Wutaishan (Five-terrace Mountain) is one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains of China, the other three being E'mei Mountain, Jiuhua Mountain and Putuo Mountain . These four mountains, known in Chinese as the Si Da Fojiao Mingshan, are believed to be the homes of Bodhisattvas, enlightened beings that have delayed their Nirvana to remain on earth and help others find enlightenment.
Wutaishan is near the northeastern border of Shanxi Province, not too far from the provincial capital Datong. Its highest point is the northern Yedou Peak. At an elevation of 3,058 meters above sea level, Yedou is known as the roof of north China.
At one point in history, there were 360 temples on Wutai Mountain . Buddhist monks lived in the green ones, while Lamas lived in the yellow temples. Though only 40 remain today, some are in remarkable condition. The most famous are the Five Great Temples of Wutaishan, namely, Xiantong Temple , Tayuan Temple , Buddha's Summit (Pusa Ding), Shuxiang Temple and Luohou Temple . The Wenshu Bodhisattva is said to reside in Buddha's Summit. The emperors of old, including Emperor Kangxi and the revered Qianlong, often went on pilgrimages to Wutaishan.
Owing to its cool, refreshing air, Wutaishan is sometimes referred to as the 'Cool Mountain.' Its temperature is usually 10 degrees Celsius lower than the surrounding area, and ancients used to go there in the summer to escape the heat. The mountain scenery is stunning, and each of the five terraces has a special advantage. From the eastern terrace, visitors can view a spectacular sunrise, while the western one provides the best vantage point for a moonlit sky. Standing on the northern terrace, one can best appreciate the snow-covered landscapes, while the southern one is the place to view the flowers. The central terrace is the best location to observe the heavenly bodies.
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