A journey to embrace Zen has always been a dual nourishment for both body and mind. On this trip to southern Fujian, I chose Jinjiang Quanduo Hotel as my home base, heading to Xuefeng Temple in Nan’an to trace a thousand years of Zen history. Seamlessly switching between urban convenience and mountain tranquility, I entrusted the hotel’s gentle comfort with my fatigue and the ancient temple’s serene Zen melodies with my restlessness and noise, creating a leisurely and healing slow-paced time.
Staying here is the most reassuring start to this Zen journey. The hotel is located in the heart of Jinjiang, offering a quiet retreat amid the bustling city while enjoying convenient transportation, saving much travel hassle on the way to Nan’an Xuefeng Temple. Upon entering the hotel, you are enveloped in a warm and elegant atmosphere, with soft warm-toned lighting that is gentle on the eyes. The minimalist and grand decor combines texture and comfort without clutter, perfectly reflecting the calm and peaceful mood of a Zen journey.
The guest rooms are spacious and bright, with thoughtful details everywhere. The soft, skin-friendly bedding is fluffy and comfortable, like sinking into clouds, easily dissolving all travel fatigue for a restful night’s sleep. The clean and tidy bathroom features a considerate wet-dry separation design, fully equipped toiletries, bringing the convenience and comfort of home. By the window, a cozy corner invites quiet rest or emptying the mind. Without rushing anywhere, you can find a moment of peace in this little world, gathering energy for the next day’s mountain climb and Zen search. The hotel’s attentive service adds warmth, with a 24-hour front desk always ready, comprehensive facilities, and a rich self-service breakfast including porridge, noodles, snacks, refreshing side dishes, hot drinks, and fresh fruit. Enjoying a warm and nutritious breakfast in the morning awakens the body and mind, setting off with ease and comfort toward Nan’an Xuefeng Temple.
Departing from Jinjiang Quanduo Hotel, the drive to Nan’an Xuefeng Temple reveals changing scenery. The city’s hustle gradually fades, replaced by the fresh mountain air. Reaching the foot of Yangmei Mountain, lush greenery layers the landscape, refreshing the soul. The mountain breeze carries the scent of grass and trees; even before entering the ancient temple, the heart is already calm. Slowly ascending the winding mountain road, the path is secluded and peaceful, with birdsong echoing in the quiet mountains. Far from the noisy traffic of the world, only the sounds of wind and birds remain, bringing a peaceful and serene state of mind.
Nan’an Xuefeng Temple, a thousand-year-old ancient temple hidden deep in Yangmei Mountain, was founded during the Tang Dynasty. Known as the “Pearl of the Buddhist Kingdom in Southern Fujian,” it has withstood the test of time, still preserving its simple and solemn appearance. It is a renowned Zen retreat in southern Fujian. Climbing the steps, the rustic mountain gate stands quietly. Inside, red walls, black tiles, and upturned eaves perfectly blend traditional southern Fujian architecture with Buddhist Zen spirit. There is no strong commercial atmosphere, only tranquility and serenity, instantly letting go of worldly distractions.
Within the temple, towering ancient trees form a green canopy. Centuries-old trees stand silently, witnessing the temple’s changes over time. Sunlight filters through the leaves, scattering golden light, peaceful and beautiful. Walking through the temple, incense smoke curls, Buddhist chants float gently, and wind chimes softly ring in the breeze, cleansing the soul. The halls are solemn, the Buddha statues compassionate. Visitors slow their steps and speak softly, feeling the solemnity and kindness of Buddhism in this pure land, sincerely praying for inner peace and smoothness.
Following the temple paths upward, the scenery changes with every step, full of Zen spirit. The Clear Heart Spring is crystal clear, its water fresh and sweet. Drinking a sip feels like washing away worldly worries. The Tai Xu Cave is deep and quiet; stepping inside brings cool comfort and a calm mind. The winding path meanders through the woods, with a gentle breeze and surrounding greenery. Every step is unhurried, every breath filled with freshness. From the summit, the mountains stretch endlessly, clouds flow like seas. The grandeur and beauty of southern Fujian’s landscape unfold before your eyes. Looking down, mist swirls among the mountains; in the distance, fields and villages scatter. The vastness of heaven and earth opens the mind. As the ancient temple couplet says, “High in status, the sun and moon pass over the shoulders; with an open courtyard, rivers and mountains are always in hand.” Standing in the mountains, one understands this transcendence and openness.
There are no bustling crowds or noisy sounds at Xuefeng Temple, only the tranquility of the mountains and forests, the serenity of the ancient temple, and the enduring Zen spirit. You can sit quietly on the stone steps, listening to the wind through the treetops and the lingering chants, conversing with your inner self. You can stroll along the temple corridors, admiring carved beams and painted rafters, appreciating the vitality of plants, feeling time’s slow flow. Or climb higher, conquering mountain paths, letting go of restlessness during the ascent, and finding release at the summit. Let your body and mind immerse in this Zen landscape, shedding all fatigue and worries.
As the sun sets, ending a day of mountain climbing and Zen seeking, you return to Jinjiang Quanduo Hotel with a heart full of peace and calm. After a day in the mountains and forests, though physically tired, the spirit is refreshed, transparent, and serene from the Zen immersion. Back in the cozy room, shedding the dust of travel, lazily leaning on the bed, savoring the temple’s tranquility, the greenery of the mountains, and the lingering chants from the day. The worldly restlessness and worries have long vanished.
The hotel’s night is quiet and peaceful, warmer and more comfortable than the mountain’s chill. No need to rush or be busy, just enjoy this comfort and tranquility, slowly cherishing the day’s Zen insights. The warm breakfast in the morning, the ease and convenience of travel, and the comfort of returning home—Quanduo Hotel offers an ultimate lodging experience, perfectly concluding this Zen journey, blending the calm of Zen seeking with the comfort of travel.
Stay at Jinjiang Quanduo, climb Nan’an Xuefeng—this journey to embrace Zen is a rest for the body and a cultivation for the soul. At Quanduo Hotel, find stability and comfort in lodging; at Xuefeng Ancient Temple, gain the purity and serenity of Zen. No need to chase time or conform to noise; seek Zen among mountains and waters, find peace in warmth. This is the most touching meaning of a trip to southern Fujian and an unforgettable journey that heals the heart.
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