The most beautiful mountains in China

There are many mountains in China, and they are often associated with religious connotations. Some are even known as sacred mountains, whether for Taoism, Buddhism, or even both. The word mountain in Chinese has no plural, so it can refer to a single mountain (Taishan), a group of peaks (Huashan), or a mountain range (Jiuhuashan).

Below we present a non-exhaustive list of these mountains, focusing primarily on those designated as sacred mountains. However, there are many others that are equally important to Taoists, Buddhists, and/or Confucians.

For the sacred mountains, we took the Chinese division, then we added 3 other mountains which are not sacred, but which also have great importance in the lives of the Chinese.

The 5 Great Sacred Mountains of Taoism

Sought after for their pilgrimage or simply for hiking, the 5 sacred mountains of Taoism in China also offer numerous temples and monasteries to visit.

Taishan - Chine

Mount Tai

泰山 : Tàishān

Located in Shandong Province, near the city of Tai’an, Taishan is one of the five sacred mountains of Taoism in China. Also known as the Eastern Mountain, it rises to 1,545 meters and was one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the past. Mount Tai is associated with sunrise, renewal, and birth.

Many temples and buildings were built on the slopes of the mountain:

Dai Temple: Located at the foot of the mountain, this Taoist temple is the starting point for pilgrimages to Mount Tai. Built during the Han Dynasty, it was restored during the Tang and Song dynasties. Covering an area of 96,000 m2, it includes several buildings and pavilions such as the Bronze Pavilion, the Iron Tower, and more.
Bixia Temple: Built in honor of the goddess Bixia, the goddess of the blue dawn, also known as the “Jade Heavenly Immortal.”
Nantian Gate: Also known as Santian Gate, it is located at an altitude of 1,460 meters. It is a rectangular stone tower with an arched gateway in its center and a granary above it.
Daizong Arch: Located at the beginning of the ascent of Mount Tai, it is a stone arch supported by 4 columns which delimit 3 “gates”.

Discover our tour: Journey to the Shandong

Huashan - Chine

Mount Hua

华山 : Huàshān

Located in Shaanxi Province, nearly a two-hour drive from Xi’an, Huashan is one of the five sacred mountains of Taoism in China. Also known as the West Mountain, it is composed of several peaks, the highest of which (South Peak) reaches 2,155 meters. Mount Hua is dotted with Taoist temples, pavilions, and carved stones.

On the North Peak you can visit Zhenwu Temple, Xianyougong Temple, Yijun Pavilion, Shentu Cliff, Jiaogong Stone Chamber, Changcun Stone Chamber, Iron Cow Terrace…
On the Central Peak you can take the divine staircase, carved into the rock at a 90° angle, only for those who love thrills…!
On the East Peak, at its summit, you will find a platform that will allow you to witness a magnificent sunrise.
The West Peak is only of interest because of the resemblance of its summit to lotus petals.
On the South Peak you can visit the Divine Gate and the Golden Temple.

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Mount Song

嵩山 : Sōngshān

Located in Henan Province, north of Dengfeng City, Songshan is one of the five sacred mountains of Taoism in China. Also known as the Central Mountain, it rises to 1,512 meters and is composed of three peaks. Mount Song symbolizes the earth, and you can visit many temples and monasteries in the surrounding area:

The Shaolin Monastery, founded in the 5th century, is primarily known for its practice and teaching of kung fu, which attracts enthusiasts from all over the world. It is undoubtedly one of the most famous Buddhist monasteries…
Zhongyue Temple, formerly known as Taishi Temple, was built during the Qin Dynasty and rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty. Covering over 100,000 square meters and comprising nearly 400 buildings, Zhongyue Temple is one of the oldest and best-preserved temples in the area.

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South Mount Heng

衡山 : Héngshān

Located in Hunan Province, south of Changsha City, Hengshan is one of the five sacred mountains of Taoism in China. Also known as the South Mountain, it is composed of 72 peaks spanning 15 km, with the highest peak reaching 1,300 meters. Some temples and/or monasteries to visit in the surrounding area:

The Great Temple of Nanyue Damio, a Taoist temple dedicated to Laozi, dates back to the 6th century. It was enlarged several times and rebuilt during the Qin Dynasty. It is the largest group of ancient buildings in Hunan.
Zhusheng Temple, built during the Tang Dynasty, was originally known as Mituo Temple. Expanded and burned down several times over the centuries, it was rebuilt and reopened in 1979. Today, it is one of the most important Buddhist temples.
Zhurong Gong Temple, which is a small stone temple.

North Mount Heng

恒山 : Héngshān

Located in Shanxi Province, southeast of Datong City, North Hengshan is one of the five sacred mountains of Taoism in China. Also known as North Mountain, it rises to 2,016 meters. North Hengshan is the least developed of the five sacred mountains in China, with fewer pilgrimages and therefore less religious significance. Its main attraction lies in its hiking, but you can still visit a few temples:

The Hanging Temple of Xuankong, arguably one of the most famous temples in the region. Built at the foot of the mountain, clinging to a cliff for over 1,500 years, the site is breathtaking…and also has the distinction of blending three religions: Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
The North Peak Sanctuary, built during the Han Dynasty, was destroyed and rebuilt many times.

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The 4 sacred mountains of Buddhism

Just as visited as the great sacred mountains of Taoism, the sacred mountains of Buddhism will delight you with their temples and monasteries.

Mount Wutai

五台山 : Wǔtáishān

Located in Shanxi Province, a 3-hour drive south of North Heng Mountain, Wutaishan is one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China. Wutaishan, known as the most prestigious and ancient Buddhist mountain, is composed of five plateaus that offer the opportunity to admire the natural beauty of this mountain, which also includes 48 temples and monasteries.

The 5 plateaus:

The eastern plateau, known as Wanghai Peak, which comes from the main temple of the same name located at its summit.
The western plateau, known as Guayue Peak. Its main temple is the Falei Temple.
The North Plateau, known as Yedou Peak, rises to 3,058 meters. From this plateau, you can enjoy an excellent view of North Heng Mountain, a sacred mountain of Taoism in China.
The southern plateau, known as Jingxiu Peak. Its main temple is Puji Temple.
The Central Plateau is the one with the most temples, spread along a pilgrimage route.

Some temples:

Pusading Temple, built during the Northern Wei Dynasty, is one of the largest temples on Mount Wutai. Originally, it housed Tibetan Yellow Hat monks. During the Qing Dynasty, it was recognized as an imperial family temple, and many emperors visited the site.
Tayuan Temple, built during the Ming Dynasty, was renovated in 1952 and has been a Buddhist temple of national importance since 1983. Tayuan Temple is home to the 57-meter-high Daciyanshou Pagoda. This white pagoda, or stupa, is one of the symbols of Mount Wutai.
Xiantong Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in China and one of the most visited on Mount Wutai. It covers an area of 80,000 m2 and contains 400 rooms/buildings, the most famous of which is the Bronze Pavilion, which houses 10,000 bronze figurines.
The Qixian Temple, built during the Qing Dynasty, houses a cave dedicated to Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion.
Bishan Temple, built in the Northern Wei Dynasty as Beishan Temple, was renamed over the dynasties and also became a Buddhist temple of national importance in 1983.

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Mount Emei

峨眉山 : Éméishān

Located in Sichuan Province, west of Leshan City, Emeishan is one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China. Rising to over 3,000 meters, it is one of the highest tourist attractions and also one of the greenest. Mount Emei was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996 and offers several sites and temples to visit:

Baoguo Temple, located at the foot of Mount Emei, is the largest temple on the mountain. Built during the Ming Dynasty and then on its current site during the Qing Dynasty, it covers an area of 40,000 m2 with a succession of several courtyards, as well as large halls where it is possible to admire numerous statues.
The Golden Summit, located at 3,077 meters, offers an incredible view on a clear day, especially during sunrise. You can also admire a magnificent 48-meter-high golden Buddhist statue. Note that for the more adventurous, the summit is accessible on foot…!
Wannian Temple is one of the eight main temples on Mount Emei and is located at an altitude of 1,020 meters. It was built during the Jin Dynasty but demolished and rebuilt during the Tang Dynasty. It is known for its statue of Samantabhadra Buddha, which is over 1,000 years old, stands nearly 8 meters tall and weighs over 60 tons.
Qingyin Pavilion was built during the Tang Dynasty in the middle of a stream on a rocky outcrop. The pavilion is surrounded by forest and offers a quiet and peaceful place to rest during your hike.
Xixiang Chi Temple, located at an altitude of 2,070 meters, was founded during the Qing Dynasty. Its name, which translates as “elephant viewing pool,” comes from the legend that Samantabhadra bathed his elephant in the pond near the temple.

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Mount Jiuhua

九华山 : Jiǔhuàshān

Located in Anhui Province, northwest of Mount Huang, Jiuhuashan is one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China. Mount Jiuhua is composed of 99 peaks covering an area of 100 square kilometers and encompassing 18 scenic spots. Its pleasant climate makes it a popular destination during the summer.

Several sites and temples to visit:

The Palace of Longevity, built at an altitude of 871 meters, resembles a castle but was listed among the four Buddhist temples of Mount Jiuhua. Its name comes from the longevity of a monk who is said to have lived for 126 years (99 years according to sources) where the current temple stands. It seems that the temple was built around the body of this monk, one might think of it as a burial and tribute.
Not far from the Palace of Longevity is a hall containing 500 large Arhat statues.
The Hall of Incarnation, built almost 1,300 years ago, is the burial place of an incarnation of Kshitigarbha Bodhisattva, Jin Qiaojue. Constructed from stone pillars, red walls, and white marble, the hall houses approximately 100 statues of Kshitigarbha Bodhisattva.
Huacheng Temple, first built during the Jin Dynasty and rebuilt during the Tang Dynasty when the incarnation of Kshitigarbha Bodhisattva, Jin Qiaojue, came to live in Jiuhuashan, houses a Great Buddha Hall, an ancient bronze bell, and cultural relics.
Zhiyuan Temple, built during the Ming Dynasty, is composed of about ten buildings: Maitreya Palace, Great Buddha Hall… The Great Buddha Hall houses 12-meter-high Buddha statues and several statues of Arhats.
Tiantai Peak, rising to a height of 1,306 meters, offers magnificent views of the surrounding area. You can also visit the Tiantai Temple built at the peak’s summit.

Mount Putuo

普陀山 : Pǔtuóshān

Located in Zhejiang Province, east of Ningbo on Putuo Island in the Zhoushan Archipelago, Putuoshan is one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China. At its peak, Putuoshan was home to numerous temples, monasteries, and over 4,000 monks. It is dedicated to the worship of Guanyin (Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara), who is said to have resided there.

Some sites and temples to visit:

Huiji Temple, built during the Ming Dynasty, was restored in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Before its partial destruction by the Red Guards, it was one of the largest temples on the mountain.
Puji Temple, built during the Song Dynasty, is the largest temple on the mountain and is dedicated to Guanyin. It comprises over 600 buildings, including Yuantong Hall, where a 9-meter-high statue of Guanyin and 32 other statues depicting Guanyin in various forms can be seen.
Fayu Temple, built during the Ming Dynasty, was destroyed and renovated over the years before being renovated and expanded again during the Qing Dynasty. It is the second largest temple on the mountain and is also dedicated to Guanyin, with a Guanyin Hall where you can admire a bluestone wall engraved with several dragons.
The Guanlin Statue, 33 meters high.

The 4 sacred mountains of Taoism

Mount Wudang

武当山 : Wǔdāngshān

Located in Hubei Province, southeast of Shiyan City, Wudangshan is one of the four sacred Taoist mountains in China. In addition to boasting a complex of buildings listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wudangshan is said to be the birthplace of Chinese martial arts, the Wudang style. The mountain is composed of 72 peaks, 11 caves, about 20 streams, a pond, and more.

Places to visit:

The Golden Palace, built during the Ming Dynasty atop Wudanshan’s highest peak, Tianzhu Peak, at 1,612 meters. You can choose to climb on foot or take a cable car to reach the palace, which features three gilded bronze buildings.
The Nanyan Palace, built during the Yuan Dynasty and renovated during the Ming Dynasty, is composed of approximately 150 buildings including lodgings for Taoist monks, temples, pavilions, etc.
The Zixiao Palace, built during the Ming Dynasty and originally comprising more than 800 buildings (palaces, pavilions, gates, etc.), is the most beautiful and best-preserved complex on Mount Wudang; it covers an area of over 6,800 m2.
The Yuzhen Palace, built during the Ming Dynasty, is the largest of the Taoist temples in Wudangshan. In 2011, work was carried out to restore and raise the palace by 15 meters to prevent it from being submerged by a planned reservoir in the surrounding area.
Xuanyue Gate, built in 1552, stands 12 meters high on four stone pillars. The gate, formed by three open bays, is seen by Taoists as the passage between the ordinary world and the celestial world.
The Yuxu Palace, built during the Ming Dynasty, was originally the largest group of buildings constructed on Wudangshan. It included more than 2,000 halls and temples, the vast majority of which were damaged, particularly during the Qing Dynasty, leaving only four remaining today.

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Mont Longhu - Chine

Mount Longhu

龙虎山 : Lónghǔshān

Located in Jiangxi Province, southeast of Poyang Lake, Longhushan is one of the four sacred Taoist mountains in China. Known as the cradle of Taoism in China, Mount Longhu is considered a holy land that hosts various pilgrimages each year. Mount Longhu is composed of a conglomerate of red sand, giving it a magnificent color. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, it offers various natural, cultural, and religious sites to visit:

Hanging Coffins: This is a burial site for the Guyue people who place hanging coffins on the cliffs of Mount Longhu, mostly along the Luxi River. The coffins are suspended between 50 and 300 meters high.
Xianyan Temple and Zhenyi Temple, both built during the Han Dynasty.
Shangqing Palace, built during the Eastern Han Dynasty.

Mount Qiyun

齐云山 : Qíyúnshān

Located in Anhui Province, south of Mount Huang (Yellow Mountains), Qiyunshan is one of the four sacred Taoist mountains of China. Mount Qiyun is also a national park, reaching an altitude of 585 meters. It offers numerous relics (inscriptions and tablets) to discover, as well as several temples and monasteries to visit.

Mount Qingcheng

青城山 : Qīngchéngshān

Located in Sichuan Province, northwest of Chengdu, Qingchengshan is one of the four sacred Taoist mountains in China. Comprising 36 peaks, the highest of which reaches 1,260 meters, Mount Qingcheng is considered one of the cradles of Taoism in China. It offers a magnificent natural environment open to hikers, and also some sites to visit:

Jianfu Palace, built during the Tang Dynasty on Zhangren Peak, was subsequently restored several times. Today, it consists of only two temples and three courtyards.
Tianshi Cave
Shangqing Palace, built near the summit during the Jin Dynasty, is one of the most famous Taoist temples. The main temple houses an image of Taishan Laojun as well as precious wooden boards engraved with Taoist text. At the rear of the temple are stairs leading to the summit 100 meters higher.

Some other mountains with religious connotations

Mont Sanqing - Chine

Mount Sanqing

三清山 : Sānqīngshān

Located in Jiangxi Province, northeast of Shangrao, Sanqingshan is a Taoist mountain in China. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, Mount Sanqing is composed of three peaks, the highest of which reaches 1,817 meters. Sanqingshan is also a national park with very dense and diverse vegetation. It was an important spiritual site for Taoism, and there are still some relics and temples to visit: the Sanqing Temple, the Dragon and Tiger Palace, the Wind and Storm Pagoda, etc.

Mount Mian

绵山 : Miánshān

Located in Shanxi Province, southwest of Pingyao, Mianshan is a Taoist and Buddhist mountain in China. Covering an area of 75 km2, Mount Mian has been a Taoist mountain since the 5th century BC, and the first Buddhist temples appeared there during the Three Kingdoms period. Most of the temples were damaged during World War II and then restored in the 1990s.

Yunfeng Temple, built during the Three Kingdoms period, is also known as Baotu Temple after the natural cave in which it is located.
Qixian Canyon is a secluded, winding natural gorge. Wooden planks are driven into the cliffs on either side of the canyon to serve as “roads,” there are suspension bridges, old-style ladders for climbing, and streams flow along the bottom of the canyon… If you like being scared, you’ll love Qixian…
Daluo Temple is a Taoist temple suspended more than 100 meters above the ground and covering an area of 30,000 m2 spread over 13 floors. It is the largest temple on the mountain.

Mount Lao

崂山 : Láoshān

Located in Shandong Province, just outside the city of Qingdao, Laoshan is a Taoist mountain in China. Mount Lao, located on the shores of the Yellow Sea, is considered one of the cradles of Taoism. It has been extensively developed to promote tourism, and several temples can be visited there:

Taiqing Temple/Palace, built during the Northern Song Dynasty, is a Taoist temple also known as the Lower Temple because it is located under a peak near the coast. It consists of the Hall of Three Pure Ones, the Hall of Three Emperors, the Hall of Three Officials, and more. In these different rooms, you can see various statues of gods.
The Shangqing Temple/Palace, built in the Song Dynasty and rebuilt in the Yuan Dynasty, is one of the oldest structures on the mountain. It is also known as the Upper Temple.
The Hualou Temple/Palace, built on Hualou Peak at a height of 350 meters.
Taiping Temple/Palace, Huayan Temple/Palace…