UNESCO World Heritage SiteUNESCO Heritage
China

Mount Wutai

Buddhist mountain complex in Shanxi, China

Location

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Historical Context

About

Mount Wutai, also known by its Chinese name Wutaishan and as Mount Qingliang, is a sacred Buddhist site at the headwaters of the Qingshui in Shanxi Province, China. Its central area is surrounded by a cluster of flat-topped peaks or mesas roughly corresponding to the cardinal directions. The north peak (Beitai Ding or Yedou Feng) is the highest (3,061 m or 10,043 ft from sea) and is also the highest point in North China. As host to over 53 sacred monasteries, Mount Wutai is home to many of China's most important monasteries and temples. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009 and named a AAAAA tourist attraction by China's National Tourism Administration in 2007.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Pilgrimages by the 7th century

7th century

Nanchan Temple main hall construction

782

Linji Yixuan criticism

9th century

Foguang Temple East Hall construction

857

Architectural discoveries by Liang Sicheng's team

1937–1938

Presentation of Maha Manjushree statue

2005

AAAAA tourist attraction designation

2007

UNESCO World Heritage inscription

2009

Wutaishan Airport opening

December 2015

Selected to summer mountain lists

April 2020

Selection as beautiful geological relics in Shanxi

September 2022

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Religious and Ritual Structures

TemplesAltars
category

Artistic and Decorative Features

Statues
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

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Plan Your Visit

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Reference

Details

Country

China

Coordinates

39.08° N, 113.56° E