SICHUAN, CHINA: Rising 3,099 metres (10,167 ft.) above sea level about 170 kilometres (105 miles) from Chengdu, Mount Emei is the highest of China’s four mountains of holy Buddha.
The Mount Emei (Emei Shan) was the exciting destination for Sarawak Media trip to China on the fourth day whereby, we enjoyed the opportunity to witness the beautiful view at the peak of the mountain as well as experiencing the cool weather which was below four Degrees Celsius.
The name ‘Emei’ literally means ‘delicate eyebrow’. This name is derived from two of the mountain’s peaks, Wanfo (Ten Thousand Buddha) Summit and Golden Summit, which face each other and resemble the delicate ‘eyebrows’ of a Chinese beauty.
Situated in the southwest area of Sichuan Basin, Emei Mountain flourishes in its temperate climate. Abundant rainfall gives rise to luxuriant green all year round and provides a perfect environment for hundreds of species of rare animals and plants.
From the foot of the mountain to its summit, the Peak of Ten Thousand Buddha, there is a trail totalling some 60 kilometres (37 miles) in length. It is endowed with unique changeable weather and marvellous natural beauty.
Ever since Buddhism arrived in China, Mount Emei has been an important centre of refuge and retreat for pilgrims. After the spread of Buddhism during the Tang and Song dynasties, many Buddhist temples were built here. There used to be more than 100 temples and shrines on the mountain, but only about 30 are still standing today.
A legend claims that the mountain was where Samantabhadra gave lectures on Buddhism and most temples house a statue of him. Mount Emei is home to a number of scenic and religious spots including: Baoguo Temple, Wannian Temple, Fohu Temple, Qingyin Pavilion, Heilongjiang Tunnel, Hongchun Platform, Xianfeng Temple (Jiulao Cave), Xixiang Pond, and Golden Summit.
