Guqing Scenic Area is located 3 kilometers north of Tiantai County. The Guoqing Temple here was constructed based on the design drawn by the founder of the Tiantai Sect, Master Zhi. The temple is surrounded by towering ancient trees and is the ancestral temple of the Tiantai Sect in China, a must-visit destination for tourists to Tiantai. Despite the constant stream of visitors, Guoqing Temple maintains the serenity of Buddhism, devoid of vendors selling incense, yet still showcasing historical relics such as the Sui Pagoda, Tang Camphor, and Song Vines. Strolling through the temple gives a sense of calm and ease.
Upon reaching the entrance of the ‘Guqing Scenic Area,’ follow the main road, passing a small rice field, until you reach the temple after about five to six hundred meters. For those who prefer not to walk, electric vehicles are available for transportation. To the right of the archway, there are seven stone pagodas, and a nearby path leads to the Sui Pagoda on the mountain. Climbing the steps, you will soon arrive at the pagoda. Standing and gazing up at the mottled colors of the pagoda evokes a sense of tranquility. After admiring the Sui Pagoda, you can return down the mountain and continue to explore Guoqing Temple. For a panoramic view of Guoqing Temple, consider walking up the Xiake Ancient Path from the Sui Pagoda, which offers an expansive view. Passing the Han Shi Pavilion, viewing the Tang Camphor, and crossing the Feng Gan Bridge leads you to the mountain gate of Guoqing Temple.The Sui Dynasty Ancient Temple is a remarkable site, with its outer wall adorned by the four large characters that give it its name, attracting numerous visitors to take photos. To begin your visit, purchase incense tickets at the ticket office nearby before entering the temple grounds.
Constructed along the mountain’s slope, the temple can be divided into three distinct sections from bottom to top. The temple gate is modest, marked by a horizontal plaque that reads ‘Guoqing Lecture Temple,’ and it tends to be crowded with tourists. Upon entering, you’ll first come across the Maitreya Hall, which is followed by the Yuhua Hall and the Mahavira Hall. These are the areas where both tourists and worshippers gather most frequently. The Mahavira Hall is the temple’s main structure, housing Shakyamuni Buddha and the eighteen Arhats.
Adjacent to the Mahavira Hall, a small path leads to the Sui Mei, an ancient and twisted plum tree that bears witness to the temple’s long history. Continuing past the Mei Pavilion and ascending further, you’ll reach the temple’s Medicine Buddha Hall, which is located next to the Xizhang Spring. Above this, the higher-level Guanyin Hall houses a statue of the Thousand-Armed Guanyin.
In the vicinity, the Sino-Korean Tiantai Sect Ancestors Memorial Hall enshrines statues of three founding patriarchs, including Master Zhi. The inscriptions on the stone body and copper top of the Lotus Sutra Pillar are also noteworthy, as they are the work of renowned calligraphers. This hall marks the temple’s highest point, and from here, you can look back at the Sui Pagoda below, framed by the layered eaves of the temple buildings, offering a unique and memorable view.Embarking on a visit to the temple, you begin by descending from the left and passing the Sanxian Hall. This leads you back to the Mahavira Hall. From here, you follow the passage westward, quickly reaching the ‘Goose’ stele, a unique and singular work by Wang Xizhi, known for its natural and flawless character. As you continue your journey, you encounter other significant buildings such as the Miaofa Hall, Jia Lan Hall, and Arhat Hall, each worthy of a brief visit.
Heading towards the exit, you pass by the fish pool of the Yu Le Guo, which brings you back to the Maitreya Hall, situated near the exit. While there are no more buildings to explore along this path, the journey is far from over. The gnarled Song Vines and ancient trees that grow horizontally by the roadside present a rare and striking natural spectacle.
For those interested in immersing themselves in monastic life, the temple offers vegetarian meals, with lunch typically served between 10:30 and 11:00. The temple grounds are open to visitors year-round, from 07:00 to 16:00. To fully experience the tranquility and serenity of Buddhist culture, it is highly recommended to visit during non-holiday periods and off-peak seasons, as fewer tourists enhance the overall experience.
