Live Your Best Lives
Guoqing Temple is the core of the Tiantai Mountain Scenic Area and is recognized as the oldest and most influential ancient temple in Tiantai Mountain. Located at the southern foot of Tiantai Mountain, it was originally named Tiantai Temple and later renamed Guoqing Temple.
During the Southern Song Dynasty, it was one of the "Ten Temples of Jiangnan." Constructed on the mountainside, the temple rises in ascending layers, embodying the rigorous symmetry of Buddhist architecture while also conveying a sense of flexibility. Compared to other famous temples, Guoqing Temple's natural and cultural landscapes offer a more local character.
There are also many inscriptions and poems left by literati and scholars here. Meng Haoran, Li Bai, Jia Dao, Pi Rixiu, Lu Guimeng, Du Xunhe, Hong Shi, Yuan Mu, Guo Moruo, Deng Tuo, Zhao Puchu and other literati and scholars have left immortal masterpieces.
Inside the temple, there are Sui Dynasty plum trees planted by Zhang'an Guanding, the fifth patriarch of the Tiantai Sect of Chinese Buddhism; the Three Sages Hall commemorating the famous Tang Dynasty poets and monks Hanshan, Shitou and Fenggan; a 13-ton bronze statue of Sakyamuni; eighteen nanmu arhats carved in the Yuan Dynasty; and cliff inscriptions by Wang Xizhi, Liu Gongquan, Huang Tingjian, Mi Fu and Zhu Xi.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 1-3 hours
free
7:55-16:33
Guoqing Temple, located in Taizhou, Zhejiang, was originally built during the Tang Dynasty and is an important Buddhist temple in the region. It is known as the birthplace of the Tiantai School of Buddhism, founded by the monk Zhiyi. The temple has been an influential center for Buddhist study and practice in China for over a thousand years.
Guoqing Temple is located in Tiantai County, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China. Visitors can reach the temple by taxi or private car from Taizhou city center, or take a bus from the Taizhou bus station to Tiantai County. Walking to the temple from nearby towns is also possible for those who enjoy hiking in scenic areas.
Guoqing Temple is open year-round, typically from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and the surrounding nature is at its most beautiful. Avoid peak holidays to enjoy a quieter visit.
The entrance fee to Guoqing Temple is typically around 20-30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the temple entrance. It is not common to buy tickets online for this site, but check for any special events or temple festivals that might require pre-booking.
Advance booking is not generally required, unless you are visiting during peak tourist seasons or for a special event or ceremony. In such cases, it is recommended to book at least 1-2 weeks in advance.
It typically takes around 1-2 hours to fully explore Guoqing Temple, including visiting the main halls, the surrounding garden, and the historical sites within the temple. For those interested in deeper cultural or spiritual exploration, spending a few hours is recommended.
Guided tours are available at Guoqing Temple, mostly in Mandarin. Some tour guides may offer services in English for international visitors, but it is advisable to book in advance for such services.
Start your visit by entering through the main gate and walking up to the central hall. Spend time exploring the main hall and its Buddha statues, then walk around the temple's garden for a peaceful experience. Take a stroll through the temple’s historical areas to learn about the temple’s role in the development of the Tiantai School of Buddhism.
There are no night visits or light shows at Guoqing Temple. Special tours may be available during Buddhist festivals or holidays, where visitors can join meditation sessions or learn about Buddhist rituals.
Guoqing Temple is generally not crowded, but can be busy during Chinese public holidays and weekends. The least crowded times are on weekdays during off-peak seasons, particularly in late autumn and winter.
Basic facilities, including toilets and rest areas, are available within the temple complex. There are also small shops selling Buddhist souvenirs and refreshments. For a full meal, visitors may need to head to nearby towns or eateries outside the temple.
The temple grounds are generally accessible, but some areas may involve stairs or uneven paths, which could be challenging for visitors with mobility issues. However, the main halls and the garden area are accessible for elderly and children.
Cash is commonly accepted at Guoqing Temple, but mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are also widely used for purchases at shops and ticketing.
While there are small food stalls near the temple selling snacks, for full meals, visitors will need to go to nearby towns in Tiantai or Taizhou, where there are a variety of local restaurants offering Zhejiang cuisine.
Vegetarian options are available at many of the local restaurants around the temple, especially those offering Buddhist-inspired vegetarian cuisine. Halal food options are limited but can be found in nearby Taizhou city.
There are several hotels and guesthouses in Tiantai and Taizhou that are within a short drive from Guoqing Temple. Popular options include local hotels as well as mid-range accommodations for tourists.
Souvenir shops around the temple sell items such as Buddhist statues, incense, prayer beads, and traditional Chinese arts and crafts. Tea and calligraphy sets are also popular souvenirs in this region.
After visiting Guoqing Temple, you can continue your trip by taking a taxi or bus back to Tiantai city or Taizhou. For longer trips, the Taizhou railway station offers train services to other parts of Zhejiang province and beyond.
