Title: The Green Leaf Season at Tanzhe Temple Is Truly a Millennium Sigh

While everyone crowds to see the famous "Emperor Ginkgo" in autumn, I ventured into Tanzhe Temple in early summer, wrapped in layers of lush greenery. Only then did I realize that the temple's serene ancient charm can perhaps be most genuinely appreciated when surrounded by this vibrant green.

Entering the Mountain Gate, Greenery Hits You First

Before even entering the mountain gate, the trees lining the mountain path form a cool "green tunnel." Sunlight filters through the dense leaves, casting scattered, dancing light spots on the ground. When the mountain breeze blows, half the summer heat is already gone.

After buying a ticket and entering, the first thing you feel is not the grandeur of the architecture, but the omnipresent "green." The ancient pines and cypresses are lush and dripping with vitality, and the ivy in the courtyard corners shines a bright green, as if dressing the old bricks in a vibrant new coat.

Under the Emperor Tree, Feel the Power of Life

Walking to the Pilu Pavilion, the 1,300-year-old "Emperor Tree" stands quietly. At this moment, it has shed its golden armor of autumn and donned an incredibly lush green outfit.

This green is heavy and full of life. The massive canopy spreads like a giant green umbrella, casting a large shade. Standing beneath it, looking up, sunlight struggles through the gaps in the branches and leaves, filling the space with a quiet, greenish glow. There is none of autumn’s noise and awe, only the ancient whisper of thousands of leaves rustling together in the wind. At that moment, what you feel is not brilliance, but the silent and overwhelming power of life itself.

Bamboo Grove Serenity, Full of Zen

Besides the ancient trees, the "Golden Inlaid Jade Bamboo" on the west side is especially elegant and charming in summer. The bamboo stalks are a warm golden yellow, with a clear green stripe in the middle. When sunlight shines on them, they truly look like gold and jade inlaid together, living up to their name. Walking along the bamboo path, shaded by green leaves, the faint fragrance of bamboo naturally calms the mind.

A Few Practical Tips for the Green Leaf Season

1. Best Time: Spring and summer, especially from May to July, when the greenery is at its peak and you avoid the autumn crowds.
2. Clothing Suggestions: Comfortable shoes are still a must! Also, since the temple has many trees and grass, wearing long pants or bringing mosquito repellent is recommended.
3. Experience Focus: If you come during this season, don’t just think about "checking in." It’s best to find a corridor or stone steps to sit, daydream, listen to the wind, birds, and the bells hanging from the eaves, and feel the temple’s vitality in its tranquility.
4. Light and Shadow Play: The best light is around 3 to 4 p.m. The slanting sun filters through layers of green leaves, casting mottled shadows on the red walls and stone slabs—an excellent time for photography.

As I left, I looked back and saw the entire temple immersed in boundless green, peaceful and profound. Autumn at Tanzhe Temple is a visual feast for the world, but its green leaf season feels more like an inner Zen retreat for those with a mindful heart. If you long for true tranquility, consider coming outside of autumn to listen to the whispers of this millennium-old greenery.