Millennium Ancient Temple - Guoqing Temple, A Journey of Tranquility

Visiting Guoqing Temple feels like stepping into a world isolated from the outside, allowing one to let go of restlessness and return to authenticity. Amid the weight of history and the influence of Zen, you can find inner peace and serenity. 1. Free admission, open from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM). It is recommended to spend 2 to 3 hours here. Arriving before 8 AM helps avoid crowds, and the lighting is ideal for photography. - Transportation: Take the high-speed train to Tiantaishan Station, then a 20-minute taxi ride to the temple; from Tiantai County, take bus routes 6 or 7 directly to the temple entrance; For self-driving, navigate to "Guoqing Temple Scenic Area," park in the external visitor parking lot, then transfer to a shuttle bus or walk into the mountain. 2. Must-visit highlights - Sui Pagoda: The millennium-old pagoda outside the temple, with clear stone carvings of the Lotus Sutra on the inner walls. Early morning or evening, it reflects beautifully with the surrounding rice fields, making it a perfect photo spot. - Sui Plum Tree: A 1,400-year-old plum tree on the east side of the Mahavira Hall. When it blooms in early spring, a subtle fragrance fills the air. Even out of bloom, its gnarled branches carry a rustic charm. - Core Halls and Inscriptions: The murals in the Yuhua Hall depict the history of the Tiantai Sect. The Ming Dynasty bronze statue of Shakyamuni inside the Mahavira Hall is solemn and majestic; also, don’t miss the stele with Wang Xizhi’s unique calligraphy of the character “goose,” a must-see for calligraphy enthusiasts.