When Spring Arrives, Come for a "Zen Retreat" in Hangzhou in 2025!

Spring has arrived, and flowers are blooming everywhere. Hangzhou presents vibrant scenery with its swaying willows, golden flowers, February flower fields, canola flower fields, and the fragrant Longjing tea, all creating an intoxicating atmosphere! Popular destinations like Bai Causeway, Su Causeway, Prince Bay Park, Maojiabu, Dongsha Lake Park, and Longjing Village have become everyone's favorite destinations! So here's the question: amid all the blooming flowers, where can you find a quieter atmosphere that's perfect for spiritual elevation? After some thought, Uncle Cricket recommends a "Zen retreat" in Hangzhou, where your spirit can bloom in zen! Let's talk about Hangzhou Futuo Temple, a temple surrounded by thousands of acres of bamboo forest, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere! Historically, the temple was named Futuo (meaning "pot holder") because of its beautiful scenery, with mountains surrounding it like a pot holder and a basin-shaped depression in the middle. It was founded by monk Juehai in 912 (second year of Qianhua in the Liang Dynasty). It was destroyed during the late Yuan Dynasty, rebuilt in early Ming Dynasty's Hongwu period and renamed Futuo Temple. It was rebuilt again in 1655 (12th year of Shunzhi) and renamed Baolong Temple. In modern times, Futuo Temple was reconstructed in early 2013, featuring buildings such as the mountain gate, Hall of Heavenly Kings, Main Hall, Guanyin Hall, Sutra Library, bell tower, and drum tower. The temple grounds are filled with ancient trees and a tranquil environment, making it an ideal place for self-cultivation. In spring 2025, Futuo Temple is hosting a "Bamboo Sea Singing Bowl Zen Inquiry" activity. Here are the details: Time: Check-in before 13:00 on April 4, 2025, ending at 14:00 on April 6. Location: Futuo Temple, Baizhang, Yuhang District, Hangzhou (arrive on your own) Accommodation: Triple rooms arranged (extra charge for single occupancy) Registration: Follow "Futuo Temple." Highlights: Participate in temple tours, morning sutra chanting, singing bowl meditation, zen meditation, bamboo forest walking meditation and tower climbing, seven bowls of tea ceremony, and more. Note: Due to limited spots, please pay promptly after registration. Payment confirmation secures your spot. ID card required for check-in. If you cannot attend after payment, the fee will be considered as a temple donation. Wear comfortable, loose clothing and shoes suitable for meditation and outdoor activities. If the event is canceled due to special circumstances, you will be notified three days in advance. For fellow travelers, finding a temple away from the bustling world to quietly reach your spiritual sanctuary and embark on a journey of deep self-dialogue is quite an interesting experience! Especially the "Bamboo Forest Walking Meditation and Tower Climbing" - walking meditation means achieving a meditative state while walking. Walking through the bamboo forest and climbing the Xiaoen Tower, the panoramic view opens up your mind. Moreover, Futuo Temple isn't just a temple - it's a cultural treasury housing numerous Buddhist scriptures, stone inscriptions, and cultural relics. It's an excellent place for historical exploration, as if traversing through a thousand years to have a spiritual dialogue with the ancients. Practical information for Hangzhou Futuo Temple: Free admission, no reservation needed. Open 8:00-17:00. Follow "Futuo Temple" to participate in activities. Located at Futuo Temple, Baizhang Town, Yuhang District, Hangzhou. Accessible via bus routes 2597C, 2597, 7457M, get off at Futuo Temple stop. Self-driving or chartered vehicles recommended. What do you think? Are you interested in Hangzhou Futuo Temple? Welcome to leave your comments!