In May, flowers meet with the sea, mountains acquaint themselves with water and the lives of residents become laid back and relaxing. For the best places to unwind, simply try meditating in a sacred ancient temple.
Hangzhou-Lingyin Temple
Since the construction of Lingyin Temple, numerous eminent monks and literati have gathered here to exchange Confucianism and Buddhism cultures, talk Zen and chant and recite with each other, which, has become a magnificent cultural spectacle. In addition, the temple also boasts a lot of historical relics like Buddha statues, instruments, buildings with Buddhism lection and joss, stone pagodas, monuments, calligraphy and paintings. These precious Buddhist cultural heritages have made Lingyin Temple to be listed as one of the protection sites of national key cultural relics. In the new century, Lingyin Temple is attracting tourists at home and abroad with its unique Buddhist culture, magnificent temple buildings and beautiful and elegant natural scenery. The Lingyin Temple has long been a Buddhist resort for tourists to study Buddhism, sightsee, pray and take rest and relaxation.
Taizhou, Tiantai Guoqing Temple
With a location resting at the foot of the Huading Mountain, Guoqing Temple was built in the Sui Dynasty (A.D.598 year). As one of the famous ancient temples in China, it’s reputed as the birthplace of Chinese and Japanese Buddhism. In China, most ancient temples are located in valleys surrounded by mountains on three sides, but the Guoqing Temple is located in a fairy-like land which is surrounded by mountains on all sides. Even with crowds of tourists the temple remains peaceful.
Entering Guoqing Temple, literati can pay tribute to cultural relics and review the past; followers of Buddhism can burn incense, worship the gods and pray; and even the most impetuous of people will feel calm and peaceful whilst listening to the Buddhist chants.
Zhoushan, Mount Putuo Buddhist Campus
With a 1,200-year-old Buddhist culture, Putuo enjoys a widespread reputation all the time. Morning recitals, studying bowing ceremonies, listening to masters explain scriptures and enjoying vegetarian dishes ... This is the Buddhist life in Putuo. If you want to try meditation in Putuo, then you can choose the Buddhist Academy of China, Mount Putuo Campus in Zhujiajian as your destination.
Shaoxing, Xinchang Giant Buddhist Temple
With a history spanning more than 1600 years, the Giant Buddhist Temple was built in the East Jin Dynasty. It’s reputed as the “Dunhuang in the Yue state (Ancient Zhejiang Region)” for its huge Grotto Maitreya Buddha Statue and Thousand-Buddha Grotto. Unlike the golden Buddha statues, the bandage monks here are carved by stones. Excluding the brilliant and glorious design, it is blessed with an abundance of peace and serenity.
Lishui Suichang • Qianfo Mountain Future Temple
Qianfo Mountain not only boasts attractive landscapes, but it also owns a miraculous natural Maitreya Buddha-like mountain in the Future Temple. Facing to the West and covered by natural vegetation, it has a height of one hundred Zhang (one Zhang equals 3.3 meters). In the Qing Dynasty, Zhu Huang once vividly described the Buddhist world of the Qianfo Mountain. In the early morning, it is a leisurely thing to listen to the Buddhist sounds, enjoy the fragrance of Zen tea and feel the mountain freshness.
Ningbo Xikou •Xuedou Temple
The well-known Xuedou Temple may be your first choice when you want to find a place for meditation in Ningbo. It is also one of the ten Zen Buddhist Temples and the ashram of the Laughing Buddha "Maitreya". When Su Dongpo (a famous ancient poet) read the "Xuedou Extolments", the longing and yearning for going to the Xuedou Temple arose spontaneously.
