Sichuan Luzhou Jinlong Temple: A Zen Secret Hidden in the Mountains

🌿 Jinlong Temple! This ancient temple built against the mountain has a stunning ancient architectural complex of southern Sichuan. Every photo you take looks like a cinematic masterpiece!

🌸 Must-Visit Highlights
1. Giant Golden Dragon Sculpture
The temple’s iconic golden dragon head stands 8 meters tall, with its body winding and coiling on the mountain rock. It shines brilliantly under the sunlight, as if guarding the entire city. Standing on the dragon head viewing platform, you can see the whole Luzhou cityscape, and the view of the river and ancient temple together is breathtaking!
2. Mid-Mountain Hydrangea Sea
From May to July every year, tens of thousands of hydrangeas spread along the steps, blending pink, blue, purple, and white into a dreamy floral waterfall. It’s recommended to wear a light-colored long dress for forest-style photoshoots. Holding an oil-paper umbrella or a bouquet under the flower corridor instantly enhances the atmosphere!
3. Ancient Architectural Aesthetics
The wooden beam-lifting structure rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty features blue tiles and red walls paired with carved window lattices. Every shot looks like an ink painting. Especially recommended is the "Tranquil Corridor" halfway up the mountain, where the green bricks and tiles reflect the sky after rain, as if you’ve traveled to a Jiangnan water town.
4. Zen Cultural Experience
• Sutra Copying Meditation: Pick up a brush and Buddhist sutra inside the temple and copy the Heart Sutra in the Buddha hall to feel inner peace.
• Coffee Time: The coffee house at the mountain top offers Zen-inspired drinks. Sit on the terrace, sip coffee, and overlook the river view, stealing a moment of leisure.

📍 Practical Guide
▫️ Address: Liangli Village, Lantian Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou City (Navigate directly to "Jinlong Temple")
▫️ Transportation:
• By car: About 30 minutes from Jiangyang city center, free parking available inside the temple
• By bus: Take the suburban bus from downtown and walk 10 minutes to reach
▫️ Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
▫️ Admission: Free! Free! Free! Important things said three times!
▫️ Best Photo Times:
• 9-11 AM: Soft light, perfect for flower wall portraits
• 4-6 PM: Sunset gilds the dragon head with golden edges, perfect for stunning silhouettes

💡 Tips
• Smoking and loud noises are prohibited inside the temple; please respect religious etiquette.
• The hydrangea season lasts until early July. Currently, only scattered hydrangeas remain, but other flowers are also beautiful. Please do not pick the flowers.
• Wear comfortable shoes; some steps are steep.
• Use sun protection on sunny days and bring non-slip shoes on rainy days.

This underrated treasure temple, rich in history and full of poetry, is definitely a delightful surprise on your Luzhou trip!