Snow Mountain Rock Temple

Snow Mountain Rock Temple

Snow Mountain Rock Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Snow Mountain is located in Yongchun. After its last eruption four hundred million years ago, it became an extinct volcano, standing at an elevation of 1,366 meters, making it the highest peak within Yongchun and the source of the Dongxi River in Jinjiang. The unique alpine climate of Snow Mountain results in vegetation landscapes that change dramatically over short distances—"a different sky every ten miles." The geological features of this extinct volcano have nurtured abundant tourism resources. Here you can find the most distinctive canyon landscape in southeastern Fujian—the Dongxi Grand Canyon, a summer retreat—Snow Mountain Elegant Odes, and a Zen tea and Buddhist culture journey—Snow Mountain Rock Temple.

Snow Mountain Temple was first built during the Guangqi era of the Tang Dynasty and was originally named Bilian Rock, named after a lake on the mountain peak that resembles a lotus pedestal. The renowned Northern Song Dynasty monk Guping preached Buddhism here and was posthumously honored as “Guping Patriarch.” The temple complex is the highest-altitude and most uniquely designed Buddhist temple in southern Fujian. It enjoys year-round incense offerings and attracts a continuous stream of visitors.

Standing under the blue sky atop Snow Mountain, gazing upon the boundless pastoral scenery, listening to the melodious mountain breeze, and breathing in the rich phytoncides, you can feel the tranquility and blessings conveyed through the gentle sound of the wooden fish. Here, you may also sense the transcendent state of mind expressed by Li Jiuwo in his verse, “Looking back at the three thousand realms, my heart rests idle with the white clouds,” and express your own heroic spirit with lines like, “I will ascend the loftiest peak, and all other mountains will seem small.” Returning to nature, feelings of pride and disgrace fade away, giving rise to a unique sense of serenity and connection.

(Image source: Official website of Snow Mountain Rock Temple)

Information source: Fujian Provincial Tourism Development Commission