Guoqing Temple - One of the three major ancient temples in China

Guoqing Temple is located on Mount Tiantai in Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province. The temple was first built in the 18th year of the Sui Kaihuang era (598 AD), originally named Tiantai Temple. It was here that the eminent Sui Dynasty monk 'Master Zhiyi' founded the Tiantai school of Buddhism, making it the birthplace of the Tiantai tradition. In 604 AD, Emperor Yang of Sui ascended to the throne and personally inscribed the name 'Guoqing Temple' with the verse 'If the temple is accomplished, the nation will be pure,' to signify the clarity and peace of his reign. The importance of Guoqing Temple at that time is evident from the fact that the peace and stability of a nation were entrusted to a single temple. Master Jianzhen, a great monk, visited Guoqing Temple during his eastward journey to Japan. A Japanese monk who studied abroad (Saichō) also came to Mount Tiantai to study Buddhism. After returning to Japan, he built Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei and founded the Japanese Tendai school, honoring Guoqing Temple on Mount Tiantai in Zhejiang as its ancestral temple. The current Guoqing Temple was rebuilt by imperial order in the 12th year of the Yongzheng era of the Qing Dynasty (1734). It is known as one of China's four great ancient temples, alongside Lingyan Temple in Jinan, Qixia Temple in Nanjing, and Yuquan Temple in Dangyang. Throughout history, many high monks have resided at Guoqing Temple, including Master Yixing, Hanshan, Shide, Monk Jigong, Kūkai the founder of Japanese Shingon Buddhism, and Saichō the founder of Japanese Tendai Buddhism. The temple houses a plum tree planted by the fifth patriarch of the Tiantai school, Master Zhang'an, known as the 'Sui Mei,' which is one of the three oldest plum trees in China. During the 60s and 70s, it nearly died out, but after Premier Zhou Enlai ordered the restoration of Guoqing Temple, the once withered Sui Mei miraculously bloomed again, becoming a spectacular sight. The stone pagoda outside the temple is the oldest stone pagoda from the Sui Dynasty. The two white marble lions in front of Guoqing Temple were moved from the Forbidden City in Beijing. The incense burner in front of the Mahavira Hall was cast by Emperor Qianlong in honor of his mother's birthday, known as the 'Holy Longevity Incense Burner.' The eighteen Arhat statues inside the hall were carved from golden Phoebe nanmu wood during the Yuan Dynasty. In addition, the temple's Sui Mei, half of a goose by Wang Xizhi... Numerous ancient artifacts and the beautiful temple landscape captivate all who see them, inspiring joy and admiration. The simple and solid Guoqing Temple awaits your appreciation. Admission: Free. Opening Hours: 7:00~16:00 Among the four ancient temples, Guoqing Temple and Lingyan Temple allow pets inside. If you wish to save energy, there are electric shuttle cars at the foot of the mountain that go to and from Guoqing Temple, with a one-way ticket costing 2 yuan.