Encounter the ancient charm and Zen tranquility of Xiangyang Guangde Temple during the Dragon Boat Festival

During the Dragon Boat Festival, Xiangyang Guangde Temple offers a rare retreat of serenity. Located 13 kilometers west of Xiangyang City in Hubei Province, adjacent to the historic Longzhong, the temple was established during the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty and is renowned as one of the prominent Buddhist monasteries in Hubei's history. Inside the temple, towering ancient trees provide shade, while outside, clear waters encircle the grounds. The ancient ginkgo tree, bestowed the title "Protector of the Dharma" by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, stands as a testament to the passage of time with its lush branches and leaves. The Duobao Pagoda is another treasure of the temple, built between the seventh and ninth years of the Ming Hongzhi era. This Sino-Indian style ancient pagoda features 45 stone-carved seated Buddhas embedded throughout its interior and exterior, leaving visitors in awe. On May 31, 2025, the temple held a scripture chanting ceremony for the Dragon Boat Festival, attracting numerous devout followers who joined in to share the blessings of Buddha and experience the joy of Dharma. If you missed this event, you can still visit the temple at other times to immerse yourself in its tranquility and harmony. Here, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find inner peace. Strolling along the cobblestone paths, you can feel the solemnity and majesty of the ancient temple, listen to the monks chanting scriptures, and let your worries fade away.