Mount Jiuhua's Zen Retreat – LUX* Tea Flower Boutique Hotel Xilu Zhanyi

## I. Unique Features & Buddhist Ambiance * **Prime Location:** Situated within Mount Jiuhua's core scenic area (near Kecun Village), adjacent to the transportation hub (Tourist Service Center/bus transfer point), providing easy access to major temple clusters. Eliminates the hassle of frequent mountain commutes when staying downhill, saving precious pilgrimage time. * **"Luxury" in Zen:** The LUX* Tea Flower brand emphasizes quality and local cultural immersion. Xilu Zhanyi's design philosophy and environment (featuring elements like tea rooms, courtyards, vegetarian meals, or related literature) inherently embody Zen, helping guests quickly attain tranquility and set the tone for their spiritual journey. * **"Xilu Zhanyi" Poetic Essence:** The name derives from Tao Yuanming's poetry, evoking themes of reclusion and harmony with nature—perfectly aligned with Buddhism's pursuit of purity and detachment. Guests begin absorbing this mindset upon arrival. * **Utilizing Inn Resources:** * **Local Insights:** Consult the innkeeper for updates on temple openings, special Buddhist ceremonies, hidden meditation spots, or locally recommended pilgrimage routes—they often have insider knowledge. * **Moments of Stillness:** Leverage the serene environment for pre/post-pilgrimage activities like reading (bring Buddhist texts), meditation, or journaling reflections. * **Vegetarian Dining:** If offered (confirm in advance), don’t miss the vegetarian meals—a cornerstone of Buddhist cultural immersion. ## II. Core Temples & Pilgrimage Itinerary (2-3 Days Recommended) * **【Day 1】 Front Mountain Highlights: Roushen Temple & Huacheng Temple (Key Stops)** * **Morning: Arrival & Settling In** * Arrive at Mount Jiuhua Tourist Service Center to purchase entrance and shuttle tickets (mandatory). * Take the scenic shuttle to the inn’s vicinity (e.g., Kecun Station), check in at Xilu Zhanyi, and freshen up. * **Afternoon: Roushen Temple (Hall of the Sacred Relics) & Huacheng Temple** * Ride the shuttle from the inn to **Qiyuan Temple Station** (or walk/short ride depending on location). * **Qiyuan Temple (Optional):** The foremost of Mount Jiuhua’s "Four Great Forests," renowned for its grand scale and status as the mountain’s gateway temple. Incense is available here (note: temples often provide free incense; purchase externally only if needed to avoid overpricing). * **Highlight: Roushen Temple:** The most sacred site, enshrining the true body of Golden Ksitigarbha (Kim Gyo-gak). Ascend the 81 steep steps (symbolizing the master’s 99-year lifespan, with 81 as a respectful euphemism) with devotion. Absorb the solemn atmosphere and circle the pagoda for blessings. *(Photography prohibited inside.)* * **Huacheng Temple:** The mountain’s oldest founding temple, now a historical museum. Discover artifacts like the statue of Diting, Ksitigarbha’s mythical steed. * **Evening:** Return to the inn for vegetarian fare (if available) and reflect on the day’s experiences. * **【Day 2】 Tiantai Peak & Baisui Palace (Summit Views & Blessings)** * **Morning: Tiantai Peak (Must-Visit)** * Take the shuttle to **Fenghuang Pine Station (Tiantai Cableway Base)**. * **Strongly recommend the cableway:** Preserves energy for the summit hike. * After disembarking, climb a steep trail to **Tiantai Temple (Ksitigarbha Zen Forest)**. As the highest-altitude temple, its panoramic views justify the saying, "Missing Tiantai means missing Jiuhua." Pay respects at the Ancient Sutra-Reading Platform (where Golden Ksitigarbha’s footprints are said to remain) and feel atop a celestial Buddhist realm. * **Afternoon: Baisui Palace** * Ride the shuttle to **Baisui Palace Cable Car Station**. * **Board the hillside tram (mini-train)** to ascend. * **Baisui Palace:** Houses the intact body of Ming-dynasty Master Wuxia (the "Incarnate Bodhisattva"), Mount Jiuhua’s second famed flesh-body relic. The temple also features a 500-Arhat Hall and offers one of the best vantage points for the "Natural Reclining Buddha" mountain silhouette. * **Evening:** Return to the inn. If energy permits, explore Jiuhua Street’s nighttime serenity. * **【Day 3】 Back Mountain Exploration or Special Activities (Optional)** * **Option 1 (Nature Zen): Huatai Scenic Area** * Ride the shuttle to **Huatai Cableway Station**. * Take the cable car to admire granite landscapes and seasonal azalea blooms. * Stroll the skywalk, embracing nature’s grandeur and the Zen ideal that "all creation embodies Buddha." Few temples here; focus on scenery and mental repose. * **Option 2 (Cultural Immersion): Zhantanlin & Great Vow Cultural Park** * **Zhantanlin:** One of the "Four Great Forests," famed for exquisite architecture, especially the Thousand-Hand Guanyin statue in its Great Compassion Hall. * **Great Vow Cultural Park (Downhill):** Near Kecun Tourist Center, centered around a 99-meter-tall bronze Ksitigarbha statue. The park’s serene grounds and cultural exhibits make it a fitting finale. *(Note: Separate ticket required.)* * **Option 3 (Scripture Copying/Morning Chants):** * Inquire at the inn or check Jiuhua Street for **scripture-copying, morning rituals, or Zen workshops**—a profound way to deepen your experience. ## III. Buddhist Etiquette & Essentials 1. **Protocol & Taboos:** * **Attire:** Dress modestly—no shorts, short skirts, tank tops, or sandals in halls. Opt for loose, comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes. * **Conduct:** Maintain quiet reverence indoors. Circle statues/pagodas clockwise. * **Worship:** Three bows suffice. If unsure, a respectful palms-together gesture (anjali) is acceptable. * **Photography:** **Strictly forbidden** for Buddha statues (especially in Roushen Temple). * **Monks:** Address as "Shifu" or "Fashi." Seek permission before photographing. * **Offerings:** Flowers, fruit, or lamp oil are appropriate. Temples usually provide free incense; avoid external vendors. 2. **Incense & Donations:** * Sincerity matters. Three sticks of temple-provided incense are standard. * For donations (merit boxes), small bills are convenient. Amounts are discretionary. 3. **Vegetarian Cuisine:** * Many vegetarian restaurants surround Jiuhua Street. Try the inn’s offerings if available, honoring Buddhism’s non-violence principle. 4. **Preparation:** * **Fitness:** Expect extensive walking/climbing, especially at Tiantai. Wear grippy shoes and use cableways wisely. * **Mindset:** Approach with humility and openness—this is a cultural and spiritual journey, not just sightseeing. ## IV. Practical Tips * **Tickets/Transport:** Entrance and shuttle tickets (¥50, multi-day validity) are mandatory. Cableways (Tiantai/Baisui/Huatai) are highly recommended to conserve energy. * **Best Time:** Spring/autumn (Apr–May, Sep–Nov) offer ideal weather. Summer is crowded and rainy; winter has snowy charm (caution advised). Avoid major Buddhist holidays (e.g., Ksitigarbha’s birthday) and national vacations. * **Booking:** As an upscale property, LUX* Tea Flower Xilu Zhanyi requires advance reservations, especially during peak seasons. * **Packing List:** ID, cash (small bills), comfortable shoes, rain gear (unpredictable weather), sunscreen, reusable bottle (temples offer hot water), medications, power bank. * **Respect:** Honor the sacred nature of sites and practitioners’ faith, regardless of personal beliefs. **In Summary:** Staying at LUX* Tea Flower Xilu Zhanyi offers an unparalleled gateway to Mount Jiuhua’s Buddhist heritage. Capitalize on its strategic location and Zen ambiance to visit Roushen Temple, Tiantai Temple, Baisui Palace, and Huacheng Temple—experiencing the "Lotus Buddhist Kingdom’s" fusion of nature and spirituality. Observe etiquette with a reverent yet open heart, and you’ll return with profound memories and inner peace. **May your journey at Xilu Zhanyi be blessed with clarity and wisdom!**