Mount Yunju

Mount Yunju

Originally named "Ou Mountain," Mount Yunju was renamed during the Li and Tang dynasties due to its year-round misty and cloud-covered vistas. Towering majestically on the western shore of Poyang Lake (Yongxiu County, Jiangxi Province), the mountain rises abruptly from the ground. Its main peak stands at an elevation of 969.4 meters, and the scenic area spans 216.5 square kilometers. It comprises six major scenic zones and 146 scenic spots. National Highways 105 and 316 run along the mountainside, and a fifteen-kilometer cement-paved road leads all the way to the summit. Throughout history, Mount Yunju has been celebrated for its naturally beautiful landscapes and as a renowned site of Chan Buddhism. Ancient scholars praised it as “the most splendid peak in Jiangyou, famed across four hundred provinces” and “a peerless paradise in the heavens — Yunju above the clouds.” It is now a key provincial scenic spot in Jiangxi Province.

The Chunru Zen Temple is located within the “Lotus City” at the mountaintop. First built in the third year of the Yuanhe era (808 AD) during the reign of Emperor Xianzong of the Tang Dynasty, it has produced eminent monks throughout the centuries. It is now a nationally key open temple and one of the three major model monasteries of Han Buddhism in China. The temple was revived in modern times by the venerable Master Xuyun, whose disciples are spread across the world. Every year, numerous pilgrims and visitors come here to pay homage. The temple is currently under the leadership of Master Yicheng, President of the Buddhist Association of China.

There are numerous historical sites and scenic spots that complement the ancient Chunru Temple. Temples such as Yuantong, Yaotian, Yunmen, Shangfang, and Zhishu are situated around the mountain. The “Thousand Monks’ Pot” testifies to its past prosperity, while hundreds of stupas reflect its history spanning the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Over 200 poems mark the footprints of literati and poets throughout history. These famous temples and scenic attractions have become prime destinations for sightseeing and religious tourism. The eastern side of the mountain features uniquely shaped rocks and hidden hermit dwellings, while the northern side boasts steep peaks overlooking Zhelin Lake. The Hundred Flowers Valley is hailed as a fairyland, with spectacular waterfalls, crystal-clear pools, and seasonal blooms of cherry blossoms, azaleas, osmanthus, and red plum blossoms. Thanks to its rich vegetation, summer temperatures here rarely exceed 22°C, making it a serene haven ideal for summer retreats, recuperation, and hosting summer conferences.