Exploring Qiqihar: Zhalong Nature Reserve and Dacheng Temple

Blessings arise from the heart, and kindness is nurtured within. A wisp of smoke, a thread of thought. Gray walls, yellow tiles, red silk for prayers. All is tranquil, and the heart finds peace in the empty mountains. Visited Qiqihar's century-old temple: Dacheng Temple. The experience was truly unique and beautiful, unlike any other temple I've been to—it brought an unparalleled sense of calm. Dacheng Temple dates back to 1939 and spans a vast area of 31,000 square meters. It consists of structures like the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Mahavira Hall, and the Sutra Pavilion, surrounded by an octagonal wall with eight mountain gates. Inside, the temple houses statues of Maitreya Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, Dipankara Buddha, as well as Manjushri and Samantabhadra Bodhisattvas. It's an impressively large temple! Upon entering, you can offer incense freely—there are no strict requirements. The temple environment is serene and elegant, with Buddhist music playing continuously, creating a peaceful atmosphere. There are also many apricot trees in bloom, some already bearing fruit. Additionally, the temple has a Dharma artifact shop where you can DIY bracelets and necklaces, making for a meaningful experience. At 11:00 AM, you can visit the dining hall for a vegetarian meal, which includes simple dishes like potato stew with beans, steamed buns, and soup. This is truly a place to unwind and disconnect from the outside world. The moment you step in, you feel separated from the hustle and bustle, surrounded by tranquility and peace. If you're visiting Qiqihar, don't miss Dacheng Temple—it’s absolutely worth it!