The Ultimate Xiangshan Temple Guide | A Royal Zen Monastery on Longmen Mountain 🏯

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- **Temple Built by Wu Zetian**: A 1,300-year-old imperial temple
- **Summer Villas of Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Ching-kuo**: A complex of Republican-era buildings
- **Best Grotto Viewing Spot**: Panoramic views of the Vairocana Giant Buddha
- **Former Residence of Bai Juyi**: In his later years, he organized the "Xiangshan Nine Elders Association" here

🕒 Best Time to Visit
🌅 **8:00 AM**: Morning bells and mist create a magical atmosphere
🍁 **October-November**: Red leaves against white walls
🌙 **Nighttime illumination** (after 7:30 PM in summer)

🎫 Ticket Information
- **Included with Longmen Grottoes admission** (no separate ticket required)
- **Guidance Service 80 RMB** (recommended for history buffs)
- **Bell Ringing Experience 10 RMB/3 rings**

🚶♂️ Must-See Itineraries
1️⃣ Bell and Drum Tower (Tang Dynasty Relics) →

2️⃣ Chiang Kai-shek's and Soong Chan Villas (View Republican-era Furniture) →

3️⃣ Jiulao Hall (Bai Juyi Story Exhibition) →

4️⃣ Observation Deck (Panoramic Grotto Photos) →

5️⃣ Qianlong Imperial Stele Pavilion

📸 Top 5 Photo Spots
✅ Observation Deck Railing (Framed with Vairocana Buddha)
✅ Chiang Kai-shek's and Soong Chan Villa Balcony (Vintage Cheongsam Photos)
✅ Jiulao Hall Red Pillars (Beautiful Light and Shadow)
✅ Bell Tower Illuminated at Night
✅ Yi River Cruise Viewpoint (Panoramic View of the Temple Cliff)

💡 Experienced Driver Tips
- Shortest route: Cross the bridge from Dongshan Grottoes (Easiest Route)
- Bring binoculars (Closer View of the Buddha Statue on the Other Bank)
- Visit the temple first, then the villas (Smoothest Route)
- Autumn Limited "Ginkgo Rain" (Mid-November)

🚗 Transportation Guide
📍 Within the Longmen Grottoes Scenic Area (Dongshan Section)
🚶 20-minute walk from the Vairocana Buddha area
🚣 Yi River cruises offer direct access to the pier

**Trivia**:
• The temple's name originates from Fragrant Hills in India, where the Buddha practiced Buddhism.
• Chiang Kai-shek celebrated his 50th birthday here.
• The existing building was rebuilt in 2003.

**Note**:
⚠️ Flash photography is prohibited in the villa area.
⚠️ Do not touch the inscribed artifacts.
⚠️ Be careful on slippery mountain roads.

Remember that Xiangshan Temple is a hidden gem that many tour groups skip. 🛕✨