Jiangsu also has its own "Little Western Paradise"

Mudan Ancient Town, Suzhou: A Tranquil Time Hidden in a Thousand-Year-Old Temple In the long history of Suzhou, there is a Mudan Ancient Town, which is like a pearl in the south of the Yangtze River, exuding a unique charm. And in this ancient town, there is a Mingyue Ancient Temple, open to the public for free, like a hermit, silently telling the stories of thousands of years. When we talk about the profoundness of history, Mingyue Ancient Temple is definitely a topic that cannot be avoided. It was first built in the second year of Qingtai in the Later Tang Dynasty, which is 935 AD, by the wise monk Mingzhi. Just imagine, it was a distant era more than a thousand years ago. In those turbulent and legendary years, the birth of Mingyue Ancient Temple was like a beacon, illuminating the hearts of people in the world. More than a thousand years is enough to turn the sea into fertile fields, but this ancient temple has stubbornly survived, witnessing the changes of countless dynasties, experiencing the baptism of wind and rain, and still standing tall. This is a miracle in itself. Walking into Mingyue Ancient Temple is like stepping into a time tunnel, separating us from the hustle and bustle of modern times. The architectural style of the temple is simple and elegant, and every brick, tile, beam, and column seems to be whispering stories of the past. However, you may not expect that this ancient temple underwent a major restoration in 1993. At that time, in order to reproduce the former glory of the ancient temple, the craftsmen spent a lot of effort. The most amazing thing is that the whole hall was actually sculpted on-site from purple clay. Purple clay, a unique material famous in Yixing, has been given new life by the craftsmen, blooming with a unique artistic light in Mingyue Ancient Temple. When you stand in front of these exquisite sculptures, you can't help but be impressed by the exquisite skills of the craftsmen. They perfectly blend history and art with their hands, giving this ancient temple new vitality and reopening it to the public. For us tourists, Mingyue Ancient Temple is not only a historical site, but also a haven for the soul. Here, you can temporarily put down the fatigue and worries of life, calm down and feel the peace and tranquility. In the early morning, when the first ray of sunlight shines on the eaves of the ancient temple, the entire temple is plated with a layer of golden light. Between the interplay of light and shadow, it seems that you can see the scene of monks practicing morning bells and evening drums thousands of years ago. Walking into the Mahavira Hall, the smoke is lingering, and the Buddha statues are solemn. At that moment, the impetuousness in your heart is instantly calmed down, and you will unconsciously immerse yourself in this strong Buddhist atmosphere, thinking about the true meaning of life. In the courtyard of the ancient temple, there are several ancient ginkgo trees. Every autumn, golden ginkgo leaves fall one after another, like a golden rain, covering the ancient temple with a thick carpet. Walking among them, the rustling sound from under your feet is like the ancient temple whispering to you. At this time, you can pick up your camera and record this picturesque scenery, or simply find a corner to sit down, close your eyes, listen to the sound of the wind and the leaves, and feel the harmonious coexistence of nature and the ancient temple. Mingyue Ancient Temple does not have the crowds of popular attractions, but it has its own unique charm. It is open to the public for free, as if it is sending a sincere invitation to everyone who desires to explore history and find spiritual comfort. Whether you are a history and culture lover or a city dweller who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, it is worth a visit. Come to Mingyue Ancient Temple, and encounter a tranquil time in this thousand-year-old temple, and meet a better self.