[2024 Xi'an Attraction] Travel Guide for Guguanyinchan Temple (Updated Oct)
No.14 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Xi'an
Temples
Address:
Luohandong Village, Dongda Street, Chang'an District, Xi'an
Opening times:
Open today at 09:00-17:00(Admission ends at 16:30)Opening Soon
Recommended sightseeing time:
1-2 hours
Phone:
029-85867417
Ancient Guanyin Zen Temple in Xi'an | The ginkgo tree hasn't turned yellow yet.
At the foot of Zhongnan Mountain in Chang'an, the Ancient Guanyin Zen Temple is home to a 1,400-year-old ginkgo tree that was planted by Emperor Taizong of Tang for Empress Zhangsun. The yellow leaves dance in the wind, whether it's blowing or not. In front of the ancient ginkgo tree, you can light a stick of incense and pray for the health and safety of your family. The leaves of the tree haven't turned completely yellow yet. In another week or two, it will be the best time to see the ginkgo tree. By then, the golden ginkgo leaves will cover the ground.
⏳Recommended visit time:
🍂Late October🍂
The leaves of the ginkgo tree start to turn yellow, but only the edges or some of the leaves may change color. The tree doesn't present a spectacular view of golden yellow yet. However, if you want to avoid the peak season and experience the process of the ginkgo leaves turning yellow, it's also a good time to visit.
🍂Early to mid-November🍂
This is the best time to see the ginkgo leaves when their color is the brightest. The golden leaves shine in the sun, contrasting with the ancient temple buildings, presenting a unique charm. At this time, only a few leaves have fallen, so you can see the complete shape of the ginkgo tree.
🍂Late November to early December🍂
As time goes by, a large number of ginkgo leaves start to fall, covering the ground like a golden carpet, presenting a unique view. However, the leaves on the tree become sparse, and the overall view may be slightly inferior.
🕙Opening hours:
Open all year round from 09:00 to 17:00. The temple gate opens at 08:30 on the first and fifteenth day of the lunar month and on statutory holidays. Currently, no reservation is required, which is very convenient!!
🚉Transportation guide:
Bus: Take bus No. 734 or 333 and get off at "Nan Cun" bus stop. Then walk 870 meters to the temple.
Drive: Navigate to the parking lot of the Ancient Guanyin Zen Temple. There is also a parking lot in the nearby Luohandong Village, which costs CNY 10.
EvelynThompson
The whole internet is waiting for a tree to turn yellow.
But the only regret is that this is a limited-edition beauty unique to Xi'an! That's right, we're talking about the Guanyin Zen Temple.
The Guanyin Zen Temple is located at the southern foot of Mount Zhongnan. This ancient temple once became famous online due to a 1,400-year-old ginkgo tree. It is said that this tree was planted by Emperor Li Shimin of the Tang Dynasty himself. Many people have come here to see this tree, which looks like it is wearing golden armor.
There are several ginkgo trees in Shaanxi Province that are older than this one. But when it comes to beauty and aura, the one at Guanyin Zen Temple is unmatched.
Every year, from mid-October to early November, the ginkgo tree, said to have been planted by Emperor Li Shimin of the Tang Dynasty himself, is covered in layers of gold. It shines brightly against the backdrop of Mount Zhongnan and the ancient temple.
🍁Here are some tips:
▫️There are several parking lots nearby. You can choose one that is convenient for you. Parking fee is 10 yuan and there is no time limit.
▫️It takes about 1 hour to drive from the city center to here.
▫️If you want to take aerial photos, it is recommended to take off from the parking lot. Drones are not allowed inside the temple.
▫️There are fewer people queuing during the week, and more people on weekends.
▫️If you want to eat, there are many restaurants in the alley at the exit, but the food is not very good.
▫️Just bring a wide-angle and telephoto lens for taking photos.
📍Address: Luohan Dong Village, Dongda Street, Chang'an District, Xi'an.
EMELIA SCHULTZ
Ancient Guanyin Zen Temple | Take a look at the most beautiful thousand-year-old ginkgo tree under my care
🍂 In autumn, a place in Xi'an you can't miss is the Ancient Guanyin Zen Temple's 'thousand-year-old ginkgo tree'
The ginkgo tree planted by Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, has been beautiful for 1400 years. Each deep autumn 🍁 the ginkgo tree is laden with fruits, and by late autumn, it becomes as picturesque as a poem
The ginkgo tree is very tall, covered in gold, majestic and extraordinary, with fallen yellow leaves beneath it like a golden carpet spread on the ground. Under the ginkgo tree, a golden Buddha is worshipped. In the eyes of the Buddha, these thousand years are probably just a fleeting moment 💫
📍 Address: Luohan Cave Village, Fuyu Mouth, Chang'an District, Xi'an City
Navigate to the Ancient Guanyin Zen Temple, there is a parking lot outside the temple, 15¥ with no time limit, then walk into the temple
⏳ Best Viewing Time: Mid-October to mid-November
🕐 Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Entry stops at 16:30)
📝 Reservation Strategy:
Search 'Zhongnan Chan Yun' on gzh to make a reservation. No reservation is needed on weekdays. Only during the ginkgo season when the visitor flow is high, advance notice will be given to resume reservation for temple entry
⚠️ Attention
1⃣️ If there is a change in the temporary itinerary, cancel 2 hours in advance, otherwise it will affect the next visit
2⃣️ Please do not wear sleeveless tops, knee-exposing bottoms, or slippers when entering the temple
3⃣️ Follow the temple's regulations, arrange your photography time reasonably, do not take pictures of Buddha statues, monks, or areas not open to the public; camera and drone photography are prohibited
4⃣️ Step order, men should enter left foot first and exit right foot first, women should enter right foot first and exit left foot first, do not step on the threshold ❌
🌟 Highlights of the Scenic Spot:
1⃣️ There is a clear spring in the courtyard, named 'Guanyin Divine Spring', which nourishes the ginkgo tree above. This tree is now 1400 years old and is said to have been planted by Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin. There is also a legendary story about Wei Zheng and the Dragon King of Jing River that you can learn about
2⃣️ Tang Dynasty architecture, with an overall majestic atmosphere, the eaves curl up at the edges, the wooden brackets are large and profound, the roof is gentle, covered with black tiles, and the color tone is solemn and dignified
3⃣️ The monks in the temple have an ancient style, wearing grey and black patched coats, either sweeping the courtyard or putting on robes to enter the hall, moving calmly and composedly
📸 Photography and Editing Tips:
▶️🔸 Increase exposure: When taking photos with a mobile phone, pull the exposure sun icon up, and when shooting with a camera, set exposure compensation to +1 to make the photos brighter and the ginkgo more charming
⏯️🔸 Try shooting from different angles against the light, as the backlit ginkgo leaves have a more three-dimensional feel and are more translucent
Jia Dao said: 'The autumn wind stirs the Wei River, and fallen leaves fill Chang'an.'
1400 years later, in this dreamland of golden falling leaves, how many times has Chang'an returned 🍂
solstice_2942
Ancient Guanyin Zen Temple| Must see the most beautiful thousand-year-old ginkgo tree under your hand
| Must see the most beautiful thousand-year-old ginkgo tree under your hand. A place not to be missed in Xi'an in autumn, the "thousand-year-old ginkgo tree" in the ancient Guanyin Zen Temple on Zhongnan Mountain
This ginkgo tree planted by Li Shimin has been beautiful for 1400 years. Every deep autumn, the ginkgo tree is full of fruits. In late autumn, it is like a poem and a painting.
The ginkgo tree is very tall, full of gold, majestic and transcendent. Under the tree, there are fallen yellow leaves, like a golden carpet spread on the ground. Under the ginkgo tree, there is a golden Buddha. In the eyes of the Buddha, the ancient Guanyin Zen Temple| Must see the most beautiful thousand-year-old ginkgo tree under your hand. There will be a parking lot outside, 15 yuan unlimited time, and then walk into the temple
Viewing time: Mid-October to mid-November
Opening hours: 9:00-17: 00 (16:30 stop admission)
Culinary Treks
It's so fairy! I found this niche spot after visiting Guanyin Zen Temple 5 times
In early November, it's the best time for the ancient Guanyin Zen Temple's thousand-year-old ginkgo to show its beauty. The leaves are all yellow, and a layer of fallen leaves can accumulate on the lawn under the tree. The aerial view is super beautiful.
But if you go into the temple to enjoy the view, one is that it's crowded, and the second is that due to the limitations of terrain and space, it's hard to take a beautiful photo with the ginkgo tree in the same frame😭
Fortunately, I accidentally found this secluded spot (pictures 1, 5, 9, 11), avoiding tourists, viewing the ancient ginkgo tree from a high place, and can also take pictures with the feel of ancient fairy chivalry, thousand-year-old ginkgo + wild + Hanfu, the photo is absolutely beautiful❗️
And the key point is - no need to make an appointment, no need to enter the temple, no need to queue up, no one around, just snap a few photos and it's done📷
Tips
Clothes👗
Light-colored Hanfu + veil and screen
Lens📷
Telephoto is more suitable
Time⏱
After 10:50 in the morning, if you go early, the sun is blocked by the mountain and can't shine on the tree
LilyRavenwood84
Come to Chang'an to take a look at the ginkgo tree planted by Li Shimin himself
Route and tour time: Arrive at the entrance at 9 o'clock, end at 9:20, the temple and ancient trees are in the same place. Need to make an appointment in advance, it is best to make an appointment 2 days in advance! Especially on holidays and weekends. You can squat at your ideal time during the week, and if someone can't go, they will refund the ticket! My 9:00-9:30 is just squatted
kaliel_7284
Located in Chang'an District, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, Gu Guan Yin Temple
about 30 km / hh from Xi'an / about 1400 years ago
end of the Nanshan Millennium ancient temple
pass is Tang Taizong Li Shimin personally planted
After the leaves are all yellow, the visitors are huge
line up for an hour, watching the tree for ten minutes is no exaggeration
attractions: ancient Guanyin Temple
traffic: take the 921 / 916 bus Get off at Nanshi Village and walk for 10 minutes. It is recommended to take the bus, there are very few parking spaces, many people to visit
tickets: free, weekend best public number reservation tickets