Want to escape the hustle and bustle this weekend? Take a stroll at Guoqing Temple on Tiantai Mountain

Want to escape the hustle and bustle this weekend? Take a stroll at Guoqing Temple on Tiantai Mountain, where the tranquility of this thousand-year-old temple can soften your heart～

🌿 About Guoqing Temple: A thousand-year-old temple with a built-in time filter

- Location: Guoqing Scenic Area, Tiantai County, Taizhou, Zhejiang
- Heritage: Founded in the Sui Dynasty (598 AD), it is the birthplace of the Tiantai school of Buddhism. Along with Lingyan Temple, Qixia Temple, and Yuquan Temple, it is known as one of the "Four Wonders of the World." Stepping inside feels like entering history.
- Highlights: Free admission! Affordable incense offerings, no over-commercialization, preserving the temple’s ancient simplicity and tranquility. In the morning bell and evening drum, even the air carries a sense of Zen.
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM (shorter in winter, please confirm before you go)

🚗 How to get there? Transportation guide

- By car: Search directly for "Guoqing Scenic Area." There is a parking lot at the entrance (10-20 RMB/day), and a 10-minute walk to the temple gate.
- By high-speed rail: Get off at "Tiantaishan Station," then take a taxi for 15 minutes (15-20 RMB) or take bus routes 5/7/9 to the "Guoqing Scenic Area" stop.
- By long-distance bus/plane: There are direct buses to Tiantai County from Hangzhou and Ningbo; the nearest airports are Ningbo Lishe or Hangzhou Xiaoshan, then transfer by high-speed rail or bus for convenience.

🌟 Must-see list: The time codes inside the ancient temple

Inside Guoqing Temple

- Sui Pagoda: The thousand-year-old pagoda by the farmland outside the temple, covered in mossy bricks that show its age, perfect for photos with a vintage filter.
- Mahavira Hall: The bronze incense burner in front of the hall was donated by the Forbidden City, adding grandeur amid the swirling incense.
- Thousand-year-old Sui Plum Tree: Legend says it was planted by Master Zhang’an himself. When it blooms from late winter to early spring, the subtle fragrance is incredibly healing.
- Yule Kingdom: By the release pond, there is an authentic Ming Dynasty stele inscription by Dong Qichang. Reading the characters by the water has a special charm.

Nearby attractions to visit along the way

- Zhizhe Pagoda Courtyard: A 20-minute walk, housing the relic pagoda of Master Zhizhe, founder of the Tiantai school, adding to the serene atmosphere.
- Shiliang Waterfall: A 30-minute drive, a natural stone bridge spans the waterfall, with mist creating a fairyland-like scene.
- Qiongtai Fairy Valley: Don’t miss this if you love hiking. The canyon boardwalk winds around lakes and mountains, with scenic views at every step.

📍 Recommended itinerary: Explore thoroughly by time

- Half-day tour: Guoqing Temple (leisurely 2 hours) → Take a photo under the Sui Pagoda → Stroll and relax in the rice fields in front of the temple → Zhizhe Pagoda Courtyard (quiet time for 1 hour).
- Full-day tour: Morning at Guoqing Temple → Afternoon at Shiliang Waterfall or Qiongtai Fairy Valley (choose one) → Try some local snacks before heading back.

🍜 What to eat? Down-to-earth deliciousness

- Temple vegetarian meal: Only 2 RMB per person! Simple vegetarian food with a fresh aroma (may be unavailable during the pandemic, check on site).
- Local must-tries:
- Jiao Bing Tong: Tiantai’s version of a “super wrap,” stuffed with various fillings, incredibly satisfying with every bite.
- Hu La Tai: Thin crispy flatbread wrapped with potato and egg, irresistibly fragrant.
- Recommended restaurants: “Sanmu Yushi” outside the scenic area (rustic style casual dining, great for photos); “Tu Zaotou” in the county town (authentic home-style dishes, great value).

🛌 Where to stay? Your choice

- Inside the scenic area: Tiantai Hotel is right next to Guoqing Temple, with views of the ancient temple and rice fields right outside the window, very peaceful.
- Homestays outside the scenic area: Lujing Tiantai, Huagu Xiannong, both countryside style, perfect for those who want to slow down.
- In the county town: Chains like Home Inn and Hanting offer great value, convenient for dining and shopping.

⚠️ Tips

- Dress modestly; short skirts and off-shoulder tops are not appropriate; no photography inside the halls, just quietly enjoy.
- Bring mosquito repellent in summer; the temple has many stone steps, wear comfortable, non-slip shoes.
- November is especially beautiful! The rice fields in front of the temple turn golden, and the ancient ginkgo leaves by the Sui Pagoda cover the ground like a layer of gold.
- Bring some small change for the donation box, give as you wish, it’s the thought that counts～

This weekend, go to Guoqing Temple to listen to the bell, watch the falling leaves, and let life slow down～