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Langya Ancient Temple is located on Langya Mountain in Chuzhou City, Anhui Province. The Langya Ancient Road, paved with stone slabs, winds its way along the mountainside, gradually rising to a flat and secluded path. Towering trees, their lush branches and foliage, flank the path, forming a natural canopy, providing shade on sunny days and shelter from the rain. Visitors often linger here. Stepping on the stones along the Langya Ancient Road, visitors gaze upon lush greenery and hear the chirping of birds. Suddenly, as they walk, the road ends, and the mountains loom large.
An arched gatehouse, constructed of bluestone, sits nestled between two mountains. The four characters "峰路转" (Feng Lu Hui Zhuan) are inscribed on the lintel, evoking the saying, "Mountains and rivers are so steep that one seems to have no way out, but when the willows and flowers appear, another village appears." Passing past the "峰路转" gatehouse, a small pavilion can be vaguely seen nestled among the trees. This is the Weiran Pavilion. Its size and layout are similar to the Yizai Pavilion in the Drunken Old Man Pavilion. The pavilion is adjacent to the Heping Reservoir, hence its nickname. Now, the Heping Reservoir has been renamed Shenxiu Lake, and the pavilion has been renamed Weiran Pavilion. The pavilion and the lake complement each other beautifully, creating a captivating contrast.
Weiran Pavilion is a great place for travelers to relax and enjoy the scenery along the way. Sitting in the pavilion and gazing south, a vast lake stretches between two mountains, creating a deep and picturesque lake, its waters as clear as a mirror. A curved bridge spans the lake, allowing visitors to walk across to the other side. An arched gatehouse, constructed of bluestone, sits between the two mountains. The four characters "Feng Lu Hui Zhuan" (peaks of peaks and valleys) are inscribed on the lintel, evoking the saying, "Mountains and rivers are so steep that one seems to have no way out, but when you bend the willows and brighten the streets, you discover another village." Passing the "Feng Lu Hui Zhuan" gatehouse, a small pavilion can be seen nestled among the trees. This is Weiran Pavilion. Its size and layout are similar to the Yizai Pavilion in the Drunken Old Man Pavilion. Nearby lies the Heping Reservoir, giving it its nickname, the Heping Pavilion. Now, the Heping Reservoir has been renamed Shenxiu Lake, and the pavilion has been renamed Weiran Pavilion. The pavilion and the lake complement each other beautifully, creating a captivating contrast. Weiran Pavilion is a great place for travelers to relax and enjoy the scenery along the way. Sitting in the pavilion and gazing south, one can see a lake between two mountains, a deep and picturesque lake with water as clear as a mirror. A curved bridge is built across the lake, allowing visitors to walk to the other side.
The subtropical monsoon climate, lakes, blue skies, Cangshan Mountains, ancient trees, curved bridges, pavilions, flying birds and tourists form a wonderful landscape painting, suitable for travel in all seasons.
Recommended attractions:
Langya Temple
Langya Temple, located about one kilometer from Zuiweng Pavilion, is nestled in the secluded beauty of Langya Mountain. Originally built in the first year of the Dali reign of the Tang Dynasty (771 AD), it was named Baoying Temple. It was later renamed Kaiyuan Zen Temple by Li Youqing, the governor of Chuzhou, and mountain monks.
Drunken Pavilion
The Drunken Old Man Pavilion is located midway up Mount Langya, alongside the Langya Ancient Road. It's a must-see on the way to Langya Temple. The pavilion was built in 1046 AD, the sixth year of the Qingli reign of the Northern Song Dynasty. At the time, the literary figure Ouyang Xiu was demoted to Chuzhou. Infuriated by the situation and sympathetic to his unjust fate, the Drunken Old Man Pavilion was built midway up the mountain to provide a resting place for him and to gather with friends for drinks.
Shenxiu Lake
The Shenxiu Lake Scenic Area is located south of the mountain path between Zuiweng Pavilion and Langya Temple. Originally a small pond by the Langya Creek, it was a popular spot for fishing during ancient mountain hikes. Surrounded by mountains, it offers a tranquil and tranquil environment.
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Langya Ancient Temple, located in Chuzhou, Anhui, dates back to the Tang Dynasty and is an important historical and religious site. It is dedicated to the Buddhist faith and is known for its cultural significance in the region, often serving as a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists.
Langya Ancient Temple is located in Chuzhou, Anhui Province. You can take a taxi from Chuzhou's city center or take public buses that go towards the temple area. Walking from nearby hotels is also possible, though it might take around 30 minutes depending on your location.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are early mornings or late afternoons, particularly on weekdays, to avoid the crowds that gather on weekends and during festivals.
Entrance to Langya Ancient Temple is typically free, though there may be small fees for certain areas or activities, such as offerings or guided tours. Tickets for special events can be purchased onsite.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not necessary, except for special events or group tours. It is recommended to check availability during peak seasons if planning a visit during holidays.
A visit to Langya Ancient Temple typically takes around 1-2 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend exploring the grounds and the main hall.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and you may be able to arrange a guide for an English-speaking tour if requested in advance. Audio guides in multiple languages are also sometimes offered.
Start by entering through the main gate and walk towards the main hall. Explore the temple’s interior, then walk through the surrounding gardens. End the visit with a climb to the pagoda for a panoramic view of the temple grounds.
Night visits are not available, and there are no light shows. Special religious ceremonies may be held at specific times, so it’s best to check with the temple ahead of time if you're interested in attending one.
Weekends and public holidays can be crowded. The least crowded times are early mornings on weekdays, especially in the off-season.
The temple offers basic facilities such as public toilets and rest areas. There are no restaurants or cafes on-site, but vendors outside the temple offer snacks and drinks.
Langya Ancient Temple is somewhat accessible, but some areas may require climbing steps or navigating uneven paths. It is recommended for elderly or disabled visitors to check the accessibility of specific areas in advance.
Mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted, and cash payments are also possible. Cards may not be widely accepted.
There are no restaurants or cafes inside the temple, but several local eateries offering Anhui cuisine can be found nearby in the city.
Vegetarian options are available in nearby restaurants, but vegan and halal options may be limited. It's best to check with restaurants in advance.
There are several hotels in Chuzhou, including budget and mid-range options such as Chuzhou International Hotel and other local guesthouses.
There are souvenir shops near the entrance selling religious items, such as Buddhist statues, incense, and traditional Chinese handicrafts.
Taxi or public transport can easily take you to other attractions in Chuzhou. Local buses are also available, or you can continue your journey by train from the Chuzhou railway station.
