Beijing Blossoms | The wintersweet flowers at the Wofo Temple are in full bloom!

| The wintersweet flowers at the Wofo Temple are in full bloom! 🌼 The wintersweet flowers at the Wofo Temple are in full bloom! In early March, I visited the ancient Wofo Temple in Beijing, where bunches and clusters of wintersweet flowers had quietly blossomed amidst the chilly spring rain. By mid-March, they will reach their peak blooming period! 🏯 About Wofo Temple | 🔺 My first attention to Wofo Temple was drawn by a description from Lin Huiyin about the ancient temples in western Beijing, stating that it was built during the Zhenguan era and is one of the few well-preserved Tang Dynasty temple complexes in the northern region. Despite having been burnt down several times, it still retains the traditional seven-hall monastery layout. 🔺 Wofo Temple is not large, but the architectural complex is complete. Entering through the mountain gate, one first sees the fish pond and flying bridge, followed by the Pool of Rebirth. Along this central axis, one passes through the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Hall of the Three Worlds' Buddhas, and the main hall, the Wofo Hall. On both sides of the axis are the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, as well as the east and west side halls of the second courtyard. 🔺 Noteworthy is the calligraphy inside the temple. The plaque of the Hall of the Three Worlds' Buddhas, 'Shuanglin Suijing,' was written by Emperor Yongzheng, and the couplets on both sides below were written by Emperor Qianlong. The 'Xing Yue Heng Ming' and the couplets below in the Wofo Hall were written by the birth mother of Emperor Tongzhi, and the phrase 'De Da Zi Zai' inside the Wofo Hall was also provided by Emperor Qianlong. 🌼 The wintersweet flowers at Wofo Temple | Wintersweet flowers at Wofo Temple are mainly planted in the front and back courtyards, not along the central axis. In addition to the common varieties, there are also a few red-hearted wintersweets. The front courtyard is more crowded, so those who do not wish to be in a crowd can go to the back courtyard. Wintersweet is often called the 'spring herald flower,' blooming before spring, with little yellow flowers set against the ancient temple's red walls, full of vitality. 📍 Route to enjoy wintersweet flowers: 🚏 Public transportation requires entering from the south area of the Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden Station on the Xijiao Line, and walking from the south to the north area. 🚃 Those who do not wish to walk can take a sightseeing car for 20 yuan, which goes directly to the entrance of Wofo Temple. 🚖 Taking a taxi to the east gate of the Botanical Garden is closer, about 1.5 kilometers. 🚘 If driving, consider going to Wofo Mountain Villa, where you can have a simple meal and then directly enter Wofo Temple! 🎟 Tickets: Botanical Garden 10 yuan, free with an annual pass. Wofo Temple separately 5 yuan. 🎐 What's the deal with Wofo Temple's 'offer' joke? | The internet recently started calling Wofo Temple 'offer temple,' because when friends from the south read 'Wofo Temple,' it sounds close to 'offer,' so Wofo Temple was brought online and became a lucky temple for receiving offers. It's worth noting that, currently, Wofo Temple is only for worshiping Buddha and making merit donations; one cannot burn incense or ask for prayer beads. If you are sincere, just pray in your heart, for sincerity brings spirituality, haha!