Tiantai Mountain Scenic Area

Tiantai Mountain is a famous national scenic area situated in Tiantai County, Taizhou City, in eastern Zhejiang Province. It is known for its beautiful scenery and for being the cradle of the Tiantai Sect of Chinese Buddhism including the Japanese and Korean Tiantai Buddhist Sects and also for being the home of the South Sect of Taoism.

Tiantai Mountain has many individual attractions including its historical sites and its tranquil flora comprised of evergreen plants and a unique geography. Covering an area of about 187 square kilometers (72 square miles), the scenic area is divided into 13 parts including Guoqing Temple, Shiliang Waterfall, Longchuan Gorge, Chicheng Mountain, Qiongtai Valley, Huading Peak, Former residence of Ji Gong, Tianhu Scenic Area, etc. Each area has its own unique attractions. Guoqing Temple, Shiliang Waterfall, Huading Peak are among the most beautiful natural sights.

 

At the foot of Tiantai Mountain, Guoqing Temple was built in 598 in the Sui Dynasty (581-618) according to the last wish of 'Wisdom', an eminent monk. It is said that he founded the Chinese Tiantai Sect of Buddhism. Later its doctrines were spread abroad, mainly to Korea and Japan. These external cultures significantly influenced the development of Korean and Japanese Buddhist Sects. Guoqing Temple has been restored many times in later dynasties. The most recent general renovation was during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Guoqing Temple now is a grand and unique architectural complex consisting of more than 600 rooms and 14 halls. It is one of the best preserved large temples in China.

 

The Shiliang Waterfall in Tiantai Mountain Scenic Area is a masterpiece of nature. A stone beam spans two steep cliffs, known as Shiliang, meaning a Stone Bridge. It ranges from about 9 centimeters (7 inches) wide at the narrowest to about 48 centimeters (19 inches) at the widest point. The waterfall plummets about 30 meters (98 feet) into a deep pool with a thundering roar. The sight is magnificent. Considerable composure and surefootedness are required to walk across the beam.

 

In stark contrast to the Shiliang Waterfall, Huading Peak is the highest peak of Tiantai Mountain with the height of about 1,138 meters (3,733 feet). Because it is always nestled in clouds, it is famous for the view with clouds gathering. The top is the best place to view sunrise. From the top looking down, Huading and surrounding peaks look like a lotus bud with Huading Peak at the center. Only more than 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) high, Tiantai Mountain basks in a comfortable climate among graceful surroundings that is a pleasant respite from city life.

Note: Tiantai Mountain is famous as a summer resort in Zhejiang Province. The best time to visit is from April to October, so one can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Tiantai Mountain, yet still avoid summer heat. Moreover, it is convenient since it is only two hours by bus from Hangzhou.
 

 Get to Tiantai County:
From Shanghai:
Take long distance buses from Shanghai South Long Distance Bus Station or Hutai Road Long Distance Bus Station to Tiantai Passenger Transport Central Station. Bus fare is around CNY 140. It takes around 3 hours. 

From Hangzhou:
Take long-distance buses from Hangzhou Passenger Transport Central Station to Tiantai Passenger Transport Central Station. Bus fare is around CNY 85. It takes around 2 hours.

 Get to Scenic Areas of Tiantai Mountain:
How to get to Guoqing Temple:
Take bus No. 5 from Tiantai Passenger Transport Central Station and get off at Guoqing Jingqu (Guoqing Temple).

How to get to Shiliang Waterfall and Huading Peak:
Take bus No. 1, 5, 3a or 3b from Tiantai Passenger Transport Central Station to Tiantai North Bus Station and then take local buses.

How to get to Longchuan Gorge:
Take long-distance buses from Passenger Transport Central Station to Baihe Town and then charter a taxi or motorcycle.

How to get to Chicheng Mountain:
Take bus No. 5 and get off at Chicheng Hotel Station and then walk for 1.4 km (0.9 mi).

How to get to Qiongtai Valley:
Take a taxi or motorcycle to the valley.

Note: Short-distance buses are available from Tiantai North Bus Station to Guoqing Temple, Huading Peak and so on.
Hangzhou Bus / Metro Search