Tangshan Chanlin Temple, encounter the golden Buddha land under the thousand-year-old ginkgo trees

📍Detailed address: Chanlin Temple Village, Houjiazai Township, Zunhua City, Tangshan, Hebei Province (north adjacent to the Great Wall, south facing Banruo Lake) 🚗 🚗Transportation guide: A treat for self-drivers📣 Depart from Tangshan city center → Changshen Expressway → Zunhua East Exit → drive north about 15 kilometers along Bangkuan Line, the mountain scenery along the way is as colorful as an oil painting🖼️, the whole trip takes about 1.5 hours. For public transport users, take the special line from Zunhua Bus Station to Houjiazai Township, then take the scenic area shuttle (the vintage-feeling tricycle that stops when waved at is super charming~)🛺 🕙Opening hours: 08:00-17:00⏰ It is recommended to visit early on weekdays, the ancient temple shrouded in morning mist is most Zen-like☁️ 💰Ticket price: Current price in 2025 is 50 RMB/person (half price with student ID🎫)! Buying tickets in advance on the “Zunhua Culture and Tourism” WeChat public account saves 5 RMB and grants access to an electronic guided map🗺️ 🌟Highlights →The stunning thousand-year-old ginkgo tree group🎊 Eight 1300-year-old ancient ginkgo trees inside the temple intertwine their crowns into a golden dome. When the leaves fall, it looks like a “golden rain” special effect! The best photo spot is on the stone steps in front of the Mahavira Hall; at 3 PM, the slanting sunlight through the branches creates star-shaped light spots✨ (remember to bring a polarizing filter) →Ancient stele corridor crossing time📜 The Liao Dynasty “Touling Stele” comes with a mysterious filter! On rainy days, mountain and water patterns appear on the stele surface. Locals say this is the “Dragon Vein of the temple” showing its spirit🐉 Remember to use your phone flashlight to shine obliquely on the stele surface to observe crystal flashes~ →Banruo Lake heart secret realm🌊 Behind the temple’s back mountain lies a blue-green lake! Walk along the wooden plank road to the viewing platform to capture triple reflections of the ancient temple, ginkgo trees, and lake water📸 There is a heart-shaped crooked-neck tree by the lake, a must-visit spot for couples💑 📌Tips: • Early to mid-November is the peak period for ginkgo leaves! Follow the “Chanlin Temple Ginkgo Forecast” WeChat public account for color change updates📢 • Bring a portable folding stool! Low-angle shots looking up can avoid crowds and capture a full screen of gold🍁 • You can quietly sit in on the monks’ noon class in the backyard (14:00-15:00), the Sanskrit chants accompanied by falling leaves are healing to the max🎵 • Don’t forget to toss a coin into the wishing pool before going down! If the coin bounces three times on the stone turtle’s back, you will receive good luck🐢 The late autumn Chanlin Temple is not only a visual feast but also a spiritual spa~ When the ancient temple bell startles the ginkgo leaves into flight, you will understand the romance of “one leaf, one Bodhi”💫