The Longhua Temple in late autumn is so beautiful that words cannot describe it

Late autumn is the best season to visit Longhua Temple. Those few ancient ginkgo trees, especially the oldest one in front of the Mahavira Hall, require three people to embrace. The trunk is cracked like a monk's robe, while the branches spread out like a huge golden umbrella, complementing the glazed tiles on the hall's roof. Although there is a sea of people under the golden canopy, it cannot overshadow the breathtaking beauty of the falling ginkgo leaves in autumn. There are many resident cats in the temple who have become indifferent to the cat treats offered by visitors, but most of them are very professional, sticking to their posts and cooperating perfunctorily as visitors snap photo after photo. I was somewhat shocked that this was my first time visiting Longhua Temple, and I should have chosen a weekday morning to come. Even though I tried to avoid the crowds with a telephoto lens on a weekend afternoon, I still couldn’t fully capture the beauty here. 📸 Photo spots: Longhua Temple is not very large, so there aren’t many spots to shoot the ginkgo trees. More angles require a keen eye to discover the beauty. ✅ In front of the Mahavira Hall The two ancient ginkgo trees on the left and right here are the best spots to photograph autumn at the temple, but it’s impossible to avoid countless phones under the trees. So it’s recommended to bring a telephoto lens; the golden leaves shining in the sunlight complement the rustic architecture in the background. ✅ To the right of the Maitreya Hall Just inside the main gate of Longhua Temple on the right is a tall ginkgo tree, very spectacular. The hanging leaves blend perfectly with the temple eaves. Shooting straight on makes it hard to avoid stray power lines, so it’s better to use a medium to long telephoto lens to capture details. ✅ Ginkgo Avenue Ginkgo Avenue is outside the temple, paired with the pond ahead, where you can capture the reflection of Longhua Temple’s pagoda surrounded by golden trees in the water. The tip for shooting here is to come early; otherwise, it’s impossible to avoid the huge crowds. ✅ Pagoda reflection This spot is underground and not difficult to shoot, but you need to queue when it’s crowded. The reflection of Longhua Temple’s pagoda in the water is faint and very atmospheric. ❗Tips: If possible, come early in the morning. But remember, there must be sunlight; otherwise, the ginkgo won’t look as translucent. At this time of year, by around 4 PM, the sunlight no longer reaches the front of the Mahavira Hall. Also, if possible, it’s best to visit on a weekday.