China (3,099 m) – One of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China
Mount Emei is one of the most beautiful and popular mountains in central China. Although not one of the Five Sacred Mountains, it is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations north of the Himalayas, being counted among the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains. Its name rougly translates to “Lofty”.
According to tradition, Mount Emei was one of the first places that Buddhism was introduced to China. The earliest Buddhist monastery was erected here in the first century. Emei is also among the first recorded places to be the site of traditional Chinese martial arts training. Martial arts and boxing schools can be found on the mountain to the present day.
Mount Emei is home to dozens of monasteries, many clustered near the peak above what is called the Cloud Sea. Located on the eastern fringe of the Himalayas, Mount Emei is remote, but easily accessible from the city of Chengdu approximately eighty miles to the north. The mountaintop is accessible by cable car.
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