Ancient Guanyin Temple | Tranquil and simple after the crowds

|Tranquil and simple after the crowds. The Ancient Guanyin Temple in Xi'an, Shaanxi, is home to a ginkgo tree planted by Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, for Empress Zhangsun. The tree is over 1,400 years old. A thousand-year-old temple and a thousand-year-old ginkgo tree, a sight to behold! Best time to visit: Late October to early November is the best time to see the thousand-year-old ginkgo tree at the Ancient Guanyin Temple. The golden ginkgo leaves hang from the branches and fall to the ground, creating a picturesque scene that attracts many visitors. Avoid the peak season for ginkgo viewing, when there are fewer visitors, and you can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and ancient architecture of the temple in peace, and feel the historical and Zen atmosphere of this thousand-year-old temple. Opening information From December 2, the Ancient Guanyin Temple will be open as usual, and no reservation is required to enter the temple. The opening hours are 9:00–16:30 on weekdays (entry to the temple stops at 16:30, and the mountain gate closes at 17:00). On special holidays, the first and fifteenth day of the lunar month, the birthdays of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, and public holidays, the mountain gate opens at 8:30. Transportation You can choose to drive or take public transportation. For public transportation, take bus 734 or 333 to the "Nanshi Village" bus stop, and walk about 870 meters to reach the temple. - Tour route: The temple is not large, and you can visit the main attractions according to the signs, such as the thousand-year-old ginkgo tree, Guanyin Spring, Dazhong Zen Hall, and Dashan Courtyard. - Take photos: The temple has a unique charm in winter, and you can take photos of the ancient buildings with red walls and gray tiles, and the withered trees. If it snows, you can take photos of the ancient and elegant scenery. - Experience Zen: You can participate in Zen meditation activities, learn Zen sitting and meditation, and feel the wisdom and power of Buddhism. You can also taste vegetarian food and experience vegetarian culture.