Discover an Underrated Gem of a Temple in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai Region (With Guide)

The Xinchang Dafo Temple, hailed as the 'Dunhuang of Yue Kingdom', is a perfect place for a breath of fresh air on a hike It's also a popular filming location for many TV dramas. I've compiled a detailed travel guide, so take note!❗️❗️ ✅Xinchang Dafo Temple Travel Route Walk past the pavilion in the lake➡️Arrive at Mingjing Lake + Shuanglin Grottoes + Asia's Largest Reclining Buddha➡️Stroll the skywalk to check in at the Thousand Buddha Hall + City God Temple - Buddha Heart Square➡️Lotus Pond + Dafo Temple Gate➡️Pass by the Fish Release Pond➡️Enter the Shicheng Ancient Temple + the Largest Buddha in Southern China➡️Return the same way to the Fish Release Pond➡️Cross the forest to reach Prajna Valley➡️Ten Thousand Buddha Pagoda➡️Buddha Mountain Sacred Mirror➡️Petrified Forest + Dinosaur Park➡️Exit ✅Must-See Attractions and Locations 1️⃣Asia's Largest Reclining Buddha Carved from the original rock formation in the grotto, the reclining Buddha is 37 meters long and 9 meters high. 📍Location: Ascend the stone steps on the left side of Mingjing Lake 2️⃣The Largest Buddha in Southern China It's the only remaining early grotto sculpture in southern China. The Dafo Temple Gate, the 'Fu' character yellow wall, and the Xiaoyao Tower were filming locations for 'Zhou Sheng Ru Gu' and 'Jin Xin Si Yue', making them perfect spots for drama fans to visit. 📍Location: Enter the temple gate from Buddha Heart Square and proceed to the Great Buddha Hall 3️⃣Prajna Valley Originally a Ming dynasty underground quarry, now showcasing Prajna culture with dark cliffs and water curtain waterfalls creating a beautiful scene. Two grotto statues are must-visit spots. 📍Location: There's a small door to the right of the Buddha statue wall at the seven-level waterfall 4️⃣Buddha Mountain Sacred Mirror A very large Maitreya Buddha, perfectly blending natural mountain with man-made head, making the Buddha seem like a mountain and the mountain like a Buddha, hence the name 'Buddha Mountain Sacred Mirror' 5️⃣Lantern Festival There are many lanterns placed around the scenic area, making it very lively during the New Year period, and an evening stroll in the park is not to be missed ✅Knowledge Points 1️⃣Thousand Buddha Monastery Another grotto sculpture besides the Great Buddha, predating the Great Buddha, retains the style of the Southern Dynasties, and is an ancient grotto sculpture art building of great research value 2️⃣City God Temple Originally built during the Song dynasty, it was relocated here from the west gate of the county town in 1986 ⚠️Tips to Avoid Pitfalls 1. Book tickets a day in advance to save 10r 2. After ticket inspection, don't rush to get on the tour bus, it's only a few minutes walk, and you can enjoy the lakeside scenery along the way 🚗Transportation 1. High-speed train Arrive at Shengzhou Xinchang Train Station, take the 'Xinchang 22' bus to the 'Dafo Mountain' bus stop 2. Self-driving Navigate directly to the attraction, parking is available at the entrance 🎫Ticket Information: 80r 🕒Opening Hours: 08:00-17:00 📍Navigation Location: No. 117 Renmin West Road, Xinchang County, Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province ⛰️Distance: About 8 kilometers, takes about 3 hours, mainly on foot, the mountain is not high 🏰Nearby Attractions: Qipan Xian Valley, Nineteen Peaks Scenic Area, Tianmu Mountain Scenic Area, Wozhou Lake, Meizhu Ancient Village, can be combined for a one-day or two-day tour in Xinchang