Exploring the Millennium Ginkgo at Gu Guanyin Zen Temple | Autumn Zen Journey at the Foot of Zhongnan Mountain

Essential Preparations Before Departure (Must Know) Before setting off, please make sure to understand and complete the following three key tasks for a smooth visit: · Core Attractions and Best Time to Visit The temple is most famous for a millennium-old ginkgo tree said to have been planted by Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin. The best viewing period is from late October to mid-November each year, when the ginkgo leaves turn golden. It is recommended to visit on weekday mornings or afternoons to avoid crowds. · Reservation (Crucial, Free but Mandatory) Entry to the temple requires advance real-name reservation; no tickets are sold on-site. Reservation channels: Make reservations via the WeChat official accounts “Zhongnan Chanyun” or “Gu Guanyin Zen Temple.” Release rules: Reservations can be made up to 3 days in advance (including the day of), with new slots released promptly at 12:00 noon daily. Slots are very limited during peak seasons (especially weekends). Notes: Each WeChat account can reserve for up to 2 people. If your plans change, please cancel at least 1 hour in advance to avoid affecting future reservations. · Transportation Guide Self-driving: Navigate to “Gu Guanyin Zen Temple.” There is a parking lot outside the temple with a fee of about 10 RMB. It is recommended to arrive early during peak seasons. Public transport: Take Metro Line 2 in Xi’an to “Weiqu South Station,” then transfer to bus 332 or 730 to “Luohandong Village” or “Nanshi Village” stops, followed by a 10-15 minute walk to the temple. Highlights and Experiences After entering the temple, besides admiring the ginkgo, you can deeply experience the Zen atmosphere here: 1. Millennium Ginkgo and Guanyin Divine Spring: The ancient ginkgo tree is tall and majestic, with golden leaves in autumn and fallen leaves covering the ground, creating a stunning scene. Next to the tree is the “Guanyin Divine Spring,” said to have clear, ever-flowing water that has accompanied the ancient tree for a thousand years. 2. Temple Architecture and Zen Spaces: The temple includes the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Mahavira Hall, and the Yuantong Hall (dedicated to the Thousand-Hand Guanyin). The serene environment, with red walls, dark tiles, and golden ginkgo, is perfect for peaceful strolls. 3. Special Cultural Experiences: The temple occasionally hosts Zen meditation sessions, tea ceremonies, or Buddhist cultural lectures. If you happen to encounter one, you can participate and feel the charm of Zen culture. Practical Visiting Tips To make your visit more comfortable, please note the following suggestions: · Dress Code and Etiquette: As a religious site, please dress appropriately, avoiding short skirts, shorts, or sleeveless tops. Maintain quiet inside the temple and avoid loud noises. · Visiting and Photography: Do not climb or shake the ancient tree. Follow rules when taking photos; photographing Buddha statues and monks is generally prohibited. To protect the ancient tree and for safety, drones and tripods are not allowed inside the temple. · Food and Shopping: The temple’s vegetarian dining hall offers vegetarian noodles for about 15 RMB per bowl, which you can try. Prices for temple goods may be high, so you may bring your own water and snacks. Outside the temple, villagers sell local products like ginkgo nuts, which you can buy as needed. Suggested Itinerary You can refer to the following schedule for a fulfilling one-day visit: · Morning (9:00 - 12:00): Arrive at your reserved time slot and enjoy the ancient ginkgo tree and Guanyin Divine Spring in the morning light. · Noon (12:00 - 13:00): Taste a bowl of vegetarian noodles in the temple dining hall. · Afternoon (13:00 - 16:00): Quietly explore the Hall of Heavenly Kings, Mahavira Hall, and other buildings, or sit peacefully in a corner of the Zen courtyard to feel the tranquility. If time permits, you can visit the surrounding mountain tourism area at the foot of Zhongnan Mountain or the nearby Nanwutai Scenic Area for further exploration. Nearby Recommendations If you still want more after your visit, consider the following places: · Food Exploration: After returning to the city, visit Huimin Street to taste Xi’an’s specialty snacks such as roujiamo (meat sandwich) and beef or lamb paomo (bread soaked in mutton soup). · Cultural Extensions: If you have a special interest in ancient ginkgo trees, there are several famous old trees around Xi’an, such as the Laozi-planted ginkgo at Louguantai (about 2600 years old) and the ancient ginkgo at Baita Temple in Tianziyu (about 1700 years old), but these are farther away and require separate trip planning.