The lilacs at Jietai Temple are blooming again! The ancient temple with its ancient trees is a ceiling of flowers for admirers

Yilan has loved lilacs since she was young. The small flowers are modest and unassuming, yet when they bloom, they cover the trees brilliantly like rosy clouds. Most importantly, their fragrance is simply too delightful, sweet and refreshing to the heart. Every April, I look forward to breathing deeply under the lilac trees. Speaking of Beijing's lilacs, there are quite a few planted around the city, but for Yilan, the top choice has to be Jietai Temple! Jietai Temple is one of the oldest royal temples in Beijing, with a history of over 1400 years. It became a place for emperors to visit and enjoy the springtime as early as the Ming and Qing dynasties. Every April, the temple's famous flowers bloom competitively, filling the garden with their fragrance, among which the lilacs are the most renowned. There are more than 1100 lilac bushes planted in Jietai Temple, including over 20 ancient lilacs that are over 200 years old, a rarity in Beijing, making them the city's number one. An ancient poem says: 'The bell tolls, the drumbeat awakens the sleepy. The morning dew on the lilacs is about to drip, the fragrance is so strong it fills the chest.' The reason ancient people preferred to plant lilacs in temples is that the leaves of the lilac are heart-shaped, symbolizing the belief that 'sincerity brings spiritual presence.' Approaching the entrance of Jietai Temple, one can see a huge ancient white lilac stretching out over the red wall, with a blanket of snow-white blossoms blooming unrestrainedly, filling the air with their wonderful scent. Inside the temple, lilacs can be seen everywhere, in white, pink, and purple varieties, with dense clusters of flowers swaying in the breeze. The most significant difference of Jietai Temple's lilacs from others is the sight of many tall lilac trees, these are the historical ancient lilacs, and such tall and lush lilac trees are indeed rare in Beijing. Yilan feels that the season of lilac blossoming in April is the most beautiful time of the year at Jietai Temple. Surrounded by the fragrance of the flowers and the incense from the incense burners, one must visit during this season to empty oneself and quietly walk and look around. One can also enjoy flower viewing and tea drinking under the lilac trees in the Peony Garden, copy scriptures for self-cultivation, and spend a peaceful and serene afternoon. Although there are a bit more tourists compared to other seasons, Jietai Temple is still a quiet place to enjoy the flowers on weekdays, undisturbed for photography, especially recommended in the afternoon when there are fewer people than in the morning, and the sunlight is better for taking photos. Jietai Temple Opening Hours: 8:30-16:30 (Entry stops at 16:00) Ticket Price: 45 yuan Transportation: Drive and navigate to Jietai Temple. Approaching the destination, you will first see Parking Lot 1, followed by Parking Lots 2 and 3. Parking Lot 3 is closest to the main entrance of the scenic area. I am Yilan, a travel-loving photographer, taking you to explore fun and beautiful new ❤ places~