[2025 Ruyuan Attraction] Travel Guide for Yunmen Temple (Updated Mar)

For about an hour ride west from the downtown of Shaoguan, Yunmen temple can be dated back from over a thousand years of history. After long rebuilding since the 80s, this sacred place attracts thousands of visitors who would like to be enlightened by this peaceful monastery. #境外遊 #urbanexplorer

The charm of ancient architecture In traditional Chinese culture, ancient architecture is a unique element. They are not only witnesses of history, but also important carriers of the spirit of the Chinese nation. These buildings attract the attention of countless tourists with their exquisite craftsmanship, unique style, and rich historical and cultural connotations. Today, let's appreciate the charm of ancient architecture together! First of all, the charm of ancient architecture lies in its exquisite craftsmanship. Whether it is dougong, flying eaves, or carvings, they all show the superb skills of ancient Chinese craftsmen. Dougong is a unique component of ancient Chinese architecture, mainly used to support the eaves, with a beautiful and generous shape; flying eaves are to increase the stability and beauty of the building, presenting a kind of ethereal beauty; carvings show the ancient craftsmen's vivid depiction of nature and human figures, each carving is a work of art. Secondly, the style of ancient architecture is unique and distinctive. From palaces to temples, from gardens to residences, each building has its own unique style. The palace is magnificent, symbolizing the authority and nobility of the royal family; the temple is full of mystery, making people feel awe; the garden is exquisite and delicate, showing the delicate style of the water town in the south of the Yangtze River; the residence is full of life, reflecting the daily life of ordinary people. These different architectural styles together constitute a colorful picture of ancient Chinese architecture. Finally, ancient architecture carries rich historical and cultural connotations. Behind each building, there is one or more stories waiting for us to discover. The palace witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, and the temple carried people's pursuit of faith and reverence for gods; the garden reflected the aesthetic taste and life philosophy of literati and scholars, and the residence embodied the wisdom of life and traditional customs of the people. These rich cultural connotations make ancient architecture a treasure trove of history. In short, ancient architecture shows its unique charm with its exquisite craftsmanship, unique style, and rich historical and cultural connotations. They not only let us appreciate the brilliant achievements of ancient Chinese civilization, but also let us feel the long history and profound cultural heritage of the Chinese nation. In the future, we should cherish and protect these precious cultural heritages more, so that they can continue to be passed on.

| A Tang-style courtyard in the Buddhist kingdom.〰️ Since that summer day When I first saw Yunmen Temple in the mist I have never forgotten her face - On this winter afternoon I came here again The Shakyamuni Pagoda still stands tall The Tang-style courtyard still has flowing water - The only difference from summer is In winter in Lingnan The bougainvillea is in full bloom The ginkgo leaves are still shining on the branches - It seems that for a moment I came to the mountains and rivers of the Tang and Song Dynasties - And the Yao Ke Gong Sheng Homestay not far from the temple A big tree A tile house The faint breath of the mountains Also seems to be stained with the Zen charm of the Buddhist kingdom - 🎏 Shaoguan travel recommendations ◇Nanhua Temple, Danxia Mountain, Nanling Red Desert -

| Come as you are, go as you please. 1. Itinerary • Day 1: • Morning: Arrive at Yunmen Temple, Ruyuan, visit ancient buildings, pagodas, and Buddha statues in the temple, and feel the tranquility and solemnity of the temple. • Noon: Enjoy vegetarian food at the vegetarian restaurant in the temple and experience Buddhist food culture. • Afternoon: Stroll in the courtyard of the temple, enjoy the beauty of ginkgo and other plants, or fish by the creek and enjoy a leisurely time. • Evening: Stay in the guest room in the temple and feel the Zen atmosphere of Buddhism. • Day 2: • Morning: Get up early to participate in the morning bell and evening drum activities of the temple and feel the ritual sense of Buddhism. • Noon: Enjoy vegetarian food at the vegetarian restaurant in the temple and experience Buddhist food culture. • Afternoon: Pack your luggage, check out, and end your pleasant journey. 2. Transportation Guide • Plane: Take a plane from all over the country to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, and then transfer to a high-speed train or car to Ruyuan. • High-speed train: Take a high-speed train from all over the country to Shaoguan Station, and then transfer to a car to Ruyuan. • Car: Take a car from all over the country to Ruyuan County, and then transfer to a bus or taxi to Yunmen Temple. 3. Food Recommendations • Ruyuan Yao Mountain Chicken: The meat is tender and delicious, and it is one of the specialties of Ruyuan. • Yao Mountain Bacon: The bacon is delicious and fragrant, and it is one of the traditional delicacies of the Yao people. • Yao Mountain Tofu: The tofu is delicate and delicious, and it is one of the traditional delicacies of the Yao people. • Yao Mountain Bamboo Shoots: The bamboo shoots are tender and delicious, and they are one of the traditional delicacies of the Yao people. 4. Notes • Respect local religious beliefs and customs, and do not make loud noises or smoke in the temple. • Pay attention to environmental protection and do not litter. • Pay attention to safety and do not run or climb in the temple. • Abide by the rules of the temple and do not touch Buddha statues or cultural relics at will.

Years ago, I missed several opportunities to visit Yunmen Temple. This time, I finally made it. - Deep in the temple, ancient trees stand tall, and every brick and tile exudes the tranquility of time and the weight of history. - The serene atmosphere of the ancient temple is like a mountain spring, cleansing the soul. - Ginkgo leaves fall, yellow walls and green tiles, exuding a simple Zen charm. - Yunmen Temple is quiet and peaceful, with few visitors. The bright yellow buildings complement the surrounding gardens, and the ponds and bridges create a picturesque scene, like a beautiful park. - Oh! Stop calling it Japanese-style, it's Chinese-style. - From a distance, the yellowing ginkgo trees adorn the temple, making this thousand-year-old ancient temple even more tranquil. - Ginkgo trees peek out from the walls of Yunmen Temple, silently, yet with a certain charm. - 🎈Yunmen Temple Highlights🎈 ✅Mountain Gate ✅Heavenly King Hall ✅Mahavira Hall ✅Dharma Hall ✅Bell Tower ✅Zen Hall ✅Dining Hall ✅Teaching Building ✅Merit Hall ✅Longevity Hall, etc. - 🌟Travel Tips ✅It is recommended to set aside 2 to 3 hours to slow down and enjoy the scenery. - 📷Nearby Attractions ✅Yunmen Mountain (experience cable cars, glass bridges, and high-altitude activities, etc.) ✅Tianjing Mountain (a bit remote, self-driving is recommended) ✅Zhengjue Zen Temple (under renovation) ✅Bald Cypress (very beautiful in autumn) - 💰Ticket Information ✅CNY 5/person - 🚗Transportation Information ✅Take a bus from Shaoguan City to Ruyuan County Bus Station, the fare is about CNY 15, and it is about 2 km from Yunmen Temple. ✅Drive from downtown Shaoguan, navigate to Yunmen Temple, it takes about 1 hour on the highway, and parking is convenient. - ⏰Best Viewing Period ✅Late November to early December - 🏠Accommodation Recommendations ✅Ruyuan Yao Guesthouse (a very beautiful guesthouse, great for photos) - 📍Address ✅Yunmen Temple, Rucheng Town, Ruyuan Yao Autonomous County, Shaoguan City

| Depart from Guangzhou 3h direct to Altay. day1 Guangzhou - Shaoguan City - Ruyuan Three hours drive Passing through Shaoguan City Check-in at Shengping Tomato Beef Pot (Lovers of snail noodles will definitely love this taste), then take the national road to Lingnan Oriental Hot Spring Hotel for check-in Booked a hot spring pool room, soak to relieve fatigue o day2 Hotel free day + Bibei Village After waking up naturally, drive 30 minutes to Bibei Village, the most recommended place of this trip, rich in cultural heritage The local indigenous people are very friendly, it's wonderful to escape and daze, but the mountain road is dangerous, pay attention to safety o day3 Yunmen Mountain Dajue Zen Temple - Guangzhou Still wake up naturally, drive 30 minutes to Dajue Zen Temple, the ticket is 5 yuan per person

Yunmen Temple is located in Ruyuan County, Shaoguan City, Guangdong Province, 2 kilometers away from Yunmen Mountain Scenic Area. It is a renowned Buddhist holy site, known as the ancestral court of Yunmen. Yunmen Temple has two mountain gates, old and new. The old gate is small and exquisite, but it has been sealed and is no longer in use. The new gate is grand and magnificent, built on a 12-meter-high platform with steps leading up to it. Today is the first day of the seventh lunar month in 2024, a good day for pilgrims to offer incense. Therefore, Yunmen Temple is crowded and bustling today. The nine-story Chijia Pagoda of Yunmen Temple is tall and majestic. Behind the main hall are the Xuyun Monk's Tongue Relic Pagoda and the Hongnian Hall. In the center of the memorial hall is a statue and a real photo of Monk Xuyun, who made great contributions to the reconstruction of Yunmen Temple and is respectfully called Elder Xu. His Tongue Relic Pagoda and memorial hall are built in the most prominent and important positions. To say Yunmen Temple is a temple is less accurate than calling it a garden. The temple is filled with flowers, trees, pavilions, towers, small bridges, and flowing water, showcasing the unique ingenuity of the designer. Coupled with the beautiful surrounding scenery and vast land, Yunmen Temple is not only a favorite place for pilgrims but also a beloved spot for tourists. The entrance fee is five yuan, and it is worth a visit.

🌅**Morning**: The morning in Guangzhou is sunny and just right. We drive to Shaoguan Yunmen Temple, where the journey is filled with lush mountains and endless scenery. Upon arrival, the first thing that catches the eye is the ancient and solemn temple gate, as if time has stood still here. 🍲**Noon**: The vegetarian meal in the temple is a must-try delicacy, simple yet exquisite, allowing you to taste the food while also experiencing the influence of Zen. 🏞**Tour Route**: Enter through the main gate of the temple, first visit the Mahavira Hall to experience the profoundness of Buddhist culture. Then, stroll on Yunmen Mountain, where you can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery and even have the chance to encounter wild animals! 📸**Photo Check-in**: Every corner of Yunmen Temple is filled with Zen and beauty, especially the huge Buddha statue. Standing in front of it, it's as if you can feel the calm and tranquility in your heart. Don't forget to take photos with these beautiful scenes! 🌃**Evening**: Although it's a day trip, in the evening we can still wander around the downtown area of Shaoguan, taste the local snacks, and feel the charm of the city at night. 💡**Tips**: 1. Wear comfortable clothes suitable for walking. 2. Bring sunscreen and a sun hat for sun protection. 3. Maintain the solemnity inside the temple and respect Buddhist culture. 🎈Don't miss out as you pass by! The one-day tour to Shaoguan Yunmen Temple offers you a different travel experience! Come and explore with me! 🎉

Located 6 kilometers north of the county seat of Ruyuan Yao Autonomous County, Yunmen Temple sits at the foot of Ciyun Peak and is the birthplace of one of the five major schools of Chinese Zen Buddhism, the Yunmen School. The temple was founded in the first year of the Tongguang era of the Later Tang Dynasty (AD 923) by Zen Master Wenyan, a ninth-generation disciple of Huineng, the sixth patriarch of the Yunmen School. The main structures of Yunmen Temple include the mountain gate, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Mahavira Hall, the Dharma Hall, the Bell Tower, the Zen Hall, the Dining Hall, the Teaching Building, the Merit Hall, the Longevity Hall, and so on. The entire complex, with more than 180 halls, pavilions, and towers, is interconnected.

Yunmen Temple is located at the foot of Yunmen Mountain in Ruyuan Yao Autonomous County, Shaoguan. It was built in 923 AD by Wen Yan, a ninth-generation disciple of Huineng, the founder of the Yunmen School, and is the birthplace of one of the five major branches of Chinese Buddhism, the Yunmen School. 📍Location: Yunmen Temple, Ruyuan Yao Autonomous County, Shaoguan City 🈺️Opening hours: 8:00-17:00 🎫Ticket: 5 yuan/person (no reservation required, scan the code at the temple gate to buy tickets) 🅿️Parking: Convenient for self-driving, free parking lot 🚌Transportation: Take a car from Shaoguan City to Ruyuan Bus Station and then take a taxi or motorcycle to go to Yunmen Temple/You can also take a Didi directly from Shaoguan City to Yunmen Temple You can get three free incense sticks in the temple 🙏 Pray in front of the Buddha to cleanse your mind