【Hidden Treasure on the Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Route! Encounter Sea of Clouds and Buddha’s Light at a Mountain Temple】

✨The Suspended Secret Realm on the "Jiangnan Sky Road" — Huiyun Zen Temple✨
At the peak of Xiuyun Island in Qinglong Bay on the Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet route, lies a Tang Dynasty ancient temple — Huiyun Zen Temple. Here, there are no noisy crowds, only bamboo groves embracing the temple and clouds swirling around. Even the cats and dogs inside the temple carry a “Buddhist calmness,” approachable and seemingly spiritual beasts!
🌿A Zen Journey Through a Thousand Years
▪️ Historical Heritage: Founded during the Tang Taihe period, the great Song Dynasty monk Dahui Zonggao became a monk here at age 13. Legend says he vowed, “I will return when the maple trees form a bridge and the cypress trees sweep the ground.” Now, the ancient trees around the temple tower high, as if the promise has come true.
▪️ Superb Viewpoint: The front terrace of the temple offers a distant view of Qinglong Bay’s lake and mountains. Although some views are blocked by green trees, when mist rises, it feels like a fairyland.
▪️ Free and Serene: No entrance fee, few visitors, peaceful and quiet. The wishing tree is hung with plaques, and the chanting of Buddhist scriptures cleanses the soul.
🚗 Self-Driving Tips (Tested to Avoid Pitfalls!)
❶ Mountain Road Challenge: The uphill road is steep with many sharp turns; cars with insufficient power should be cautious! Recommended for experienced drivers.
❷ Navigation Setting: Search directly for “Huiyun Zen Temple, Ningguo City, Xuancheng.” There is a narrow road near the destination; drive slowly and watch for oncoming vehicles.
❸ Best Time to Visit: Early morning or evening to catch the sea of clouds; after rain when the lake fog rises, it feels like entering an ink painting.
❹ Hidden Experience: Try taking a boat from Qinglong Bay Visitor Center to the island (advance inquiry needed) to experience the mystery of water-route mountain climbing.
📸 Recommended Photo Spots
✅ The wishing plaque corridor under the Bodhi tree in front of the temple — dappled light and shadows, super healing;
✅ The bluestone steps beside the Main Hall — capture the layered overlap of flying eaves and distant mountains;
✅ The mountain road curve — a glance back, with clouds and mist weaving through like walking in a fairyland.
🍵 Unique Experience
• If you happen to meet a Bhikkhuni softly chanting sutras, sit quietly for a moment, listen to the wind and watch the clouds, and feel the peace of “time slowing down.”
• There is a winding path around the temple that leads deep into dense bamboo forests, where you can discover wild streams and waterfalls, enjoying nature’s tranquility alone.
✨ Itinerary Suggestion
Combine with the Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet route “Qinglong Bay - Dawn Redwood Forest - Liudao Bend” route. Huiyun Zen Temple serves as a mid-route meditation stop, perfect for washing away the fatigue of self-driving.
Navigation: Huiyun Zen Temple, Ningguo City, Anhui
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“Not necessarily dazzling, but always warm and bright” — find your own spiritual enlightenment at this ancient island temple.
💬 Interactive Topic:
“What healing moments have you encountered on your travels? Share in the comments, and one lucky person will receive a temple blessing plaque!”