Tiantong Temple

I saw on Weibo that Tiantong Temple has been enjoying some lovely scenery lately, so I got up early, grabbed my backpack, and headed over. It was a long drive, and the bus driver didn't slow down the entire time. The roar of the engine was so deafening that I couldn't even hear the music through my headphones...

This time, I took the train to the final stop, directly to the prayer square halfway up the mountain. Tiantong Temple was as tranquil and serene as ever. Looking around, I was surrounded by mountains, with streams flowing through them, their waters crystal clear. There were numerous crisscrossing forested paths, rarely visited. Strolling through them, I felt as if I could empathize with the ancient scholars' love for mountains and rivers: wherever my eyes looked, my heart yearned.

When we got to Wansheng Pond, we first visited the snack stalls. The boiled corn was really delicious and cheap, only 3 yuan per stick. While eating and walking around, we saw many people in ancient costumes taking pictures. There was a very artistic angle at the Wansheng Pond, and many photographers with professional equipment gathered there.

Today I went to the temple and looked at each Buddha statue one by one. Each one had a different expression, each distinct and distinctive. Some were serene and peaceful, some were smiling, some were fierce and menacing, and some had glaring eyes. The expressions on their faces were so well-detailed. The most spectacular thing was the wall where the Five Hundred Arhats gathered. There, densely packed and yet staggered, were Buddha statues with different expressions and postures. I really don't know how ingenious the craftsmen were. I tried to find which one was the Monkey King, but I had no idea what his face looked like after he converted to Buddhism...

Further up is the living area for monks. The densely packed official walls of varying heights give one a feeling of being in a palace. No matter how beautiful the scenery is, it would be difficult to endure if one were imprisoned here all day long.

Pray for your family, enjoy the scenery along the way, and be grateful for the encounter.

A very famous temple in Ningbo, far from the city, very large, built on a mountain, very quiet

A very famous temple in Ningbo, far from the city, very large, built on a mountain, very quiet

I went there with my mom. It was my first time here. The area around the scenic spot might attract me more, hahaha. I'll go around it next time.

Childhood childhood childhood childhood childhood childhood childhood

The Buddha's treasure land is best seen when the ginkgo leaves turn yellow.

Electric cars are the worst, just like quarreling, menopausal old women

Only after visiting Ningbo's Tiantong Temple did I realize its true beauty. Built along a hillside, the temple offers a tranquil and refreshing atmosphere, with halls rising gradually uphill until they reach the mountainside. Flanked by lush forests, the air is fresh, and the steps are immaculately clean. It's considered one of the cleanest temples in China. It's even said that this tranquil place is spiritual, and a spring in the middle of the temple, known as "Immortal Water," is drinkable and truly relaxing. It's truly the most beautiful temple in Zhejiang.

The weather is good, with blue sky and white clouds, green mountains and beautiful scenery.

This is a small, unknown Zen temple, rarely visited by tourists from other places. Yet, it's a place I cherish most deeply, a place I can never quite let go of. My mother made a wish here, and so I was born. From birth until elementary school, my name was Tiantong. My childhood memories of Tiantong are of enormous ancient trees, sunlight filtering through verdant leaves, and the sense of freedom brought by the fresh air of the forest park. Interestingly, the most unforgettable memory is a giant centipede on the cobblestone path.

I hadn't been here since the second year of junior high school, until I returned to the area while doing social research with classmates in college. I took a bus from Haishu, got off at a small bus terminal, and revisited this now somewhat unfamiliar place. Walking along the pine-lined ancient path, I felt it gradually shrink. It was simply me growing up. The fish in the release pond had clearly been untouched for ages. The layout of the Zen temple, which had previously seemed like a maze to me, was now easily understood, and the steps to the Thousand Buddha Pagoda seemed shorter.

Climb to the corner of the tower to listen to the wind and the chimes, listen to the leisurely birdsong, feel the familiar humidity and temperature of the air, and listen to the gurgling water at the foot of the mountain. These have become familiar feelings that will never be forgotten.

There is a vegetarian buffet in the temple, lunch is 15 yuan and dinner is 10 yuan. A classmate who doesn’t like vegetarian food didn’t like it very much, but I had a big appetite.

September 2, 2018, Tiantong Temple, Ningbo



The weather was nice today, with blue skies and white clouds. Walking along the trail, the pine trees on both sides were very suitable for the scene. The sunlight filtered through the branches, creating both shade and charm. Perhaps this is the feeling of nature.

Because it's located in a forest park, practically at the foot of a mountain, the air is rich in negative ions. However, the autumn heat was incredibly intense, and I was sweating profusely. The temple itself was quite ordinary, but many of the trees were centuries old, including one that was 1,250 years old—a truly astonishing sight.

The most famous temple in Ningbo, the temple is very grand, the first choice for temples in Ningbo

We unexpectedly had a spring outing. Tiantong Temple Park, brimming with spring, left us with wonderful memories. I hope to visit again.

The entrance is very grand, and there is a snack kiosk after entering. The snacks are all delicious.

There is a seemingly abandoned venue at the park exit. It also looks very beautiful.

I have lived here for a while, and now I don’t know if the carp in the big pond in front of the door are still there. My first impression of monks did not come from Tang Monk in Journey to the West, but from the monks in Tiantong Temple. It was also because of Tiantong Temple that I had a new understanding of the southerners’ belief in Buddhism. Tiantong Temple is not the largest temple I have ever seen, but it does have the best scenery. If you have the opportunity to go there, the road in front of Tiantong Temple was built by me.

Tiantong Temple, located at the foot of Mount Taibai, 25 kilometers east of Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, was built in the first year of Yongkang in the Western Jin Dynasty (300 AD). It is one of the five famous temples of Zen Buddhism and is known as the "Southeast Buddhist Kingdom".

The temple covers an area of over 76,400 square meters, with a built-up area of over 38,800 square meters. It boasts 999 rooms across over 30 halls, pavilions, towers, pavilions, dormitories, and residences. Nestled at the foot of the towering Taibai Mountains, the temple is nestled between six peaks to the east, west, and north. Its back rests on the towering Taibai Peak; to its left are the Dongfeng, Zhongfeng, and Rufeng peaks; to its right is the Bowl Peak, a round, sculpted peak shaped like an inverted bowl; and the Yuqi Peak, a steep, precipitous peak resembling an unfurled flag. To the south, the vast expanse of sky and mountains stretches far into the distance, where a lush avenue of pines welcomes visitors on their pilgrimage.

The Jin Dynasty temple hidden in the bamboo forest is quiet and ancient, and it is worth a visit.

I've been there twice. The first time was in November 2017. I took the bus for over an hour from the city. Admission is free, but you have to buy an additional ticket to the nearby scenic area. The scenery is beautiful in autumn. I went there again a few days ago in April. I got off at the terminal and walked up the stairs. The breeze was so comfortable. There was no other sound. It was very quiet. As I walked up the stairs, I could hear birds singing, cicadas chirping, and the wind blowing through the leaves. It's a great place to walk when I'm feeling upset. Here are some photos from the two seasons.

Don't accept the advice of an old lady who asks you to worship Buddha, because she will ask you for a tour guide fee after you do it.

Free, few people, beautiful scenery, large scenic area, high playability

Hidden in the mountains, with a winding mountain road all the way, the temple is very large and the architecture is very distinctive. It is worth a visit if you are interested in ancient architecture.

There are many old trees in the temple, and the ginkgo leaves are particularly beautiful in autumn. The ducks in the pond are also very interesting.

It’s actually a free attraction!

Highly recommended, super worth it!

The scenery is beautiful, quiet and peaceful, quite like a high monk who has attained enlightenment

Unmoved by praise or criticism, just quietly guarding this pure land

A deep understanding of samsara is the foundation of spiritual practice. Only when we are certain of samsara's existence can we develop a distaste for it; with renunciation, the Dharma can lead us to liberation. If we don't believe in samsara or lack a deep understanding of it, we may treat the Dharma as mere solace or philosophical knowledge, seeking to comfort our fragile hearts and project our greed and fear.

A deep understanding of samsara is the foundation of spiritual practice. Only when we are certain of samsara's existence can we develop a distaste for it; with renunciation, the Dharma can lead us to liberation. If we don't believe in samsara or lack a deep understanding of it, we may treat the Dharma as mere solace or philosophical knowledge, seeking to comfort our fragile hearts and project our greed and fear.

The feeling exceeded expectations, the ancient temple, unique craftsmanship, and the forest park nearby.

One of the oldest temples in Ningbo. The ancestral temple of the Soto sect, which influenced Japan. The temple Chiang Kai-shek visited when he left his hometown.

Ancient temples, traces of history, and Tiantong Forest Park next to it

Tiantong Temple, located at the foot of Mount Taibai, 25 kilometers east of Ningbo, is one of the "Five Great Zen Mountains of China." Founded by the monk Yixing in the first year of the Yongkang reign of the Western Jin Dynasty, it stands over 1,700 years old. Legend has it that Yixing, while wandering here, built a thatched hut and constructed a monastery. Within his hut, he devoutly recited scriptures day and night. Over time, his devotion moved the Jade Emperor, who commanded the Venus Taibai to transform into a boy, descend from the sky, and serve and provide for him. After the temple was completed, the boy returned, hence the name "Tiantong Temple," and the mountains surrounding the ancient temple on three sides are now known as "Taibai Mountain."

There are so many people going there to pray for blessings during the New Year. In addition to praying and worshipping the Buddha, you can also climb the mountain and the air is great.

Tiantong Temple is nestled in the mountains, nestled within Tiantong Forest Park. With its fresh air and lush vegetation, it appears larger than the Lingyin Scenic Area in Hangzhou. Access is limited, so visitors are sparse. The exquisite architecture and carved beams and painted buildings demonstrate the dedication of the Ningbo municipal government to its preservation and investment.

Tiantong Temple is located on Tiantong Mountain in Ningbo City. It has beautiful scenery. The temple is built on the mountain and is magnificent and beautiful.

Ningbo is a very famous ancient temple. There are endless people burning incense and worshipping Buddha during the New Year. It is also very good that there is no entrance fee.

Pious people can go there~~It's really good

Having visited many temples, the environment of Tiantong truly made me want to stay. The green trees on either side, the neat stone steps, and the cascading halls all made me feel like I was taking refuge. I planned to spend a day here quietly contemplating life.

Tiantong Temple is a large temple complex, with its halls arranged in a tiered pattern, rising from low to high, following the slope of the mountain. Despite its vibrant atmosphere, the temple remains tranquil and solemn, offering a tranquil and dignified atmosphere. Next to the temple is a forest park, ideal for hiking. If you have the time, enjoy a hike and a bird's-eye view of the temple from above.

Ningbo is a very famous ancient temple. There are endless people burning incense and worshipping Buddha during the New Year. It is also very good that there is no entrance fee.

The scenery is really nice. Because it is next to the forest park, it is a bit tiring to walk up. You can take a shuttle bus for 10 yuan round trip, but the snacks on the way feel very dirty. Not only are the things expensive, but the sanitary conditions are also very worrying.

From downtown, take Metro Line 1 to Baozhuang Station (about 45 minutes), Exit C, and walk through the bridge toward the Ashoka Temple. About 200 meters away, take bus No. 162 (about 40 minutes if traffic is light) to the last stop, Tiantong Station. From there, walk directly to Tiantong Temple. There's no entrance fee; you can burn incense at the Dharma Distribution Center at the entrance. The pond at the entrance to Tiantong Temple is beautiful, and the temple is bustling with incense. Alternatively, get off bus No. 162 a stop earlier at the Tiantong Scenic Area and walk all the way to Tiantong Temple.

I gave Tiantong Temple a score of 4 on China-TravelNote. It is a relatively simple temple. When I went there, there were probably few tourists. They were all local residents who came to burn incense. The entire temple covers a relatively large area. There is a self-service map printer at the door. You can print the Tiantong Temple map for free by scanning the QR code with WeChat, which is very convenient. There is also a forest park next to the temple. You need to buy a separate ticket for this. However, for students who have a bad sense of direction, it is better not to go there. From the outside, it looks like the original state. You will get lost in a minute, but I guess the scenery inside should be pretty good. There is a distance from the parking lot to the main entrance. It takes about ten to twenty minutes to walk. It is not recommended to take a car at the door. It is actually quite good to breathe the fresh air of nature while walking and looking at the scenery next to it.

A great place to go when viewing the maple leaves

This is a well-known temple in Ningbo, located at the foot of a mountain. It's free and very popular. There's a fee to enter the forest park, but it's not expensive. While the scenery changes year-round and is perfect for a relaxing visit, autumn is recommended.

The scenery and architecture are beautiful, and the people are all very unique. If you don't want to be ripped off, you should check it out. Tiantong Temple is much larger than expected, surrounded by mountains and with clear water. It happened to be the time when the osmanthus flowers were in bloom, and the fragrance was so refreshing along the way. Standing on a high vantage point, looking at the layers of roof tiles after a rain, there is a very quiet atmosphere. This place is definitely worth a visit, and the temple itself does not require an entrance fee.



But the only downside was that my trip to Tiantong Temple was a truly terrible experience—perhaps the worst of my trip to Ningbo. First, I got on the wrong bus, then I was covered in bites from the mountain bugs. My arms and fingers were swollen like they'd been beaten up. Tourists should definitely bring some insect repellent or something. And that wasn't the worst part. As soon as I entered the temple with my incense, I was led by a "kind-hearted" person to pray to the gods. In less than ten minutes, I was scammed for nearly 100 yuan. I blamed my inexperience and stupidity, so I just considered it a mental refresher. Remember! Remember! Inside the temple, there are those middle-aged women in their forties or fifties carrying messenger bags who look like believers. As soon as you enter, they'll approach you, drag you along, and ask you to burn incense, then pray in various directions and halls. At the end, they'll demand a "service fee," which is often quite high. I was deeply impressed by the intricacies of even this pure Buddhist place. I was completely stunned. If you carry incense in your hand, you are easily noticed, especially by young women walking alone.



There are many pigeons in front of the gray temple wall, and they're not too skinny. Feeding the pigeons is just as fun as praying to the Buddha, so before you go up the mountain, stock up on corn or something. They're sold at the foot and mid-mountain, but scenic spots are always expensive. I originally bought some for lunch, but ended up feeding most of the corn to the pigeons. Also, after the bus arrives, many people usually walk along the flat concrete road, which is the roadway. You can also go over to the winding wooden bridge. The sidewalk is made of cobblestones, flanked by pine and cypress trees, which is quite charming.

I went there when I was very young. I didn't feel anything at the time. Looking back now, I think it was because I didn't have a deep understanding at that time.

Tiantong Temple, located at the foot of Mount Taibai, 25 kilometers east of Ningbo, is one of the "Five Great Zen Mountains of China." Founded by the monk Yixing in the first year of the Yongkang reign of the Western Jin Dynasty, it stands over 1,700 years old. Legend has it that Yixing, while wandering here, built a thatched hut and constructed a monastery. Within his hut, he devoutly recited scriptures day and night. Over time, his devotion moved the Jade Emperor, who commanded the Venus Taibai to transform into a boy, descend from the sky, and serve and provide for him. After the temple was completed, the boy returned, hence the name "Tiantong Temple," and the mountains surrounding the ancient temple on three sides are now known as "Taibai Mountain."

Tiantong Temple is a must-see in Ningbo in autumn.

A thousand-year-old temple, free to visit, and very large. The main hall is very majestic. The scenery is very nice with green all around.

Tiantong Temple is located on Tiantong Mountain in Ningbo City. It has beautiful scenery. The temple is built on the mountain and is magnificent and beautiful.

Tiantong Temple, with a history of over 1,700 years, was once listed as one of the five great Zen monasteries and bestowed the title "Second of the Five Mountains of Chinese Zen." It is considered one of the four great Zen monasteries, along with Jinshan Temple in Zhenjiang, Tianning Temple in Changzhou, and Gaomin Temple in Yangzhou. Tiantong Temple covers nearly 60,000 square meters, nestled against the mountainside in a terraced layout, with 720 buildings. Wang Anshi of the Song Dynasty praised it in a poem: "Twenty miles of pine forest almost fade away, green mountains hold forth the palace of the Brahma King." However, the buildings outside the mountain gate of Tiantong Temple are haphazard, some trees are dying, and the environment is dirty and untidy, a stark contrast to the scenic beauty. The Yinzhou District Government has decided to fund large-scale demolition and remediation of areas surrounding the scenic area, and local villagers have actively cooperated with this major project. The demolition is already more than halfway complete, and the new 1,175-meter-long bypass road around Santang Village is nearly complete. Reportedly, the Tiantong Temple scenic area renovation project involves demolishing a total of 21,000 square meters of various structures, primarily concentrated around the Fuhu Pavilion. These structures include residential buildings, factories, hotels, restaurants, farm buildings, and collective housing, representing a complex mix of structures. Dongwu Town officials have provided policy information and guidance to residents of Tiantong and Santang Village, holding several symposiums with Party members and village representatives to clarify the practical significance of the scenic area renovation. They have also organized a visit to Lingyin Temple (Meijiawu) in Hangzhou for some village representatives. During the demolition process, the town also commissioned a professional assessment firm to conduct a comprehensive survey and evaluation in conjunction with the villagers, a move that has received their full support. Since the full relocation began, over 12,900 square meters of housing has been demolished.

A famous Buddhist holy place, the yellowing of the ginkgo leaves is very beautiful in autumn.

I originally planned to only visit the Ashoka Temple, but since I had more time, I took a half-hour drive to the Tiantong Temple.

There were unexpectedly many people, many mountain roads, and a lot of incense.

Not requiring tickets is truly a conscience of the Buddhist community.

I hope the new year will be smooth sailing.

I had originally planned to go to the Forest Park, but it was raining that day so I didn't go. Tiantong Temple had excellent air and was crowded with people praying, probably because it was Laba Festival. Known as the "Southeast Buddhist Kingdom," Tiantong Temple is a well-known temple in Ningbo.

A place that everyone will visit when they go to Ningbo. It has a historical and cultural temple and is a little way from the city center.

The most scenic temple I've ever been to is one of the most representative temples in Ningbo. It's free to visit and is best visited in autumn when the ginkgo leaves turn yellow and the maple leaves turn red. It's a relaxing place with no commercial atmosphere. You'll understand once you visit.

Located in the eastern suburbs of Ningbo, about 30 kilometers from the city center, it is a famous temple;

Tiantong Temple is located at the foot of the towering Taibai Mountain. "The peaks embrace the temple, and the temple suppresses the peaks." It is surrounded by six peaks in the east, west and north.

When I was a child, I lived with my relatives for one summer vacation. My grandfather took me and my cousin to Tiantong Temple. The statues of the Four Heavenly Kings were deeply rooted in my mind.

The scenery is very beautiful, I go there every year. There is no entrance fee to enter the temple, but you need to enter the forest park, but it is not very expensive. It is a place worth visiting.

It's far away from the city, and it really feels like being away from the hustle and bustle...

It is a very famous temple in Ningbo. It is at the foot of the mountain with beautiful scenery. The mountain is not high, which is very suitable for weekend outings. The air is very good and the temple is very large. You can see ginkgo in autumn and winter plum in winter. It is worth a visit!

Tiantong Temple is free to visit and has a strong incense business. It has different scenery throughout the year, but I prefer Tiantong Temple in autumn. Autumn is the season when ginkgo trees fall, and the ground is covered with ginkgo trees drifting in the wind, like an ink painting!

You can spend a day to visit it, small things are relatively cheap, suitable for weekend relaxation

Tiantong and Yuwang Temples are probably the most famous places in Ningbo, but they are quite far away.

A great place to relax on weekends. It's great for a walk or something. The forest park next door costs 20 yuan.

The thousand-year-old temple is well-deserved of its reputation, with many eminent monks. The scenery is beautiful and it is a good place to listen to lectures.

Tiantong is quite close to Ashoka Temple, and the temples are similar.

Ginkgo leaves are beautiful Ginkgo leaves are beautiful Ginkgo leaves are beautiful

Generally, you can just go hiking for leisure on weekends, it doesn’t count as a tourist attraction!

It’s okay to take the whole family to breathe some fresh air on the weekend. It’s a good place for the elderly to climb mountains!

Tiantong Temple is still popular in the hearts of Ningbo people.

It is more than 30 kilometers away from the city, the incense is very prosperous, and the repair is very clean.

It is small in scale, but has a long history and is very famous. The ginkgo trees outside the temple are a great background for taking photos in autumn.

The environment is quiet... I recommend going there in late autumn, where you can see a row of golden ginkgo trees... A good place to relax on weekends

I remember my father took me to Tiantong Temple once when I was a child. I have a vague impression of it. Anyway, it is a good place to go on weekends.

Tiantong Temple, located in Dongwu Town east of Ningbo, is a large temple nestled against the backdrop of Mount Taibai. Its tranquil setting is not particularly popular with pilgrims or tourists, and monks can often be seen strolling or meditating within the grounds, creating a tranquil atmosphere devoid of commercial activity. Even for non-Buddhists, a visit here is a pleasant experience for immersing in the religious atmosphere and breathing in the fresh air. Unlike other temples, Tiantong Temple has three gates. Following the tree-lined path up the mountain, you'll pass Fuhu Pavilion, the Ancient Mountain Gate, and Jingqian Pavilion. The Thousand Buddha Pagoda can be seen from afar. Because the temple is located adjacent to Tiantong National Forest Park (no park admission required), the scenery along the way is breathtaking, with a vast expanse of greenery.