Day 1 Hangzhou → Tiantai → Hangzhou
All day
07:00 Gather and sign in at Exit F of Huanglong Sports Center Subway Station
07:30 Go to the rooftop by car
Sui Dynasty Temple | Guoqing Temple
We arrived at Guoqing Temple around 10:30 AM. Construction began in the 18th year of the Sui Dynasty's Kaihuang reign (598 AD) and was originally named Tiantai Temple. Later, it was renamed Guoqing Temple, inspired by the saying "If the temple is completed, the country will be peaceful." In the 18th year of the Sui Dynasty's Kaihuang reign, Prince Yang Guang of Jin built the Bao'en Pagoda to honor Master Zhizhe for receiving the Bodhisattva precepts. The pagoda has six sides and nine levels. Aside from intricately carved Buddha statues on the brick walls, it lacks the typical pointed capital. Suggested Tour Route: Parking Lot - Observation Deck (with distant views of rice paddies and the Sui Dynasty pagoda) - Seven Buddha Pagoda - Cold-Shi Pavilion - Teaching and Observation General - Twin Streams Returning to the West - Sui Dynasty Temple - Mountain Gate - Maitreya Hall - Yuhua Hall - Main Hall - Plum Pavilion - Dharma Milk Pavilion - Medicine Buddha Hall - Guanyin Hall - Memorial Hall of the Founding Fathers of the Sino-Korean Tiantai Sect - Sutra Pillar - Three Sages Hall - Miaofa Hall - Cultural Relics Room - Arhat Hall - Three Saints Hall - Anyang Hall - Single-Brushed Goose-Character Stele - Jialan Hall - Fish Joy Kingdom - Exit.
Mingyan Ancient Temple: A Place to Photograph
We arrived at Mingyan Ancient Temple around noon. Compared to Guoqing Temple, this spiritual Sui Dynasty temple is lesser-known. Nestled in the mountains, this Sui Dynasty temple offers its own unique scenery. Built into the mountainside, the main hall is surrounded by peaks, and from afar, a waterfall cascades down from a stone ridge at the top!
The ancient temple costs 5 yuan. Legend has it that it was the retreat of Hanshanzi, the Tang Dynasty poet and monk known as the "Two Immortals of Harmony and Unity." The temple is perched on a cliff, and the deeper you go, the more secluded and tranquil it becomes. As you ascend through the caverns, you'll see a statue of Guanyin. If there's been sufficient rain the previous day, you'll be able to see a stunning waterfall. The visit lasts approximately one hour.
Note: Due to time limitations, you can only choose between Mingyan Ancient Temple and Hanshan Scenic Area. As parking is difficult at Mingyan Ancient Temple, the team members visiting Mingyan Ancient Temple need to make a detour to pick up the Hanshan team members on their way back after they finish their visit. Thank you for your cooperation!
Seeking the Dao in Hanshan | A Different World
Arrive at Hanshan Scenic Area around 2:30 PM. The cold mountain road stretches far and wide, the banks of a desolate stream shrouded in cold air. Birds chirp frequently, yet the stillness of the place is completely devoid of people. The Tang Dynasty hermit poet Hanshanzi lived for over 70 years in his residence, named Hanshan Scenic Area. In June 2024, the CCTV program "The Singing Courtyard" visited Hanyan Cave, immersing themselves in the sacred mountains and beautiful waters, seeking inspiration for their music and exploring the secrets of history and culture. Visit Hanyan Cave and Xiangshi Cave. The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.
Note: The current entrance fee for Hanshan Scenic Area is 30 yuan per person. If you do not want to enter the scenic area, you can make your own arrangements at Houan Village at the foot of the mountain.
We will take the bus back to Hangzhou around 17:00 and arrive back at the starting point around 20:00. The activity ends here!
