Guoqing Scenic Area in Taizhou（Zhenjiang）

Guoqing Scenic Area in Taizhou: A 1,400-Year-Old Temple Where Ancient Plum Blossoms Meet Rice Fields
At the southern foot of Tiantai Mountain, surrounded by five gentle peaks, stands an ancient Buddhist temple whose gates face east toward the morning sun—Guoqing Temple (国清寺).

Founded in 598 during the Sui Dynasty, Guoqing Temple has stood here for more than 1,400 years. It is recognized as the birthplace of the Tiantai School of Buddhism and is regarded as an ancestral temple for Tiantai Buddhist traditions in both Japan and South Korea.

Yet what makes Guoqing Temple truly special is not simply its age or religious status.

There is no admission fee. Monks still cultivate rice in the fields outside the temple. A simple vegetarian meal can cost as little as RMB 2, and an ancient plum tree believed to be more than 1,400 years old continues to bloom each spring.

Guoqing Temple does not feel like a monument frozen in history. It feels like a place where history has quietly become part of everyday life.

If you are looking for a peaceful place in Zhejiang where you can slow down, walk among ancient trees and rice fields, and experience more than a millennium of living Buddhist culture, Guoqing Scenic Area is one of Taizhou's most rewarding destinations.

The Three Sui Treasures: Temple, Pagoda and Ancient Plum Tree

Guoqing is famous for what locals call the “Three Sui Treasures”—the Sui Dynasty temple, the Sui Pagoda and the Sui Plum Tree.

Together, they preserve a connection to the period when the Tiantai Buddhist tradition was first established here.

The Sui Plum Tree: More Than 1,400 Years of Spring

Near the Daxiong Hall, beside the Plum Pavilion, stands the legendary Sui Plum Tree (隋梅).

According to tradition, it was planted by Master Zhang'an, an important figure in the early Tiantai Buddhist tradition. With a history of more than 1,400 years, it is regarded as one of China's oldest surviving plum trees.

Its trunk is twisted, weathered and deeply marked by time. Yet every year, usually from February to March, new blossoms appear on its ancient branches.

The sight is particularly memorable when the pale plum flowers are framed by the temple's historic architecture. The contrast between an ancient tree still producing flowers and buildings that have witnessed more than a thousand years of history gives Guoqing Temple a remarkable sense of continuity.

For photographers and spring travelers, this is one of the best reasons to visit Tiantai.

The Sui Pagoda: A Monument Outside the Temple

Outside Guoqing Temple stands the historic Sui Pagoda (隋塔).

It is associated with Yang Guang, the Prince of Jin who later became Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty. According to historical tradition, the pagoda was built as an act of gratitude connected with the Buddhist master Zhiyi, one of the most important figures in the development of the Tiantai School.

The remaining structure rises to approximately 59.4 meters, making it one of Zhejiang's most impressive ancient pagodas.

Time has left its mark on the structure, but its incomplete appearance only adds to its solemn character.

The late afternoon, especially around 5:00–6:00 p.m., is a particularly atmospheric time to photograph the pagoda when warm sunlight falls across its weathered surface.

Buddhism and Farming: Rice Fields, Streams and a RMB 2 Vegetarian Meal

Perhaps the most charming thing about Guoqing Temple is that it never feels overly formal.

Outside the temple are rice fields.

The Buddhist tradition of combining cultivation and spiritual practice has long been part of life here. The principle of “no work, no food” is not simply an idea from a distant past—agricultural work remains closely connected to the temple's daily rhythm.

In spring, rice seedlings bring fresh green color to the landscape. In autumn, the fields turn golden.

Before you even enter the temple, you can already feel something unusual about this place: ancient Buddhist architecture is not separated from ordinary life. Rice fields, streams, mountain paths and temple walls all exist together.

A Simple Temple Meal That Feels Like Part of the Experience

Guoqing Temple's vegetarian food has become famous among travelers. The temple and its food culture have also appeared in food documentaries, including A Bite of China.

The monastery kitchen is known for simple ingredients and traditional preparation. Homemade marinated tofu and vegetables grown by the temple are among the flavors visitors often remember.

A basic vegetarian meal at the dining hall is traditionally available for around RMB 2—a simple combination of rice, vegetables and soup.

It is not luxury dining, and that is exactly the point.

The food is plain, warm and satisfying. Many of the ingredients come from the temple's own gardens, giving the meal a strong connection to the land surrounding the monastery.

For another quiet dining experience, follow the historic Xiake Ancient Trail uphill to Zhizhe Pagoda Courtyard (智者塔院). Around lunchtime, visitors can enjoy a simple vegetarian meal for approximately RMB 5.

After eating, visitors are expected to clean their own bowls.

It is a small experience, but one that perfectly matches the atmosphere of Guoqing: simple, practical and unhurried.

Best Time to Visit Guoqing Scenic Area

Guoqing Temple can be visited throughout the year, with each season offering a different atmosphere.

• February to March: The best time to see the famous Sui Plum Tree in bloom. This is one of the most beautiful seasons for photography.
• June to August: Ancient trees provide deep shade, while the streams around the temple offer a refreshing escape from the summer heat.
• October to November: Rice fields turn golden, making this the best season to experience the temple's connection with farming and everyday rural life.
• Winter: Visitor numbers are lower, and the temple becomes especially peaceful and contemplative.

For the quietest experience, arrive between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m.. Morning light filtering through the old trees and falling across the stone paths creates some of the most beautiful moments of the day.

Opening Hours and Admission

Guoqing Temple is generally open from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Admission to the temple is free.

Opening arrangements and visitor policies may change during special events or holidays, so checking the latest official information before visiting is recommended.

How to Get to Guoqing Scenic Area

By High-Speed Train

Take a high-speed train to Tiantaishan Railway Station (天台山站).

From the station, a taxi ride to Guoqing Scenic Area takes approximately 15 minutes and costs around RMB 20, depending on traffic.

You can also use local public transportation. Buses including Routes 5, 7 and 9 serve the Guoqing Scenic Area area, and many local bus services in Tiantai offer free rides.

By Car

For self-driving travelers, search for “Guoqing Scenic Area” or “Guoqing Temple” in your navigation app.

Parking is available near the entrance area. From there, visitors can either take a low-cost scenic shuttle or walk approximately 1 kilometer toward the temple.

If time allows, walking is recommended.

The approach itself is part of the experience, with mountain scenery, old trees and rural landscapes gradually preparing you for the temple.

Recommended Half-Day Route

For a relaxed visit without rushing back and forth, follow this route:

Outside the Temple → Sui Pagoda → Fenggan Bridge → “Sui Dynasty Ancient Temple” Screen Wall → Main Gate → Maitreya Hall → Daxiong Hall → Sui Plum Tree → Guanyin Hall → Abbot's Building → Xiake Ancient Trail → Zhizhe Pagoda Courtyard

Start outside the temple to see the historic pagoda and surrounding landmarks before entering through the east-facing gate.

Continue through the main temple complex at a slow pace, stopping at the Daxiong Hall to see the famous Sui Plum Tree.

If you have enough time and energy, leave the temple and follow the Xiake Ancient Trail uphill toward Zhizhe Pagoda Courtyard. Enjoying a simple vegetarian lunch there is an excellent way to end your visit.

Photography Tips

The Sui Plum Tree is the most famous photography subject in spring. Try framing its ancient branches against the temple walls and historic architecture.

The Sui Pagoda is particularly atmospheric in the late afternoon, when warm sunlight creates dramatic shadows and silhouettes.

The rice fields in front of the temple are most colorful in spring and autumn.

For clothing, simple neutral colors, modern Chinese-style outfits or traditional Hanfu can work beautifully with Guoqing's historic and tranquil setting.

However, remember that Guoqing Temple is an active religious site. Photography should always be respectful of worshippers and religious activities.

Travel Tips

• Free incense: Visitors can generally receive three sticks of incense at the temple, so there is no need to bring your own.
• Keep quiet: Guoqing is an active Buddhist temple, not just a sightseeing attraction. Please speak softly and respect religious practices.
• Protect the ancient plum tree: The Sui Plum Tree is a precious historical and cultural relic. Do not climb, break or pick its branches and flowers.
• Take only what you can eat: At the dining hall, take food according to your appetite and avoid wasting it.
• Clean up after your meal: Visitors are traditionally expected to wash their own bowls after dining.
• Wear comfortable shoes: The temple itself is easy to walk around, but the Xiake Ancient Trail and the route to Zhizhe Pagoda Courtyard involve uphill walking.

Explore More Around Guoqing Scenic Area

Guoqing Scenic Area sits at the foot of Tiantai Mountain, making it easy to combine with other attractions for a one- or two-day trip.

Tiantai Mountain Waterfall (天台山大瀑布) is nearby and is known for its spectacular 325-meter drop, creating one of the most dramatic waterfall landscapes in the region.

Shiliang Waterfall (石梁飞瀑) is another classic Tiantai attraction, famous for its narrow stone bridge spanning the rushing water and its long association with the great Chinese traveler Xu Xiake.

In late April and May, travelers can head toward Huading (华顶) to see the famous Yunjin Rhododendrons, which transform the mountain landscape during the flowering season.

For an evening experience, consider visiting Zhexi Old Street (赭溪老街), while the Former Residence of Ji Gong (济公故居) offers another opportunity to explore Tiantai's cultural history.

Guoqing Temple: More Than a Temple, a Different Way of Living

From the first stones laid here in 598 to an ancient plum tree still blooming more than 1,400 years later, Guoqing Temple has witnessed an extraordinary passage of time.

Yet its greatest charm may be found in the smallest details.

A monk working in a rice field.

A quiet stream flowing past old trees.

The fragrance of plum blossoms in early spring.

A simple bowl of vegetarian food.

A visitor washing a bowl after lunch before continuing up a mountain path.

Guoqing Temple has brought together Buddhist history, Tiantai culture, farming traditions, ancient architecture and everyday life in a way that few destinations can match.

There is no admission fee, no need for an expensive ticket and no requirement to rush from one attraction to another.

Instead, the temple offers something much harder to price: the scent of a 1,400-year-old plum tree, the warmth of a simple vegetarian meal and a few hours of genuine quiet.

If you are looking for a place in Zhejiang where you can truly slow down and let your mind rest, make time for Guoqing Scenic Area in Taizhou.

Here, the plum tree dates back to the Sui Dynasty, the pagoda carries more than a thousand years of history, and in the rice fields outside the temple, another season is quietly beginning.