Xiamen Botanical Garden Temple Record: Seeking Three Ancient Temples, Encountering the "Little Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests"

On a holiday trip to Xiamen, if you want to avoid the crowds, the three ancient temples deep within the botanical garden hide the most delightful cultural secrets. Upon learning that this lush green land is scattered with millennia-old Zen temples, and that one building closely resembles the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in Beijing, I decisively gave up the crowded tropical rainforest garden and succulent area, plunging straight into this tranquil Zen corner amid the bustle. Entering the garden from the west gate, passing through the towering shadows of the Norfolk Island pine grove, and walking five minutes toward the rose garden, you can see the mountain path leading to the ancient temples. The first stop is Wanshilian Temple, where the ancient bridge and flying-eave gate tower in front of the temple immediately catch the eye—the bluestone slab bridge reflects the clear water, and the gate tower’s carved beams and painted rafters are covered with vines, blending antiquity and vitality. Inside the courtyard, the rock inscription "Wanhuchao Tian" (Ten Thousand Tablets Facing Heaven) is especially striking. It is said to be named because the strange stones in the mountain resemble the tablets held by ancient ministers. Looking up, the jagged stone peaks truly look like ministers paying tribute, exuding a sense of solemnity and whimsy. Continuing up the mountain path leads to Taipingyan Temple. Climbing the steps, a grinning giant rock comes into view—this is the "Taiping Laughing Stone," one of Xiamen’s Eight Small Scenic Spots. Some say it looks like a laughing Arhat, but I think it resembles a dinosaur raising its head, adding a touch of childlike fun. Passing the Laughing Stone, the temple’s Yuantong Treasure Hall is a refreshing sight—the pointed roof design paired with exquisite dougong brackets and upturned eaves surprisingly evoke the charm of Beijing’s Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. The nearby drum tower echoes this style, and encountering such northern architecture amid the mountains and waters of southern Fujian is both novel and harmonious. The final stop is Zhongyan Temple, where the most wonderful feature is the "Eye-Opening" gate. The door frame perfectly frames the distant mountain scenery and blue sky, and standing in front of the gate to take photos feels like capturing the entire spiritual essence of the forest in the lens. The temple enshrines the Thai Four-Faced Buddha, which is particularly special. It is said that devotees traveled to Thailand to bring it back, and the statue is wrapped in colorful prayer cords, full of devotion. Although the "Zhongyan Jade Tablet" from the Eight Small Scenic Spots was not found, sitting quietly by the tea house inside the temple, listening to the wind rustling leaves and faint Buddhist chants, is also very pleasant. If you want to make this temple-seeking journey more leisurely, Jinjiang Inn Plus Airport T4 Jimei Academic Village Branch is an excellent place to rest. The hotel is close to the airport and near the academic village. Spend the day exploring ancient temples and enjoying autumn scenery in the botanical garden, then return to the hotel at night for a comfortable sleep, making your Xiamen trip both culturally elegant and conveniently smooth.