Exploring the Millennium-Old Shengquan Temple in Xiaoxian｜A Hidden, Stunningly Beautiful Retreat

Just discovered a super healing, off-the-beaten-path secret spot in Anhui! Shengquan Temple is tucked halfway up Fengshan Forest Park. Built during the Northern Song Dynasty, it’s over a thousand years old, with towering ancient cypress trees and sacred springs on cliff walls—every corner exudes a fairyland vibe 🌿
📍Address: Inside Fengshan Forest Park, Xiaoxian, Suzhou
⏰Opening Hours: 08:30-17:00 (No reservation needed, come anytime)
🚌Travel Tips: Recommended to drive directly via navigation. By bus, take Xiaoxian routes 13 or 6 to the “Shengquan Temple Road” stop, then walk about 12 minutes (wear sneakers, the mountain path is a bit steep!)
📸Must-Visit Spots
1. Shengquan Pavilion: The spring water here has never dried up for a thousand years, so sweet you’ll want to fill a bottle to take away! Even Su Shi wrote poems and painted about it. The light and shadow on the pool are stunning.
2. Century-Old Cypress Trees: Two 300-year-old trees beside the main hall, their weathered bark against the red walls makes for amazing photos.
3. Peach Blossom Cave: Legend says it’s where the Peach Blossom Fairy practiced. The cave is refreshingly cool, perfect for beating the summer heat.
🍽️Hidden Food Gems
▫️Grandma’s cold noodles outside the temple are incredible! 3 yuan per serving with homemade chili oil that’s so fragrant you’ll stomp your feet, plus free bean sprouts ✨
▫️Must-try at Xu Changqing Whole Lamb Restaurant in town! Lamb meat is 24 yuan per jin, cooked fresh to order, free vegetable dishes, and the lamb soup is so delicious you’ll drink three bowls~
💡Money-Saving Tips
▪️Don’t order the whole lamb feast (over 100 yuan per person). Just order lamb soup and cold mixed lamb offal for about 30 yuan per person and have a blast!
▪️Bring an empty bottle for water! Brewing tea with the sacred spring water saves a lot compared to buying bottled water~
⚠️Notes
▫️Wear non-slip shoes! Some stone steps have moss.
▫️The best light and shadow for photos is in the afternoon when the sun slants across the temple.

Post by Rodriguez Sophia 11 | Oct 11, 2025