Daciyan is located 24 kilometers south of Jiande City, featuring a glittering double-sided Buddha statue on the mountain. The temple buildings on the hillside are partially embedded in the rock and partly suspended in the air, sharing a similar ingenuity with the Hanging Temple of Mount Heng, hence it is also known as the ‘Hanging Temple of Jiangnan’. The scenic area embodies the essence of ‘suspension’ in every aspect, with trails, temples, and the Great Buddha built against steep cliffs. Although most are reconstructed, they still evoke admiration for the ancient people’s creativity.
The tour route in the scenic area is roughly circular. It is recommended to take the cable car to the mountain and then walk downhill counterclockwise, saving both time and effort. After reaching the top, there are still some uphill and downhill paths to traverse, with some areas exposed and potentially sunny during summer. The joy of the tour lies in walking along the winding trails by the cliffs, appreciating the pathways, temples, and Buddha statues embedded in the mountains, as well as the distant green hills and the tiny towns below, creating a spectacular view.
From afar, the suspended plank road at the foot of the mountain allows one to see the glittering double-sided Buddha statue on the top. After getting off the cable car, a short mountain path leads to the suspended plank road. This road offers an excellent vantage point for capturing the panorama of Daciyan’s main structures, so do not miss it. After walking along the plank road, remember to take a close-up shot of it; the flying eaves and pavilions attached to the mountain waist are also a signature landscape of Daciyan.
Continuing forward for a while, the Natural Buddha is another highlight here: from the side, the main peak of Daciyan resembles the statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. Strange rocks, caves, and vegetation harmoniously form the Buddha’s features, and all visitors without exception stop to admire it.
The double-sided Buddha and the Ksitigarbha Hall within the temple are a major attraction. Visitors can follow the plank road all the way to the double-sided Buddha statue to see its true face or go to the Ksitigarbha Hall to pray and seek blessings. Behind the Heavenly Gate, cherry blossom trees are adorned with red ribbons of people’s prayers, exuding a tranquil Buddhist atmosphere. The statues in the Arhat Hall are also full of tension. After visiting the Ksitigarbha Hall and exiting the temple, there is a path down the mountain on the right (about 30 minutes). The path is relatively hidden; ask the staff if you can’t find it. The scenery along the way down is also pleasant, accompanied by streams. In October, when the ginkgo leaves turn yellow, the scenery is even more charming. If you want to take the cable car down the mountain, you will need to return to the upper cable car station. Additionally, Xinye Ancient Village, a filming location for the 2014 show ‘Dad, Where Are We Going?’, is not far from Daciyan and can be visited together. Seeing old houses, wandering through ancient villages, and experiencing ‘celebrity-style’ entertainment is a great feeling.
Opening hours: 08:00-16:00 all year round; 07:30-16:00 for preferential policies. Children: Free for those below 1.2 meters (inclusive); height 1.2 meters and above, please refer to the specific ticketing policy.
Ticket Prices: For children between 2 meters (not included) and 1.5 meters (included), half price; Seniors aged 70 (included) and above with a senior citizen card or ID card, free entry; Seniors aged 60 (included) to 70 (not included) with a senior citizen card or ID card, half price; Disabled individuals with a disability certificate, free entry; Active-duty military personnel with an officer’s certificate, free entry; Faculty and staff with 30 years (included) of teaching experience with a valid certificate of honor, free entry.
