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12 Days Tour to Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism

  • CODE: GDT2173
  • Private Tour
  • Duration: 8 - 12 days
  • Price from: Contact
  • Route: China - Shanghai - Chengdu - Hangzhou

Overview

Embark on an profound 12-day Tour to Four Sacred Mountains of Buddhism, a spiritual journey designed to immerse you in the heart of China's most revered Buddhist sites. This meticulously crafted itinerary takes you to Mount Wutai, Mount Emei, Mount Jiuhua, and Mount Putuo, each a UNESCO World Heritage Site or a place of immense spiritual significance, dedicated to a different Bodhisattva. Ideal for spiritual seekers, cultural enthusiasts, and those fascinated by Buddhist art and philosophy, this tour promises an unforgettable experience filled with serene landscapes, ancient temples, and deep insights into the enduring legacy of Chinese Buddhism.

Trip Map

Highlight

  • Mount Wutai (Shanxi Province): Explore the abode of Manjushri Bodhisattva, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its numerous ancient monasteries and stunning mountain scenery. Visit iconic temples like Tayuan Temple and Xiantong Temple.
  • Mount Emei (Sichuan Province): Ascend to the realm of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Experience its diverse ecosystems, stunning peaks, and the impressive Golden Summit with its towering statue of Samantabhadra. (You might even encounter the famous Emei monkeys!)
  • Mount Jiuhua (Anhui Province): Discover the sacred mountain of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, renowned for its serene atmosphere and numerous temples, often considered a gateway to the afterlife.
  • Mount Putuo (Zhejiang Province): Journey to the island sanctuary of Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin) Bodhisattva, known for its beautiful coastal scenery, pristine beaches, and magnificent statues, offering a tranquil spiritual retreat.
  • Buddhist Art & Architecture: Marvel at intricate temple designs, ancient pagodas, and thousands of Buddhist statues, gaining a deeper understanding of their artistic and spiritual significance.
  • Spiritual Immersion: Experience the peaceful ambiance of monastic life, witness traditional Buddhist rituals, and connect with the profound philosophy that permeates these sacred sites.
  • Seamless Travel: Enjoy comfortable transportation (including internal flights and trains), carefully selected accommodations, and knowledgeable English-speaking guides throughout your spiritual pilgrimage.

Service

HOTELS
Economy 2*+ Hotels
Superior 3* Hotels
First Class 4* Hotels
Deluxe 5* Hotels
Luxury 5*++ Hotels

Notes:
*All prices are based on per adult, in Double/Twin sharing
Surcharge will be applied for single traveler or single room request

Important Notes:
HOTELS, PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

GUIDE/LEADER:
English speaking guide. French , Germany , Spanish, Italian, Russian  speaking guide can be arranged with on request.

Inclusion

Exclusion

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival Chengdu

Transfer service to hotel
Meals: No meal
Accommodation: In Chengdu
Arriving in Chengdu, you will be greeted by the local guide at the airport or railway station. You take the private vehicle to the reserved hotel which is hand-picked by Golden Trail Travel. With the assistance of the guide, you will be free at leisure for the rest of the day after hotel check-in.
Tips for today:
Have a good rest at hotel to overcome the jet leg if Chengdu is the 1st city you arrive in China.
Change some money at the airport, hotel or a local bank with the assistance from your local guide or you can also withdraw CNY cash from ATM machine directly.

Day 2: Chengdu - Leshan - Mount Emei

Drive to Leshan, Leshan Giant Buddha, Drive to Emei
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Mount Emei area
In the morning after breakfast, have 1.5-hour driving to Mt. Leshan, where you will visit the tallest stone Buddha statue in the world. Just take a cruise (about 30 min) to have an overview of this mountain and the Leshan Giant Buddha. After that, continue to have a 1 hour driving to Mt. Emei. Then we will check in your hotel and enjoy your free time.
Details in the itinerary:
We arrange a cruise to see Leshan Giant Buddha. While you can also choose to climb Mt. Leshan (1- 2 hours hiking) which is not recommended from us because it is tired and could not get an overview of the Buddha.
Chengdu downtown - Mt. Leshan: 150 km, 1.5-hour driving
Mt. Leshan - Mt. Emei area: 41km, 1-hour driving

Day 3: Mount Emei - Chengdu

Mt. Emei, Drive to Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Chengdu
Today you will have sightseeing in Mt. Emei which is considered to be the ashram of Samantabhadra, one of the Four Bodhisattvas. You will visit Baoguo Temple which is the No.1 Buddhist temple among the countless temples in Mount Emei, and you will take a cable car up to the Golden Summit which is the highest point and holy place in Mount Emei. After some stroll on the mountain, get down the mountain then drive back to Chengdu (165 km). Have a rest in the hotel in Chengdu or feel free of the rest time.
You are recommended to have a night visit to Chunxi Raod and Jinli Old Street.
A suggested sightseeing route in Mt. Emei:
Entering - Baoguo Temple - 2 Hours Scenic Shuttle Bus to Leidongping - Walk a while to take the cable car - Go up to Golden Summit by cable car - Sightseeing at Golden Summit - Back to the entrance in the same way
Mt. Emei area - Chengdu downtown: 165km, 2-hour driving

Day 4: Chengdu - Taiyuan - Mount Wutai

Take a flight to Taiyuan, Drive to Mount Wutai, Free at leisure for the rest of the day
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Mount Wutai area
Today, you will get up early for the morning flight to Taiyuan. Upon arrival, you will be picked up from Taiyuan airport and transfer to Mount Wutai for about 3-3.5 hours driving. Mt. Wutai is the holy Buddhism mountain for worshipping Wenshu Bodhisattva (Manjusri) and the No.1 sacred place of Buddhism in China. Check in the hotel and free at leisure for the rest of the time after a long journey. You are recommended to pay a visit to Taihuai County at night.
In the afternoon, you will pay a visit to Summit Bodhisattva - the most spiritual temple, Xiantong Temple - the most prestigious temple and Shuxiang Temple - worship for wisdom.
Details in the itinerary:
Chengdu downtown - Chengdu airport: 14km, 30 minutes
Taiyuan airport - Mount Wutai: 240km, 3-3.5 hours driving

Day 5: Mount Wutai

Visit Temple Complex of Taihuai: Hall of Manjusri, Shuxiang Temple, Wuye Temple, Summit Bodhisattva Monastery, Luohou Temple, Xiangtong Temple, Tayuan Temple
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Mount Wutai area
Mount Wutai is the ashram of Manjushri, so the first thing we will do when we come to Mount Wutai is to visit the Hall of Manjusri, worshiping Manjushri. After that, we'll go to Wuye Temple, where the incense is most prosperous in Wutai Mountain. After that, follow the path all the way up the mountain, where the royal monastery Summit Bodhisattva awaits you. 
On the mountain, you can see the famous landmark of Mount Wutai --- the Great White Pagoda, and a clear panoramic view of Taihuai Town. Slowly descending along the stairs, the towering trees, buildings with red walls and golden tiles, you will find this sacred place of Buddha is mysterous and attractive. After walking down the mountain, if you still have enough time, you can visit Luohou Temple, Xiantong Temple, and Tayuan Temple.

Day 6: Mount Wutai

Grand worship of Mount Wutai: Wanghai Peak, Guanyue Peak, Jinxiu Peak, Yedou Peak, Cuiyan Peak
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Mount Wutai area
After breakfast, continue your second-day visit to Mount Wutai. You will take the Scenic Shuttle Bus to visit the five peaks - Wanghai Peak in the east (Wanghai Temple) where visitors standing on the top of the peak can appreciate the height of 2,795 meters, Guanyue Peak (Falei Temple) in the west, Jinxiu Peak (Puji Temple) in the south, Yedou Peak (Lingying Temple) in the north which is the highest point of Mount Wutai, as well being the highest in Northern China, at 3,058 meters, Cuiyan Peak (Yanjiao Temple) in the middle.
The worship to the five peaks is called Dachaotai which means Grand Worship. The Buddhist take it as a holy way to show their sincerity and bring their respect to the Buddha.
After the visit, you will take the shuttle bus down to the hill and back to your hotel for rest.
Note: As it will takes a full day to travel among 5 peaks of Mount Wutai, it is an exausting day. If your physical condition is not suitable for the grand worship of Mount Wutai, please adivse us in advance to adjust the itinerary for you. 

Day 7: Mount Wutai - Taiyuan - Hefei - Mount Jiuhua

Drive to Taiyuan, Take hi-speed rail to Hefei, Drive to Mount Jiuhua
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Mount Jiuhua area
Say goodbye to Mount Wutai and continue your trip to the next holy mountain. You will be transferred to Taiyuan, where you will take high speed train to Hefei. Your driver will meet you at Hefei High Speed Train Station and help you transfer to the Mount Jiuhua area, including hotel check-in. Have a good rest for the following trip.
Details in the itinerary:
Mount Wutai - Taiyuan High Speed Train Station: 200km, 2.5 hours driving
Hefei High Speed Train Staion - Mount Jiuhua: 230km, 3 hours driving

Day 8: Mount Jiuhua

Jiuhua Street Scenic Area, Huacheng Temple, Diyuan Temple, Five Hundred Arhats Hall, Incarnation Hall, Longevity Palace
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Mount Jiuhua area
After breakfast, you will take the shuttle bus up to Jiuhua Street Scenic Area where is the gathering place of historic figures and cultural heritage. You would find the most important temples here, such as Huacheng Temple, Diyuan Temple and Five Hundred Arhats Hall. In addition to temples, there are schools, hotels, shops, farmhouses, visitors can stay here and make it a starting point to explore the mountain attractions.
After lunch, you will play an easy walk along the stone plank up to Incarnation Hall which is a Buddhist shrine for worshipping the Bodhisattva Dizang (Ksitigarbha). Then, you will take the cable car up to Longevity Palace. You will be surprised by the unique combination of rock and construction, architecture and mountains. After the tour, take the cable car down to the hill and back to your hotel for rest.

Day 9: Mount Jiuhua

Minyuan Scenic Area, Tiantai Temple, Dayuan Culture Theme Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Mount Jiuhua area
Today, you will have an exploration of the Minyuan Scenic Area and take the cable car up to Tiantai Peak where you will visit the Tiantai Temple where is the most essential place in Mount Jiuhua. You will not only experience the strong atmosphere of Buddhism but would be astonished by the magnificent natural view. Take cable car down at noon.
After lunch, you will continue the visit to Dayuan Culture Theme Park where you will acquaint the most comprehensive culture of Ksitigarbha, and you will also see its symbolic spot - the 99 meters bronze statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. Back to your hotel after the trip.

Day 10: Mount Jiuhua - Hangzhou - Mount Putuo

Take the hi-speed rail to Hangzhou, Private transfer to Zhujiajian Pier, Take ferry boat to Putuoshan Island
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Mount Putuo area
After breakfast, please check out and you will be transferred to the Chizhou railway station for the hi-speed rail to Hangzhou. Upon arrival, your driver will pick you up from the station and drive to Zhujiajian Pier for the ferry boat to Mount Putuoshan which is regarded to be the ashram of Avalokite?vara, one of the four bodhisattvas.
Your local guide will meet you at the pier when you arrive and help you check in the hotel. Enjoy your free leisure time to explore the small island.
The lunch would be served at a local restaurant en route.
Details in the itinerary:
Chizhou - Hangzhou by the hi-speed rail: 2 hours and 40 minutes journey
Hangzhou - Zhujiajian Pier by the private transfer: 240km, 3.5 hours

Day 11: Mount Putuo

Huiji Temple, Fayu Temple, Puji Temple, Purple Bamboo Forest, Giant Avalokitesvara Buddha Statue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Mount Putuo area
Today, you will have a full day to visit Mount Putuo. Here, you can see a few temples, nunneries as well as monasteries. The beautiful landscapes along with the charm concerned with Buddhism make Putuo a sacred mountain.
In the morning, you will first visit Huiji Temple - the third largest temple. Then, pay an easy walk down the steps along Xiangyun Road to Fayu Temple which is the second largest temple in Putuo Mountain. And you could appreciate the finest Buddhist hall in the country - Jade Buddhist Hall.
After lunch, you will continue the afternoon visit to Puji Temple which is one of the most popular temples with the most burning incense on Putuo Mountain, as well as the largest and oldest temple. Continue the visit to Purple Bamboo Forest - the residence place of Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) & Giant Avalokitesvara Buddha Statue - a 33 meters golden statue standing.
After the tour, you will be transferred back to the hotel and have a free evening on your own arrangement.

Day 12: Mount Putuo - Shanghai, Departure

Transfer to Shanghai for departure
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, please check out and you will be transferred to the pier for the ferry boat to Zhujiajian Pier. Your driver will pick you up from the pier and then drive to Shanghai Pudong airport directly for your flight home.
Details in the itinerary:
Zhujiajian Pier - Shanghai Pudong International Airport: 320km, 4 hours
Service ends

FAQS

1. What types of tours does Golden Trail Travel offer?

Answer: Golden Trail Travel specializes in offering a wide range of travel packages to Vietnam and other Indochina countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, China, and Malaysia. We offer themed tours including Classic Highlights, Cycling, Trekking, Beach Holidays, Luxury Honeymoon, Short Trips, Family, Off The Beaten Track, Multi-Country, Motorbiking, Veteran, Food, Students, Luxury, Golf, Photography, Cooking Class, Bird Watching, Indochina Cruises, Kayaking, Muslim-friendly tours, Offroad 4x4WD, Indochina MICE Travel, Cave Expedition, and Helicopter tours.

2. How can I book a tour with Golden Trail Travel?

Answer: You can book a tour by contacting us directly via phone, email, or by filling out the contact form on our website. Our team of travel experts will advise and assist you in designing a suitable itinerary.

3. Can tours be customized?

Answer: Absolutely! We understand that every traveler has unique preferences. Golden Trail Travel is happy to customize tour packages to fit your specific needs, interests, and budget.

4. Does Golden Trail Travel provide visa support services?

Answer: Depending on your nationality and the destination, we may provide guidance or assistance with the necessary visa procedures. Please contact us for more detailed information.

5. What makes Golden Trail Travel different from other travel agencies?

Answer: We are committed to delivering authentic and unique travel experiences in Vietnam and Indochina. With a team of knowledgeable local experts, meticulously designed tour packages, and dedicated customer care, we ensure every trip is a memorable journey.

6. What should I prepare before the trip?

Answer: We will provide you with a detailed checklist of what to prepare, including information on luggage, appropriate clothing for the weather and local culture, essential personal items, and health advice.

7. What is Golden Trail Travel's cancellation policy?

Answer: Our cancellation policy will be clearly stated in the terms and conditions when you book a tour. Please refer to this information or contact us for specific details.

8. Where can I find information about travel safety and health?

Answer: We prioritize the safety and health of our travelers. Before your trip, we will provide information and advice regarding health, travel insurance, and safety measures at the destination.

9. Can I request a tour guide who speaks Vietnamese or a specific language?

Answer: Yes, we can arrange tour guides who speak Vietnamese or other common languages (such as English, French, German, Spanish, etc.) upon your request and subject to availability. Please inform us of your language preference when booking your tour.

10. Does Golden Trail Travel offer travel insurance?

Answer: We highly recommend all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance before departure. While we do not directly provide insurance, we can advise on suitable insurance types and the importance of having coverage during your trip

11. How can I pay for my tour?

Answer: We accept various payment methods, including bank transfers, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), and some online payment options. Detailed information on payment options and payment schedules will be provided upon confirmation of your tour booking.

12. Does Golden Trail Travel offer tours for solo travelers?

Answer: Yes, we have tour options suitable for solo travelers, including group joining tours or specially designed private tours. Please contact us so we can advise on the best package for you.

13. Are the tours child-friendly or suitable for seniors?

Answer: We offer many family-friendly tour packages and can adjust itineraries to suit travelers of all ages, including children and seniors. We will advise on the difficulty level, travel time, and activities appropriate for each member of your family.

14. Where can I read reviews from previous customers?

Answer: You can find customer reviews and testimonials on our website (if a review section is available), social media pages, or reputable travel platforms like TripAdvisor.

15. What are Golden Trail Travel's sustainability or responsible tourism policies?

Answer: We are committed to practicing responsible and sustainable tourism. We constantly strive to minimize our environmental impact, respect local cultures, and contribute positively to the communities where we operate.

16. What happens if there's an emergency during the trip?

Answer: Your safety is our top priority. Golden Trail Travel has a 24/7 emergency support team. We will provide emergency contact numbers and detailed instructions before your trip. Our guides and local partners are trained to handle emergency situations professionally.

17. Are my payment methods secure?

Answer: Absolutely secure. We use highly encrypted online payment gateways and comply with international standards for data security. Your personal and financial information will be strictly protected.

18. What support will I receive during the trip?

Answer: Yes. Throughout your trip, you will always have the support of your local guide, driver, and Golden Trail Travel's operation team. We will provide a 24/7 support hotline so you can contact us anytime if you have any issues or need assistance.

19. What is included and not included in the tour price?

Answer: Each tour package has clear details on included services (e.g., accommodation, transportation, meals as per itinerary, entrance fees to attractions, tour guide) and exclusions (e.g., international flights, visas, travel insurance, drinks, tips, personal expenses). You will receive a detailed itinerary and an inclusion/exclusion list before confirming your tour booking.

20. What is the typical group size for Golden Trail Travel tours?

Answer: Our tour group sizes can vary depending on the type of tour. For join-in tours, we try to keep the numbers small to ensure a personalized and comfortable experience. We also offer private tours for families or groups of friends upon request.

21. Whom can I contact if I have questions or need assistance before departure?

Answer: Before departure, you can contact our team of consultants via phone, email, or online chat. We are always ready to answer any questions and help you prepare best for your trip.

22. How is Golden Trail Travel committed to sustainable and responsible tourism?

Answer: We are strongly committed to sustainable tourism. This is reflected in our collaboration with responsible local partners, supporting local communities, encouraging travelers to respect culture and environment, and minimizing negative impacts on destinations. Our goal is to benefit both travelers and local people.

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Pricing Notes

The above price is based on a private tour (Group of 2). It's more reasonable withbigger group size

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