Visiting Mt Wutai from Datong, China in Aug 2018. Summer.

Mt. Wutai is a holy mountain in Mahayana Buddhism and is dedicated to the Bodhisattva of wisdom, Manjushri.

I decides to travel by long distance coach and bought my ticket one day earlier at Sin Nan coach terminal. 新南客运站

https://maps.app.goo.gl/S72lkYB7bqySXppo2

Sin Nan coach terminal

The 1st coach is at 8.30am. I was travelling on a Sunday. Price is Rmb75. There is no direct train to Mt Wutai and the road is still a logical choice. The entire journey takes about 4.5 hrs. Just sit back and enjoy the scenery as the coach bus meander around the mountain road.

The big white pagoda is a big attraction. Reputed to be more than a thousand years old. The big pagoda we see today was constructed to enclose a smaller one reputed to contain the relic of Buddha. Tibetan monks are doing prostration around the temple.

This mural under the pagoda caught my attention

As you circumambulate the pagoda, there are many prayer wheels to spin. Remember clockwise is the auspicious direction for Buddhist.

Shrine hall behind the pagoda

Another temple that I visited today is shu xiang monastery.殊 像寺

The main attraction is the giant statue of Manjushri. The artwork is soul inspiring for a Buddhist. And it is free. No admission fee. Surrounding the statue are wall carvings depicting many Buddha disciples. Each one with a unique expression.

Then there is another temple dedicated to the Naga king also known as Dragon king. It is believed that he was converted to Buddhism by manjushri. He is famous for answering prayer. It is believed that he is a powerful protector bodhisattva.

Dragon king bodhisattva Wu Ye 五爷 which means the 5th lord.

Vegetarian meal at the restaurant taste oily and salty. Not because the chef is bad but due to the local food culture. Local just love oily, salty and intense flavouring.

There are many temple to explore. Each boasting their unique temple architecture from different period of Chinese history.