• Understand
• Get around
• See
• Do
• Buy
• Eat
• Drink
• Get out

Mount Wutai (五台山 Wu Tai Shan) is a Sacred Buddhist mountain in Shanxi Province in China.

Scene from Wu Tai Shan

[edit] Understand

Wu Tai Shan means Five Plateau Mountain, and the highest of these stands at 3,058 meters. As one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China, it is a popular pilgrimage destination for Buddhists, who regard it as the domain of the Bodhisattva Manjusri - an emanation of wisdom. In addition, with its vast assemblage of stunning scenery, historical and cultural relics and classical architecture, Wutaishan National Park is also a popular destination for tourists with an interest in China's rural cultural heritage. The town of Taihuai is nestled in the mountains at the center of the park and offers a wide selection of accommodation options.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

• Taiyuan is the nearest airport, which operates flights to/from Guangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai.

[edit] By train

• There is no train service to the mountain, because of the rugged terrain. Major train stations in the vicinity are Taiyuan and Datong; buses and taxis run from either city.

[edit] Get around

[edit] See

• excellent examples of Tang and Song Dynasty temples.

Tayuan Temple - most prominent temple in Taiyuan

Xiantong Temple - has over 400 rooms

Cifu Temple - secluded and very spiritual

Nanshan Temple - picturesque

Shuxiang Temple - 36 meter high Buddha

• free Shanxi opera shows at Wanfo Temple during summer months. Ask around for times.

[edit] Do

• a pilgrimage to the five peaks

Wanghai Peak (Peak Overlooking the Sea) to the east

Guayue Peak (Hanging Moon Peak) to the west

Jinxiu Peak (Splendor Peak) to the south, with Nantai Temple at its summit

Yedou Peak (Peak of Flourishing Leaves) to the north

Cuiyan Peak (Peak of Green Rocks) to the middle

[edit] Buy

[edit] Eat

[edit] Drink

[edit] Sleep

[edit] budget

[edit] midrange

[edit] splurge

[edit] Get out