Huotong Zhiti Mountain

Huotong Zhiti Mountain

Huotong Zhiti Mountain is located 50 kilometers northwest of Ningde City and is the main part of Huotong Mountain. It is a provincial-level scenic area. "Zhiti" in Sanskrit means "gathering of blessings." Zhiti Mountain has a long history. As early as the sixth year of the Tianbao era in the Tang Dynasty (747 AD), when the imperial court bestowed titles on famous mountains and great rivers across the country, Huotong Mountain was officially recognized, and since then, historical records have listed it as one of China’s Thirty-Six Famous Grotto-Heavens. The *Min Capital Records* from the Ming Dynasty noted: “In Fujian’s mountainous regions, to the west is Wuyi, and to the east is Huotong.”

Huotong Zhiti Mountain is divided into four scenic areas: Zhiti Victory Field, Yingzhou Water Play, Huotong Grotto-Heaven, and Narayana Cave. Zhiti Temple was built in the fourth year of the Kaibao era of the Song Dynasty (971 AD) and has been renovated through the dynasties. Emperors throughout various dynasties conferred names upon the temple, and five times imperial eunuchs were sent to bestow items for its restoration. Existing imperial gifts include an iron Buddha known as the “Thousand Saints’ Heavenly Crown,” a gilded bronze Buddha called the “Great Vairocana,” as well as Buddhist scriptures. On April 9, 1983, it was approved by the State Council as a nationally key Buddhist temple. Zhiti Mountain, where Zhiti Temple is located, stands over 800 meters above sea level, surrounded by 99 peaks, and features more than 700 scenic spots. It is grouped under the scenic area known as “Zhiti Victory Field.”

The Zhiti Victory Field Scenic Area is a rock, cave, and spring sightseeing zone centered around Zhiti Temple. Zhiti Temple was built in the fourth year of the Kaibao era of the Song Dynasty (971 AD) by Qian Shu, King of Wuyue. Emperors throughout the dynasties conferred the temple’s name four times and sent imperial eunuchs five times to present gifts for its restoration. Existing imperial treasures include an iron Buddha known as the “Thousand Saints’ Heavenly Crown,” a gilded bronze Buddha called the “Great Vairocana,” as well as Buddhist scriptures. Having stood for over a thousand years through prosperity and decline, the temple remains one of China’s major Zen Buddhist sites, renowned both domestically and abroad. On April 9, 1983, it was approved by the State Council as a nationally key Buddhist temple and scenic site. Zhiti Mountain, where the temple is located, is home to 99 peaks, with the highest peak, Huading Peak, rising 1,299.9 meters above sea level. The mountain boasts over 700 scenic spots, including famous ones such as the Ninety-Nine Peaks and Sixteen Rocks, Seven Caves and Four Groves, Five Major Springs, Three Wells, Four Lakes, Four Pools, Five Rocks, Four Platforms, and Nine-Dragon Pool. It is a renowned tourist destination in eastern Fujian.

Scenic Spot Location

Northwest of Ningde City, Fujian Province

Huotong Town: A town under the jurisdiction of Ningde City. In 1958, the Huotong Commune was established, and in 1984, it was upgraded to a town. Located on the northwestern edge of the city, it is 23 kilometers from the municipal government. Covering an area of 165.8 square kilometers with a population of 30,000, the Huotong River runs through the entire territory and has historically been a key transportation route for timber and bamboo from Pingnan and Zhouning counties. The town administers 23 village committees—including Huotong, Zhengcuo, Wenhu, Hutou, Shiqiao, Dashi, Fengqiao, Xiaoshi, Xingxian, Shengmen, Waibiao, Baibu, Kengtou, Shangyang, Meixi, Houyang, Taokeng, LiHoushan, Wusong, Xinan, Yiban, Pipayadong, and Dongling—and the Dongtian Neighborhood Committee. The main agricultural products are rice and tubers... More details about Huotong Town++