Where magnolias fall, a Zen cat wanders through the courtyard, a time spent in the ancient Dajue Temple.

Number of days: 1 day
Average cost: 20 yuan
With whom：a person

Visit a thousand-year-old temple for a moment of tranquility

See architecture and sculptures spanning thousands of years

Admire the magnolias that have bloomed for three hundred years

Enjoy a bowl of delicious Yangchun noodles

You might even encounter kittens and squirrels

Today, I'll take you on a tour of Dajue Temple, a thousand-year-old temple in Beijing. It's a great place for a peaceful and tranquil escape, and a chance encounter that spans a thousand years.

Drive to the Dajue Temple parking lot, which costs 20 yuan a day. If you don't want to pay for parking, you can park on the roadside. Search for parking on the Dajue Temple road, or watch the video at the traffic light location, where you can see many cars parked on the roadside. Every Wednesday, the first 200 people get in free. You can also enter at the 9:00 opening for a 20 yuan ticket. Dajue Temple was first built in 1068, the fourth year of Emperor Xianyong's reign in the Liao Dynasty. Originally named Qingshuiyuan (yes, you read that correctly), it was first built during the Liao Dynasty. Renovations in the Yuan and Ming dynasties gave it the name Dajue Temple, and it became an imperial palace during the Qing Dynasty. Red walls and black tiles rise in layers, following the mountainside. Sunlight filters through gaps in the century-old pines and cypresses, casting dappled shadows on the bluestone steps. Every step carries the echo of history. After hundreds of years, however, there are no monks left here, so incense burning and offerings have ceased. Burning incense and making offerings are prohibited within the temple. The temple isn't large, but every spot is worth exploring. The first thing I find noteworthy is the plaque in the Main Hall, inscribed with the inscription "Wu Qu Lai Chu" (Nowhere to Go or Come) by Emperor Qianlong. The plaque also features a coiled dragon carving, its body winding and coiling, its claws powerful and mighty, its head held high toward the heavens. Further inside, you'll see the majestic and compassionate Three-times Buddha, flanked by twenty deities with distinct expressions. Remember to look up at this point: the hall's caisson ceiling features a complete wooden dragon, a testament to the exquisite art of Qing Dynasty court art.

Further in, you'll find the Hall of Infinite Life Buddha and the Jialing Relic Stupa. The entire stupa is surrounded by pine and cypress trees, creating a unique "pine and cypress embrace the stupa" scene. The upturned and reclining lotus flowers and floral patterns on the Sumeru pedestal remain clearly visible despite the passage of time.

The purpose of my trip to Dajue Temple was to see the century-old magnolia tree, which stands in front of Siyi Hall and was transplanted from southern China by Zen Master Jialing during the Yongzheng reign. Over 300 years old, the trees still bloom year after year, earning them a reputation as one of Beijing's three great flowers, along with the lilacs at Fayuan Temple and the peonies at Chongxiao Temple. Although we arrived a little late, the blossoms had already begun to fade, but witnessing centuries-old trees in full bloom was truly magical.

Also, a visit in autumn is a must. The two ancient ginkgo trees in front of the Amitabha Hall at Dajue Temple are recognized as Beijing's most beautiful autumn sights. The male ginkgo tree to the north is said to have been planted during the Liao Dynasty. Despite over 900 years of wind and rain, it remains lush and vibrant. Standing 25 meters tall with a 7.5-meter diameter at breast height, it requires three or four people to hug. It's known as the "Ginkgo King." Don't laugh at me, but this is the thickest tree I've ever seen, and the first sight was quite impressive. The tender green ginkgo leaves are already showing their sharp fangs, and I look forward to their golden autumn glory.

If you're tired of strolling around, head to Minghui Tea House Shaoxing Restaurant. Their Yangchun noodles are truly exceptional, though... a bit pricey at 48 yuan, but definitely worth a try. The noodles are handmade, the broth is clear, and they're sprinkled with scallions. The generous portion is a truly unique experience, and dining in the tranquil surroundings of the ancient temple is truly a unique experience.

Of course, you might also encounter some unique encounters during your visit. The temple's cats are known as "Zen cats," either lazily basking in the sun or gracefully strolling beneath the red walls. They're unafraid of strangers, yet possess a certain indifference that blends seamlessly with the ancient temple's atmosphere. The chance of encountering a squirrel on the trails back in the mountains is quite high. I encountered one on this trip—a truly impressive one, darting back and forth among the trees, feasting on delicious fruit.

Finally, you can buy a popular fridge magnet from the cultural and creative store. I'm particularly fond of this magnolia design. The "Zen Cat"-themed merchandise is also very popular. There are also plenty of free stamps to be stamped, so remember to bring your notebook.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, we yearn for a quiet place where our souls can find rest. This ancient temple, spanning thousands of years, is absolutely worth a visit to experience its tranquility and rich history.