Xiyuan Temple: A Popular Destination

Introduction: I've always wanted to visit this legendary temple. First of all, I want to clarify that there is an entrance fee of CNY 5 even if you arrive before 8 AM. It is not free unless you are eligible for discounts. You should enter the temple first, then exit through Xiyuan. Perhaps because it was a Saturday, it was extremely crowded. Unlike other smaller temples that are mainly visited by local elderly people, this place attracts many tourists of all ages. Everywhere you look, there are people burning incense, donating coins, kneeling in prayer, eating noodles, and buying buns. Even on a cloudy day, Xiyuan Temple has a sense of tranquility. The many cats in the temple seem to be still asleep, but they are awakened by the visitors. According to the driver, the temple sells millions of bowls of vegetarian noodles every year. If you haven't tried the vegetarian noodles in the temple, you must give them a try. Guanyin Noodles (bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and gluten) cost CNY 15 per bowl, as do Jixiang Noodles (vegetarian chicken, pickled vegetables, edamame, and greens). Ruyi Noodles (wood ear, roasted bran, daylily, and bean sprouts) cost CNY 10. It was too crowded, so I didn't eat the noodles because I had already bought CNY 5 worth of raw noodles and cooked side dishes (bamboo shoots and mushrooms) at Dinghui Temple. Photo 15 shows how crowded it was. Turn left at the Drum Tower and walk west, and you will see many people lining up to buy buns. They cost CNY 2 each, sold in sets of 5 for CNY 10. The buns are really good and big, like small steamed buns, with plenty of mushroom, vegetable, and tofu filling, as shown in Figures 18-19. You can enter the temple to eat noodles, and then line up to buy buns. Although the line is long, it moves quickly, and you can get to the front in about 10 minutes. ⛺[Things to Know]: Enter the temple from the middle and exit the garden from the west. Enter the temple to eat noodles, and exit the garden with buns. You can also visit the nearby Lingering Garden. 🛬[Itinerary]: Take bus 317 directly to the temple. Allow about 1–2 hours for taking photos, strolling around, and eating noodles. 🧡[About Portrait Rights] The portraits in the photos involve portrait rights. They are shared on Trip.com for non-commercial purposes only. If there is any infringement, please contact me to delete them. Please do not misuse them for commercial purposes. Thank you.