Explore the Guoqing Temple on Tiantai Mountain: The Legend and Charm of a Thousand-Year-Old Temple

In Chengguan Town, Tiantai County, Taizhou, Zhejiang, there is a treasure temple with a history of over 1,400 years - the Guoqing Temple on Tiantai Mountain. It was built in the 18th year of the Kaihuang period of the Sui Dynasty by Master Zhizhe and is the birthplace of the Tiantai Sect. "If the temple is built, the country will be peaceful," it was renamed from the original Tiantai Temple, carrying a beautiful meaning. This ancient temple has endured many hardships, being destroyed multiple times by war and natural disasters. It was fully restored in the 12th year of the Yongzheng period of the Qing Dynasty, but was damaged again during the Cultural Revolution. Fortunately, it was restored in 1973 under the care of Premier Zhou Enlai. The Guoqing Temple covers an area of 73,000 square meters, with over 600 ancient buildings arranged along five vertical axes, built according to the mountain's terrain, rising layer by layer, symmetrical yet lively. The temple is home to many cultural relics, including the "Sui Plum" planted by Master Zhang'an Guanding, the "Three Sages Hall" commemorating Hanshan, Shide, and Fenggan, a 13-ton bronze statue of Shakyamuni from the Ming Dynasty, and 18 Nanmu Arhats from the Yuan Dynasty, as well as cliff inscriptions by famous calligraphers such as Wang Xizhi. The annual Ullambana Festival and Buddha's Birthday Festival attract countless believers and tourists. The temple is open all year round from 07:00 to 16:00, and there is no entrance fee. After taking the high-speed train to Tiantai Mountain Station, a taxi ride of about 20 yuan will get you there. If you drive, navigate to Guoqing Temple, park for 10 yuan, and walk for 10 minutes to reach it. Come to Guoqing Temple to experience its simplicity and tranquility and explore the mysteries of its thousand-year history. Guoqing Temple