Jinding Mountain

Jinding Mountain

Jinding Mountain, a renowned Buddhist mountain in northern Guizhou, is located 2 kilometers from Niutichang, the seat of the People's Government of Jinding Town. The mountain has nine spurs, resembling nine dragons encircling it, hence it was historically known as "Jiulong Mountain," and stands at an elevation of 1,608 meters. According to *The Annals of Zunyi Prefecture · Mountains and Rivers*, Jiulong Mountain, commonly called Jinding Mountain, lies forty li north of the prefectural city. As early as the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty (around 630 AD), monks were already preaching Buddhism here... Since then, the site flourished. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Buddhist activities thrived, and Emperor Daoguang of the Qing Dynasty bestowed upon Jinding Mountain the title "Little Mount Emei."

Towering over the peaks of the Dalou Mountain Range, Jinding Mountain features a majestic landscape with towering, rugged summits that stand uniquely against the sky, shrouded in clouds and exuding grandeur. The surrounding hills converge like ocean waves, while streams and rivers crisscross the area, converging into clear waters. The summit of Jinding is roughly circular, often enveloped in billowing clouds and mist. Three of its sides feature sheer cliffs thousands of feet high, while one side is accessible via a winding stone staircase built along the mountain slope—extremely steep and dramatic. From the peak, you can appreciate the feeling of “reaching the summit and overlooking all the other mountains,” and sense the magnificent presence described as “three thousand devotees worshiping the Buddha, five hundred asuras standing in formation.” From the foot of Jinding Mountain to its summit, across twenty-four peaks, there are nine temples built in sequence: Jade Buddha Temple, Stepping Temple, Three Sovereigns Temple, Gratitude Temple, Mind-Enlightening Temple, God of Wealth Temple, Universal Blessing Temple, Mount Putuo Temple, and Jade Emperor Hall. Each temple enshrines different deities, and aside from Buddhist temples, there are also shrines and altars dedicated to Taoist, Confucian, and shamanistic gods. The temple complex is distinctive for its grand scale, diverse styles, coexistence of multiple religions, and reverence for many deities. Along the ten-li climb, the path winds up and down, with each temple enveloped in incense smoke and resonant bells and chimes, creating a deeply solemn and reverent monastic atmosphere. The statues of Buddhas and deities are carved with solemn dignity and majestic presence, inspiring awe and reverence among worshippers.

East of Wanfu Temple on Jinding Mountain lies the ruins of an ancient fortress, a fortress built in the 6th year of the Xianfeng era of the Qing Dynasty (1856 AD). Hidden among trees and grass, the ancient fortress walls and scattered remnants within the fortress remain. The arched stone gateway, the “Jin’ou Gate,” is still well preserved, evoking a sense of the world’s impermanence and stirring nostalgic reflection.

The sunrise at Jinding Mountain is majestic and spectacular. Watching the sunrise from the summit of Jinding is a breathtaking sight well worth waking up early for.

“In the quiet of the mountain, the spirit is calmed; at the height of the spring, the source of the Dao is revealed.” Though Jinding Mountain soars into the clouds, a clear spring gushes from its slopes—crystal clear and sweet-tasting, known as the “Golden Sacred Spring.”

Every year on the 19th day of the sixth lunar month is the “Golden Summit Temple Fair.” The bells and drums of the temples ring out, incense smoke fills the air, and the place is bustling with noise and excitement, teeming with people—an exceptionally lively event and the most vibrant day at Jinding Mountain. Due to the widespread and enduring devotion of pilgrims from all directions, the number of Buddhist visitors reaches over 100,000 annually. It is a sacred and renowned mountain retreat celebrated throughout the region.

Address: 2 kilometers from Niutichang, the seat of the People's Government of Jinding Town, Zunyi City

Opening Hours:

7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Transportation

Take a bus from Zunyi to Gaoqiao, where you can transfer to a minibus to the base of the mountain.

Ticket Price

10 RMB

Jinding Town: Located in the central-eastern section of the eastern Dalou Mountain Range, the People's Government of Jinding Town is situated 13 kilometers west of Zunyi City. It borders Hailong Town and Xiangkou Town to the east, Mao Shi Town of Zunyi County and Gaoping Town of Huichuan District to the north, Songlin Town of Zunyi County to the west, and Leshan Town of Zunyi County to the south. The town governs 8 villages, 1 residential community, 114 villager groups, and 7,812 farming households, with a total population of over 35,000, including 34,498 agricultural residents. In 2007, the per capita net income of farmers was 3,105 RMB. The town covers a total area of 146.5 square kilometers, with arable land spanning 26,119.69 mu... More detailed information about Jinding Town++