Jiuding Mountain in Xiangyun County, Dali
Overview
Jiuding Mountain (九鼎山, Jiǔdǐng Shān), also known as “Jiuding Yunfeng” (九鼎云峰, Jiǔdǐng Yúnfēng), is located 10 kilometers north of Xiangyun County (祥云县, Xiángyún Xiàn), at the junction of the former Xiangcheng Town (祥城镇, Xiángchéng Zhèn) and the former Xiangbi Township (象鼻乡, Xiàngbí Xiāng) in Yunnan Province (云南省, Yúnnán Shěng). The mountain is part of the Hengduan Mountain Range (横断山系, Héngduàn Shānxì) and is characterized by its steep terrain and the presence of nine prominent peaks.
Historical Background
The Jiuding Temple (九鼎寺, Jiǔdǐng Sì) was originally established during the Hongwu period (洪武, Hóngwǔ) of the Ming Dynasty (明朝, Míng Cháo). The temple has undergone several renovations, notably during the Zhengde (正德, Zhèngdé) and Jiajing (嘉靖, Jiājìng) periods, and has expanded during both the Qing Dynasty (清朝, Qīng Cháo) and the Republic of China (民国, Mínguó) era. Today, the temple complex includes various halls and pavilions, such as the Tuchu Temple (土主庙, Tǔzhǔ Miào), Miaosheng Pavilion (妙胜阁, Miàoshèng Gé), Huayan Pavilion (华严阁, Huāyán Gé), and others.
Geographic Features
Jiuding Mountain rises to an elevation of 3,117 meters (10,200 feet) and is also referred to as “Nine Peaks Mountain” (九峰山, Jiǔfēng Shān) due to its distinctive peaks, which are named for their unique shapes: Jinzhu (禁足, Jìnzú), Shihou (狮吼, Shīhǒu), Lanxia (揽霞, Lǎnxiá), Zhaohua (招鹤, Zhāohuā), Emei (峨眉, Éméi), Shixian (侍仙, Shìxiān), Zhongxiu (中秀, Zhōngxiù), Diyun (递云, Dìyún), and Jingtai (经台, Jīngtái). The mountain is also home to several caves, including Bixia Cave (碧霞洞, Bìxiá Dòng), Guanyin Cave (观音洞, Guānyīn Dòng), and others.
Scenic Highlights
Visitors traveling along the Chuda Expressway (楚大高速公路) can catch glimpses of Jiuding Mountain near the Xiaoguan Village Reservoir (小官村水库, Xiǎoguān Cūn Shuǐkù). The mountain is often shrouded in mist, creating an enchanting landscape where clouds and peaks intertwine. Closer to Jiuding Mountain, the dramatic terrain becomes evident, featuring steep cliffs, rugged rocks, and towering peaks.
According to the Yunnan County Annals (《云南县志》), it is said, “The mountain is not high if it has an immortal; the abyss is not deep if it has a dragon.” This saying reflects the cultural significance of Jiuding Mountain, where historical structures like the Jiuding Temple complex have been built since the Tang Dynasty (唐代, Táng Dài).
Notable Structures
The Jiuding Temple complex consists of several buildings, including the Five Flying Pavilions (五飞阁, Wǔ Fēi Gé) established by the monk Mingji (明寂, Míngjì) during the Jiajing period. The iconic twin pagodas (双塔, Shuāng Tǎ) near Jiuding Temple were constructed in the 19th year of the Jiajing era (公元154年). The southern pagoda stands 9 meters tall and features a unique nine-tier design, while the northern pagoda reaches 7 meters in height, showcasing distinctive architectural styles.
How to Get There
Jiuding Mountain is accessible by road, located approximately 10 kilometers north of Xiangyun County. Travelers can take local buses or hire taxis from Xiangyun to reach the mountain.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer the best weather and scenic views.
- Hiking Gear: Wear appropriate hiking footwear and bring water for the trek.
- Photography: Capture the stunning landscapes, but respect the local culture when taking photos of religious sites.
- Local Cuisine: Try local Yunnan dishes at nearby villages.
- Guided Tours: Consider joining a local tour for a deeper understanding of the area’s history and culture.
