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Mount Emei — Holy Buddhism Mountains with Golden Summit

Mount Emei, also known as Emeishan or Emei Mountain, is one of the holiest Buddhist places in China and serves as the dojo of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva (Puxian Pusa).

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Today, the Mount Emei Scenic Area, including the Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area, is recognized as a UNESCO Mixed Cultural and Natural Heritage site for its stunningly beautiful natural views and its ancient, rich Buddhist culture.

Golden Samantabhadra Bodhisattva Statue on Summit of Mount Emei.

Golden Samantabhadra Bodhisattva Statue on Summit of Mount Emei. 

Mount Emei Facts and Important Data

 

  • Mount Emei is in the Emeishan City of Sichuan Province, southwest of China.

 

  • It is around 154 square kilometers large.

 

  • It consists of 4 grand peaks.

 

  • The highest peak of Emei Mountain is 3099 meters above sea level.

 

  • It has rich biological resources, with over 3200 vegetation and 2300 types of animals.

Vegetations of Mount Emei

Vegetations of Mount Emei, Photo from Official Site of Emei.

Legend of Mount Emei or Emei Mountain

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A long time ago, while the deityNv Wa was using large numbers of five-color stones to mend the broken sky, one piece accidentally fell onto the earth and transformed into a mountain.

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Soon, more plants and flowers blossomed there, transforming this mountain into a fantastic grand garden.

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Hence, it was named Emei, signifying the beauty of a girl's eyebrows.

Beautiful Flowers on Leidongping of Mount Emei.

Beautiful Flowers on Leidongping. 

Deity of Mount Emei

 

Mount Emei has been the dojo of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva for centuries. 

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Samantabhadra (Puxian) is one of the Four Sacred Bodhisattvas in Chinese Buddhism, representing kind deed and virtue, whose mount is a white elephant with six teeth. 

Statue of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva and His White Elephants on Summit of Mount Emei

Statue of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva and His White Elephants on Summit, Photo by Tian Jieyan. 

Impressive Natural Scenic Views of Mount Emei

Sea Clouds on Summit of Mount Emei.

Sea Clouds on Summit. 

Colorful Autumn Scenery of Mount Emei.

Colorful Autumn Scenery. 

Sunrise View on Summit of Mount Emei.

Sunrise View on Summit. 

Golden Summit of Mount Emei Covered by Snow.

Golden Summit Covered by Snow. 

Colorful Shine on Mount Emei from Time to Time.

Colorful Shine on Emei Mountain from Time to Time. 

Important Cultural Sites of Mount Emei

 

As one of the most sacred Buddhist mountains, Emei is famous for its ancient Buddhism buildings. 

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Baoguo Temple

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Firstly built during the Wanli Emperor's reign (1572 — 1620), it expanded and renovated several times and is now one of the most well-preserved ancient Buddhist temples.

Baoguo Temple of Mount Emei

Baoguo Temple, Photo by Wu Jian. 

Wannian Temple

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Constructed in 399, Wannian Temple was reestablished a few times later in history.

 

Today, it is the largest temple of Mount Emei, which preserved valuable relics, such as tablet inscriptions, as an important representative of Emei's rich Buddhist cultural heritage.

Brick Made Beamless Hall in Wannian Temple, Constructed in 1600

Brick Made Beamless Hall in Wannian Temple, Constructed in 1600, Photo by Hongluobo 3518. 

Elephant Bathing Pond (Xixiang Chi Temple)

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This is believed to be where Samantabhadra Bodhisattva (Puxian Pusa) used to wash his white elephant mount. 

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In recent centuries, more buildings were constructed there and formed today's 3600 square meters large Xixiang Chi Temple.

Xixiang Chi Temple at Moonlight.

Xixiang Chi Temple at Moonlight. 

Golden Summit (Jin Ding)

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At the top of Mount Emei lies the Golden Summit, featuring the tallest golden statue of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva (Puxian Pusa), standing at 48 meters.

 

Adjacent to this statue, there is a copper hall and several grand Buddhist temples.

Golden Statue of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva (Puxian Pusa) and Temples on the Summit of Mount Emei.

Golden Statue of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva (Puxian Pusa) and Temples on the Summit. 

What's Special with the Monkeys of Mount Emei

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Wild monkeys on Emei Mountain are another popular attraction for their cuteness and smartness, and they are not afraid of people. 

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Moreover, they would sometimes beg or even rob food from tourists. 

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Therefore, tourists are suggested to keep a distance, not to eat food in front of the monkeys, and try to get help ASAP if they encounter any troubles with bullying monkeys. 

Monkeys of Mount Emei.
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