7minutesonline.com – by Jackie Sand – 12.02.2017
Buddhism’s holiest site in China
Rising 3,099 meters (10,167 ft.) above sea level about 170 kilometers (105 miles) from Chengdu, Mount Emei is the highest of China’s four holy Buddhist mountains. The name “Emei” means “delicate eyebrow”.
Situated in the southwest area of Sichuan Basin, Emei Mountain flourishes in its temperate climate. Abundant rainfall gives rise to lush green all year round and provides a perfect environment for hundreds of species of rare animals and plants.
Mount Emei is a place of historical significance as one of the four holy lands of Chinese Buddhism. Buddhism was introduced into China in the 1st century CE via the Silk Road from India to Mount Emei, and it was on Mount Emei that the first Buddhist temple in China was built. It became the Guangxiang Temple, receiving its present royal name of Huazang in 1614. There was an addition of more than 30 other temples including the Wannian Temple founded in the 4th century containing the large 7.85m high Puxian bronze Buddha statue. The temples are built on hillsides, taking advantage of the terrain. They are masterpieces and the whole site and area is declared UNESCO World Heritage.
Mount Emei is an area of striking scenic beauty. It is also of great spiritual and cultural importance because of its role in the introduction of Buddhism into China.
Certainly a place of great importance and spirituality and worth a visit if one is travelling to China.
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Credit – Photo by Connie Ma