Xiamen's hidden "Little Kyoto" is severely underrated!

Shishi Temple, initially built during the Tang Dynasty ⏳, boasts over a thousand years of history and stands as one of the few well-preserved ancient temples in southern Fujian. Its name originates from the naturally formed stone chamber cave ⛰ within the temple, where legend has it, eminent monks once secluded themselves for spiritual practice. Built against the mountainside, the temple complex features a harmonious arrangement of structures. The main hall, the Mahavira Hall, is primarily constructed of wood and stone, with its upturned eaves and intricate corners showcasing the architectural style of the Tang and Song dynasties 🏯. Shishi Temple's beauty extends beyond its pear blossoms; its architecture is equally captivating! Even after the pear blossoms fall in March, the temple, with its yellow walls and red pillars, offers stunning photo opportunities 📷. The bright yellow and vibrant red complement each other beautifully. Sunlight casts dappled shadows on the yellow walls, while the red pillars stand out against the blue sky. The interplay of colors creates a sense of solemnity and reverence, making every angle picture-perfect 📸! 📍 Address: Shishi Temple, Haicang District, Xiamen 🚌 Transportation: Take the subway to Wengjiao Road Station (Exit 4), then take one bus stop to "Shishi Temple" Station; or cycle for about 15 minutes 🚴♀, enjoying the scenery of Haicang along the way. 🎫 Tickets: Free admission 🕒 Opening hours: 08:00–18:00 (open all year round) ✨Highlights: 1⃣ Pear blossoms like snow, fallen petals like poetry 🌸 From early to mid-March each year, pear blossoms bloom on the hillside behind the temple, covering the branches like clouds of snow. (Currently, the blossoms have withered) 2⃣ Zen meditation, connecting with your inner self 🕯 The temple regularly offers Zen meditation courses and mindfulness activities. Visitors can learn meditation and chanting from the monks 📿, finding inner peace amidst the morning bells and evening drums. 3⃣ Exploring ancient architecture, touching history 🔍 Stroll through the stone chamber cave, gazing up at the naturally formed stone patterns on the cave ceiling, resembling clouds and water; observe the inscriptions and murals, deciphering the Zen poems left by literati and poets throughout history. 🌟One-day trip to Haicang Itinerary 🗺🌞 Morning: Shishi Temple (2 hrs) →🍚 Lunch: Vegetarian meal at the temple (recommended "Xiangni Zangzhen" taro dessert 🍨) →🌊 Afternoon: Haicang Bay Park (cycling and sea viewing 🌴) → Daping Mountain Country Park (hiking for sunset views 🌅) →🌃 Evening: Aloha City Plaza (tasting peanut worm jelly and Satay noodles 🍜) 💗Food recommendations: 🍲 Temple vegetarian cuisine: "Luohan Zhai" and "vegetarian noodles" are light, refreshing, and delicious, with an average cost of 30 yuan for a satisfying meal! 🐛 Haicang peanut worm jelly: The peanut worm jelly from the long-established street food stall "Haicang Sanbao" is chewy and refreshing, perfectly paired with garlic sauce! 🍡 Xin'an traditional snacks: Handmade *machis*, fried dates, and other Minnan snacks can be found 3 km away in Xin'an Village.