Discover the Serenity of Sichuan Tiantai Mountain
Tiantai Mountain Overview⛰️
Tiantai Mountain, part of the Qionglai Mountain range, is located in Qionglai City, known as the “Hometown of Wenjun” and one of the four ancient cities of Bashu. It lies 110 kilometers from Chengdu. Covering an area of 106 square kilometers, the mountain’s highest peak, Yuxiao Peak, rises to 1,812 meters. The climate is mild and humid, with an average annual temperature of 16°C and a forest coverage of 94.4%.
The mountain hosts a rich variety of flora and fauna, including over 20 rare plants protected by the state, such as the Davidia involucrata and the Chinese yew, as well as seven rare animals, including the giant panda and the red-bellied pheasant. Tiantai Mountain is recognized as a World Natural Heritage site, a national scenic area, a 4A-level tourist attraction, and a national forest park.
*Tian Tai Mountain.
Geographic Location⛅
Tiantai Mountain is situated in Tiantai Township within Qionglai City, approximately 110 kilometers from Chengdu. The mountain offers a unique view overlooking the Chengdu Plain to the front and the Yuxi River Valley behind, bordered by Mengding Mountain on the right and Yulin on the left, creating a vast expanse of natural and artificial landscapes.
The main peak, Yuxiao Peak, towers at 1,812 meters, resembling a platform that reaches for the heavens, hence the name “Tiantai Mountain.” From different angles, the mountain presents a stunning array of cliffs and verdant waves that seem to stretch endlessly into the sky.
*Tiantai Mountain Wooden Gate.
*Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries.
The valley, surrounded by mountains, sits at an elevation of over 1,400 meters and spans approximately 30 square kilometers, sloping slightly from the southwest to the northwest. With a temperate climate year-round, this region is a natural paradise.
The Funiu Mountain, which descends from over 1,700 meters, runs through Tiantai Mountain for over 13,000 meters, featuring waterfalls that cascade down, hidden caves, and meandering streams. The eastern riverbanks are lined with purple rocks, while the river itself varies in width and depth, allowing for both crossing and boating.
Historical Background🎡
During the early days of the Bashu region, the ancient Shu king Bie Ling would ascend the mountain to offer sacrifices to the heavens. In the late Han Dynasty, Taoist practitioners excavated caves and built altars here, officially renaming it “Tiantai Mountain” and adding layers of religious significance.
In the early Shu Han period of the Three Kingdoms, Zhuge Liang visited Qionglai to inspect agricultural conditions, leaving behind names like “Tianche Slope” and “Wangjun Peak.” During the Southern and Northern Dynasties, the monk Puda Xie traveled here and established Tiantai Temple, further embedding religious practices in the area.
In the Five Dynasties period, a grand City God Temple was constructed, and during the Song Dynasty, Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism coexisted, each vying for control over the mountain. Prominent figures like Wen Tong (a Northern Song painter) and Lu You (a patriotic poet of the Southern Song) were involved in managing religious affairs at Tiantai Mountain.
However, by the late Song and Yuan Dynasties, the area began to decline. During the Ming Dynasty’s Hongwu period, the mountain was reestablished. In the late Ming, Zhang Xianzhong’s forces were halted by 3,000 monks while passing through Qionglai, leading to the destruction of many temples and monasteries.
In the Qing Dynasty, both Taoism and Buddhism attempted to revive the mountain’s religious significance, though their efforts were far less impactful than before. During the Republican era, local banditry disrupted the region, and pilgrimages nearly ceased.
Tiantai Mountain is also noted for being the only location where the Red Army engaged in combat and work during the Long March, making it a unique red tourism site with the Qionglai Memorial Hall recognized as a patriotic education base. The Cultural Revolution caused significant damage to the religious culture of Tiantai Mountain.
*TianTai Mountain Stone Staircase.
*TianTai Mountain Gazebo.
Natural Resources 🔥
Tiantai Mountain is renowned for its natural beauty and rich cultural history, characterized by “strange mountains, unique stones, beautiful waters, and serene forests.” The area enjoys a mild climate, with ample rainfall and an average temperature of 16°C, and boasts a forest coverage of 94.4%. The mountain is home to 83 plant families and over 350 species, including more than 20 precious tree varieties.
Rare animals such as the sika deer, forest musk deer, and various protected bird species thrive in this rich ecosystem, which is often referred to as a “green pearl” of significant scientific value. Additionally, the area is home to over 270 species of butterflies and 17 species of fireflies, making butterfly and firefly viewing popular ecological tourism activities.
Unique Features🦋
Tiantai Mountain’s charm lies in its “strange mountains, unique stones, beautiful waters, and serene forests.” The landscape is defined by the winding Jinlong River, which cascades down from the mountain’s summit, creating scenic spots like Longtan, Diexi, waterfalls, and lakes. Visitors are treated to a breathtaking “Chinese landscape painting” of mountains and rivers.
The theme of “high mountains and flowing waters” captures the essence of Tiantai Mountain’s romantic allure. Attractions such as the 18-li Xiangcao Valley, Little Jiuzhai, and Huashi Sea offer numerous water activities that provide a refreshing escape during the summer. The dense, pristine forests invite visitors to retreat from the chaos of everyday life and embrace the tranquility of nature. The rolling hills and unique rock formations showcase the beauty and wonder of Tiantai Mountain, while the remnants of over 108 temples and legends surrounding the monk’s quarters reflect the mountain’s illustrious history.
*mist-shrouded Place
*TianTai Mountain rope bridge