https://qa.trip.com/moments/detail/xi-an-7-137244570
AveryMcAllister66United States

Autumn Tour of the Zen Temple’s Secret Realm, Witness the Flourishing Tang Dynasty

Autumn Tour of the Zen Temple’s Secret Realm, Witness the Flourishing Tang Dynasty Dear friends, as autumn deepens, it’s the perfect season to visit the Zen temple and explore the lingering legacy of the Tang Dynasty’s golden age! Amidst the golden yellows and fiery reds of autumn, many Zen temple secrets carry the glorious history of the Tang Dynasty. These temples are like time capsules, preserving stories and culture spanning a thousand years, waiting for us to unveil their mysteries. Let’s embark on this unique autumn journey together 👇 🌟 Must-Visit Highlights 1. The Beauty of Autumn at the Zen Temple - A Colorful Zen World: In autumn, the Zen temple seems as if nature has spilled its palette. Ancient ginkgo and maple trees inside the temple gradually change color; golden ginkgo leaves flutter down like butterflies, carpeting the ground in gold; fiery red maple leaves resemble burning flames, adding a passionate hue to the temple. The surrounding mountains and forests are also cloaked in autumn colors, their layers of foliage complementing the temple’s ancient architecture, creating a poetic and picturesque autumn Zen scene. Walking inside the temple, the rustling fallen leaves underfoot seem to echo history, evoking a sense of tranquility and peace far from worldly noise. - Autumn Zen Atmosphere: The temple in autumn is quieter than usual, with a serene and profound ambiance. Incense smoke curls gently, bell sounds resonate softly, and monks in robes quietly chant sutras and worship. Visitors can slow their pace to savor this calm and peace, giving their souls a moment of rest. Sitting in the temple courtyard under autumn sunlight, sipping fragrant tea and reading ancient texts, it feels like traveling back to the Tang Dynasty’s golden age, engaging in a spiritual dialogue with the ancients. 2. Tang Dynasty Cultural Relics - The Charm of Ancient Architecture: Most of these Zen temples were built during the Tang Dynasty or preserve Tang architectural styles, featuring rigorous structures and grand scale. The main halls such as the Mahavira Hall and the Hall of Heavenly Kings have flying eaves and intricate brackets, with carved beams and painted rafters showcasing the superb craftsmanship of Tang architecture. The solemn and lifelike Buddha statues inside seem to narrate the Tang Dynasty’s glorious history. Visitors can appreciate the unique charm of Tang architecture and feel the wisdom and creativity of ancient artisans. - Witnesses of Historical Artifacts: The temples also preserve many Tang Dynasty historical artifacts, such as stone inscriptions, pagodas, and prayer flags. These relics are important witnesses to Tang culture, carrying the historical memory and cultural essence of the era. Visitors can learn about Tang religious beliefs, cultural arts, and social life through these artifacts, experiencing the prosperity and flourishing of the Tang golden age. 3. Rich Cultural Activities - Zen Meditation Experience: During your autumn visit, you can participate in Zen meditation sessions. Under the guidance of a Zen master, learn meditation techniques and feel inner peace and calm. Through meditation, you can let go of worries and stress, purifying and elevating your spirit. The experience not only reveals the charm of Zen culture but also offers a peaceful refuge amid busy life. - Cultural Lectures and Exhibitions: Some temples hold cultural lectures and exhibitions in autumn, inviting experts to explain Tang history, culture, and religious beliefs to visitors. You can also visit exhibitions of historical artifacts hosted by the temple, admiring more precious Tang relics. These activities deepen your understanding of Tang culture and history, allowing you to feel the unique charm of the Tang golden age. 📸 Photography Tips Best Spots - In the temple courtyard, use the ancient architecture and golden ginkgo leaves as a backdrop to capture photos with a Zen atmosphere. - In the surrounding mountains and forests, use the fiery red maple leaves and distant temple as a backdrop to capture colorful autumn photos. Hidden Gems - Take photos under the temple’s pagoda, using the ancient pagoda and falling leaves as a backdrop for a strong historical feel. Outfit Suggestions Wear light, comfortable clothing for easy walking inside the temple. If visiting in autumn, bring a warm jacket. It’s recommended to wear plain colors like gray or brown, which look more solemn and Zen against the temple background. 💡 In-Depth Experiences 1. Cultural Exploration - Learn about Tang Religious Culture: By visiting the temple, understand Tang religious culture, especially Buddhism’s development and influence during the Tang Dynasty. Learn about Buddhist sects, doctrines, and cultural connotations, experiencing the diversity and inclusiveness of Tang religious beliefs. - Explore Tang Architectural Culture: Study the temple’s structure and decorative arts to understand Tang architectural features and styles. Learn about layout, bracket sets, mortise and tenon techniques, and appreciate carvings and paintings, feeling the superb craftsmanship and unique charm of Tang architecture. 2. Family-Friendly Activities - Cultural Education for Families: Parents can bring children to visit the temple to learn about Tang history, culture, and religious beliefs. Visiting the temple helps children gain knowledge, broaden horizons, and cultivate interest and love for traditional culture. Parents can share temple history and Buddhist culture stories, allowing children to learn while having fun. - Family Zen Meditation Experience: Some temples offer family meditation sessions where parents and children can participate together. During meditation, families learn techniques and feel inner peace and calm. This experience strengthens family bonds and lets children enjoy Zen culture in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. ⚠️ Important Notes - Follow temple rules, keep quiet, and avoid loud noises. - Respect religious beliefs and monks, and do not disturb their lives or practices. - Protect the environment, and do not damage temple relics or natural scenery. 💦 Best Season Autumn is the best season to visit the Zen temple, with crisp air and pleasant scenery. The autumn views are picturesque, and Tang cultural relics are even more charming. However, weather conditions may vary yearly, so it’s recommended to check official information in advance. 🎫 Tickets & Hours - Tickets: Ticket prices can be found on official websites, travel platforms, or purchased on-site. Some temples may offer free admission, while others charge an entrance fee. - Opening Hours: Generally from morning [specific time] to evening [specific time], with possible seasonal and holiday adjustments. - Transportation: You can drive and navigate to the temple or use public transportation by checking local transit information. 💖 Personal Experience I recently visited a Zen temple in autumn. Upon entering, I was captivated by the golden ginkgo leaves and the ancient architecture. Inside, incense smoke curled gently, and bell sounds echoed, making me feel as if I were in a peaceful paradise. I participated in a meditation session guided by a Zen master, experiencing inner calm and peace. I also explored the temple’s historical artifacts, learning about Tang religious and architectural culture. The entire autumn temple visit was delightful—I not only enjoyed beautiful autumn scenery but also felt the unique charm of the Tang golden age. I highly recommend it to all friends who love Zen and historical culture. Autumn Tour Zen Temple Tang Golden Age Zen Autumn Scenery Cultural Exploration Family Travel P.S. Some temples may have vegetarian restaurants offering delicious vegetarian food, but you can also bring snacks and water just in case. Remember to check local weather and road conditions before your trip and plan accordingly~
View original text
*This content is provided by our partner and translated by AI
Posted: Oct 25, 2025
Submit
0
Mentioned in this post
Attraction

Ancient Guanyin Temple

4.5/578 reviews | Historic buildings
Xi'an
No. 1 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Xi'an
Details
Show more
Related Trip Moments
Ancient Guanyin Temple

Xi'an Millennium Top Ginkgo Tree Planted by Emperor Li Shimin Turning Yellow

JASE WEBER
Ancient Guanyin Temple

🔥Xi'an's top autumn viewing destination! See the thousand-year-old ginkgo trees fall all over the Zen temple~

Jasminehh
Ancient Guanyin Temple

Real footage of the millennium-old ginkgo tree personally planted by Emperor Taizong of Tang with a guide to Ruru Temple

Smith Brandon Bran
Ancient Guanyin Temple

Xi'an Autumn Ritual | City Full of Ginkgo

Max~Rivera
Ancient Guanyin Temple

The Ancient Guanyin Temple is located in Luohandong Village, Dongda Street, Chang'an District, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, and is a thousand-year-old temple with a long history.

Riley~Ward-Stella
Ancient Guanyin Temple

Autumn Viewing at Xi'an Ancient Guanyin Zen Temple | A Zen World Under the Millennium Ginkgo Tree

Price-~Benjamin
Ancient Guanyin Temple

【The Most Beautiful Ancient Temple in Chang'an! Under the 1400-Year-Old Ginkgo Tree, Encounter the Autumn of the Flourishing Tang Dynasty】

Rocky~Foster
Zhongnan Mountain

Ancient Guanyin Zen Temple in Xi'an: A Golden Legend Spanning a Thousand Years

MikaelKokko
Ancient Guanyin Temple

This ginkgo forest is stunningly beautiful! You can even get amazing shots on rainy days

Olivia Thompson48 Serenity
Big Wild Goose Pagoda

The rain in Xi'an turned the city walls green.

Floral Hotel
The Palace Museum

Must-go budget trips in September-October! 8 cities directly reachable by high-speed rail, guaranteeing your golden autumn romance

Jackson~Brown9
Ancient Guanyin Temple

[China] The spectacular thousand-year-old ginkgo tree! "Ancient Kannon Zen Temple" on the outskirts of Xi'an

タビノモリ