Mount Wutai

Author: Editorial Board of "China Travel Guide"
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-01-01
Features: Although it was known that Mount Wutai was a renowned summer resort, the scorching heat of the dog days in the lunar sixth and seventh months made it unbearably dry. Yet Mount Wutai remained cool and refreshing. Lush peaks, dense trees, vibrant wildflowers, and clear springs dotted the landscape, with Buddhist temples scattered among them. Gentle breezesed the face, and white clouds drifted across the blue sky, occasionally sprinkling a light rain before the sun shone brightly again, filling the scene with freshness. During midsummer days, the temperature was moderate, with a slight coolness in the mornings and evenings. It is said, "A mountain is not high if it is not home to immortals." And Mount Wutai was indeed a gathering place for all immortals.
Take a look at its terrain—it is both majestic and gently rolling, unlike purely rugged mountains. Thus, the spiritual temples and exceptional mountain scenery linger in the heart for a long time...
Mount Wutai is connected to the Taihang Mountains. The Taihang Mountains, like a thousand-li-long dragon, soar in the eastern part of Shanxi Province, with its head standing tall in northern Shanxi—Mount Wutai. The central area of Mount Wutai, Taihuai Town, is a picturesque mountain town surrounded by water and mountains. Taihuai Town is nestled within the embrace of the five main peaks of Mount Wutai—Dongtai (East Peak), Xitai (West Peak), Nantai (South Peak), Beitai (North Peak), and Zhongtai (Central Peak), hence its name "Taihuai." The five main peaks of Mount Wutai are named after the five directions. They are called Dongtai, Beitai, Xitai, Nantai, and Zhongtai. The term "Five Peaks" () refers to Dongtai (Wanghai Peak) and Xitai (Guanyue Peak) as they have always been. The other three peaks have changed names throughout history. Originally, Beitai was called Huangjiaojian Mountain, later renamed Yedou Peak; Zhongtai was first named Yedou Peak, then Cuiyan Peak; and Nantai was initially called Cuiyan Peak, then Gunaishan, and later Jinxiu Peak. The changes in the "Five Peaks" likely reflect the historical development of religious activities, which moved from north to south. Today, the five main peaks of Mount Wutai—Dongtai, Beitai, Xitai, and Zhongtai—form a mountain range, while Nantai stands alone as a peak. The rocks are mostly composed of gneiss, marble, and quartzite, which are strong and resistant to erosion, forming flats suitable for landing planes and deep U-shaped valleys. Each of the five peaks has its own unique scenery: Dongtai has Liyuehuozhu (Fire Pearl of the Eastern Peak), Beitai has Yujianqiangzhi (Jade Spring and Snow Cream of the Northern Peak), Xitai has Liniangyaoshi (Beautiful Farmer's Jade Room of the Western Peak), Nantai has Dongguangzhushu (Pearl Tree of the Southern Peak), and Zhongtai has Zimingjin (Self-Illuminating Gold) and Huanguangzhi (Ring-Shining Wall).
Mount Wutai is a world-famous Buddhist sacred site, known as one of China's "Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism," alongside Mount Emei in Sichuan, Mount Jiuhua in Anhui, and Mount Putuo in Zhejiang. Among these, Mount Wutai holds the highest position due to its long history of temple construction and grand scale. Throughout history, emperors have built temples, and eminent monks have performed virtuous deeds innumerable times. Buddhist followers and tourists from around the world have flocked to Mount Wutai to worship and visit.