Guoqing Temple

Welcome to Guoqing Temple, a site of immense spiritual and historical gravity nestled in the Tiantai Mountains of Zhejiang Province. As we stand here, we are at the very source of one of the most influential movements in East…

Your journey begins along a winding shaded path lined with seven small stupas, or pagodas, which serve as memorials to the founders of the Tiantai school. This entrance sequence is designed to prepare the mind for the sacred…

Deep within one of the inner courtyards stands perhaps the temple's most beloved living treasure: the Sui Plum Tree. Planted by the Abbot Guanding over 1,400 years ago, this tree is one of the three oldest plum trees in China. …

The Daxiong Baodian, or Mahavira Hall, of Guoqing Temple is a structure of dignified restraint. Unlike the garish restorations found elsewhere, the architecture here retains a sense of ancient gravitas. …

The Hall of Five Hundred Arhats is a sprawling structure that houses a staggering array of life-sized statues, each representing a unique disciple of the Buddha who has reached a high level of spiritual realization. In Chinese…

One of the most charming aspects of Guoqing Temple is its tea house, which reflects the monks' commitment to hospitality and self-sufficiency. In the past, the temple served an 'all-you-can-eat' vegetarian buffet for just two RMB…

Near the monastic quarters lies a small but significant museum and library dedicated to the history of the Tiantai school and its international influence. The museum houses a collection of ancient Buddhist artifacts, including…

As we conclude our walk through Guoqing Temple, I hope you feel the profound sense of peace and purity that defines this ancient sanctuary. We have traveled from the towering Sui Pagoda to the gnarled branches of the…