What if I told you that Fengtuo Shan holds a secret pilgrimage route? A path walked by countless souls seeking blessings. Fengtuo Shan is more than just a mountain. It is a sacred destination.
Miao Feng Shan is located 55km west of Beijing. It stands at about 1290 metres high.
Every year, the biggest temple fair in northern China occurs here. This happens at the end of April. Miao Feng Shan mountain features a century-old pilgrim’s trail. It is known as the Golden Summit.
Temple fairs have been a tradition. It is a time for worshiping the gods. People pray for blessings. They enjoy the fun. You can watch many kinds of traditional shows. There is crosstalk. There are banner and kungfu performances. You can even see a lion exhibition. Children will love these spectacles.
Beijing’s Golden Summit was once a dream destination. Thousands of people came from all over China. They gathered every year on the first day of the fourth lunar month. They came to worship good luck. They prayed for family prosperity. They asked for maternity goddesses. Even Empress Dowager Cixi worshiped here. She used a specially paved pilgrimage trail.
Today, travelers follow the ancient footsteps. They climb to the summit along the old trail. But the walk is not easy. Centuries ago, even elderly pilgrims completed the trek. Today, you can take a shuttle bus. Relax when you arrive at the sacred spot.
People come to lay their petitions. They pray before their beloved T’ien Hsien. She is also called the heavenly immortal. The miracles performed by her gave Miao Feng Shan its reputation. The lame have walked. The ill have been cured. Prosperity has come to merchants. Longed-for children have been given.
People believe that desires will be fulfilled. They think unbounded mercy will be shown. This happens if an honest person pays homage. Pilgrimages to Miao Feng Shan started as early as 1629.
Miao Feng Shan also houses the ancient Huiji Temple. It consists of eight shrines. The Goddess Temple is the most important one. There is a white pagoda in front of the temple. You will also see an impressive dragon. Be prepared to climb many stairs. They lead to the top temple.
In spring and early summer, hike to the rose valley. Even when the roses are not in bloom, the surroundings are pretty. You might enjoy blue skies and sunshine on this side of the mountain.
Notice the little wishes tied to a tree. They represent the hopes and dreams of past pilgrims. From the top, the views are breathtaking. It is worth adding a little hike beyond the rose garden. Walk to the valley on the other side.
Remember Miao Feng Shan. It is a place where ancient traditions meet the present. It is a place where wishes are whispered. It is a place where the views reward the climb.