County was named “Chicheng,” both due to this mountain—making Chicheng Mountain an iconic peak representing both the region and the county.

Chicheng Mountain is dotted with caves, including 18 named ones. Most cave names include the characters for “cloud” (云) or “glow” (霞), such as Purple Cloud Cave, White Cloud Cave, Fragrant Cloud Cave, Sunset Glow Cave, Auspicious Glow Cave, and Meal-Cloud Cave—likely named after the “Chicheng Glow” and “Chicheng Tide.” These caves preserve significant Buddhist and Taoist relics. Legendary figures such as the Han Dynasty Daoist Ge Xuan and Mao Ying practiced alchemy here, the Jin Dynasty monk Tan You built a temple, the Tang Dynasty Tiantai Patriarch Zhanran lectured here, the Song Dynasty’s Ji Gong studied here, thus making Chicheng Mountain a sacred site for both Buddhism and Taoism.

Chicheng Mountain has been renowned across China for over a thousand years. The Western Jin poet Sun Chuo wrote in his "Ode to Traveling in Tiantai Mountain": “The Chicheng sunset glow rises to mark the peak”—a timeless line. Countless literati have visited, including Tang poets Xu Hun and Liu Yuxi, Song poets Lu You, Hong Shi, Yuan poets Yang Weizhen and Cao Wenhui, Ming explorers Xu Xiake and Wang Sirong, and Qing scholars Pan Lei and Qi Zhouhua. They left behind a wealth of poetry, lyrics, travelogues, and essays that enrich the legacy of this famous mountain. Even the south tower of the Chengshuang Studio in Beijing’s Summer Palace still displays an ancient plaque reading “Chicheng Sunset Glow,” showing how widely known the mountain once was in the capital.

Main Attractions: Mountain Gate, Sino-Japanese Friendship Forest, Sunset-Viewing Pavilion, Moon-Contemplation Tower, Purple Cloud Cave, Ji Gong Courtyard (West), Ji Gong East Courtyard, Jade Capital Cave (Chicheng Taoist Temple), Meal-Cloud Cave, Liangfei Pagoda.

[Mountain Gate]

Located north of the Guocheng Highway. Bus No. 7 has a stop here, next to which stands a large directional sign for the scenic area. Adjacent to the Chicheng Hotel, the gate features an information board and map by the roadside, giving an overview of all attractions within the site.

Upon entering the gate, visitors are greeted by an old-fashioned stone memorial archway. On the front is inscribed “Chicheng Sunset Glow,” and on the back “Hometown of Ji Gong”—highlighting the essence of the Chicheng scenic area.

[Sino-Japanese Friendship Forest]

Northwest of the Chicheng Mountain parking lot lies a low, rounded hill. At its base stands a prominent stone tablet inscribed with “Sino-Japanese Friendship Forest.”

This forest grows atop the small rounded hill, lush and green. Planted in April 1996 during commemorations of the 1400th anniversary of the death of Master Zhizhe, the trees were planted by Tiantai Buddhist monks and dignitaries from both China and Japan. Species include pines, cypresses, osmanthus, and Japanese cherry blossoms, symbolizing everlasting friendship between the two nations.

From here, walking paths split into two: one leads straight down to Purple Cloud Cave at the mountain base, the other winds uphill past Sunset-Viewing Pavilion and the Eighteen Bends to Ji Gong Courtyard midway up the slope.

[Sunset-Viewing Pavilion]

Built atop the rounded hill of the Sino-Japanese Friendship Forest, this hexagonal classical stone pavilion offers one of the best views of the “Chicheng Sunset Glow.”

The walking path passes through the pavilion, paved with flagstones, funded by donations from Filipino bell-and-drum devotees. Inscribed on the pavilion pillars: “The crimson glow shines bright, born from primal cinnabar mist; / The black-robed dance swift, perhaps born where ocean meets sky.”

[Moon-Contemplation Tower]

A delicate pavilion-like structure with upturned eaves and classic charm. The gate bears the plaque “Little Retreat for Moon Contemplation.” Inside is a small courtyard shaded by flowers and trees, backed by the mountain and facing a cliff. A horizontal plaque reads “Moon-Contemplation Tower,” and the pillars are inscribed: “Beauty and ugliness stand clear, a mirror’s dust-free face reflects all; / Mortals and immortals are near, the moon’s path open for your soul to soar.” These lines highlight two key scenic wonders: “Moon Hangs from Eaves” and “Moon Mirrored in Water.”

Ji Gong was a eminent Chan (Zen) Buddhist monk. Chan emphasizes “sudden enlightenment,” attained through meditation and sudden awakening. While studying at Meal-Cloud Cave, Ji Gong would often contemplate the moon in solitude. On one occasion, he experienced a moment of clarity, as if seeing into his own heart like a mirror, and thus attained enlightenment, leading to his decision to become a monk. It’s also a wonderful place for literati to sip wine, compose poetry, and admire the moon. Ticket Information · Opening Hours

Chicheng Mountain Ticket: 15 RMB

Combined Ticket for Guoqing & Chicheng Scenic Areas: 50 RMB/person, includes external Guoqing Temple sights, Chicheng Mountain, and Tiantai Mountain Museum trans

port

Take Bus No. 7 from West Station and get off at Chicheng Mountain Stop