Listening to Zen and Birdwatching at the Ancient Temple｜Encountering the Feathered Spirits in the Forest at Yonghui Zen Temple

Listening to Zen and Birdwatching at the Ancient Temple｜Encountering the Feathered Spirits in the Forest at Yonghui Zen Temple Passing through the mountain gate with dark tiles and red walls of Yonghui Zen Temple, you are instantly separated from the city's hustle and bustle. In the courtyard with towering ancient trees, amidst the lingering incense smoke, dozens of bird species hide. The morning bells and evening drums blend with birdsong, creating a rare "feathered secret realm" on the edge of the city. 🌅 Best Time for Birdwatching The best time is early morning from 6 to 8 AM. At this time, the temple is quiet, and the thrushes hop and peck on the ginkgo branches, the soft sound of their tail feathers brushing the leaves is especially clear; the spotted doves often stand on the eaves of the Mahavira Hall preening their feathers, their gray-brown plumage contrasting beautifully with the vermilion brackets. In the afternoon, you can go to the lotus pond in the backyard, where flocks of light-vented bulbuls perch among the weeping willows, their chirping mixed with the gentle swaying of lotus leaves, lively and soothing. 🪶 Hidden Birdwatching Spots Bamboo forest path behind the temple: Walk softly, and you are likely to encounter dark-eyed bulbuls, whose feathers shine like scattered gems, occasionally landing on wild chrysanthemums by the stone steps to sip dew. Ancient banyan tree in front of the Medicine Buddha Hall: The gnarled old banyan is a paradise for sparrows and mynas. At dusk, you can also see spotted bulbuls darting through the forest, their white spots on feathers especially noticeable in the twilight. Stream outside the mountain gate: On rainy days, hiding under the corridor, you can see swallows flying low through the rain curtain, their wings skimming the water surface and splashing tiny droplets, a lively scene unique to rainy days. 📌 Birdwatching Tips Wear plain-colored clothes to avoid disturbing the birds, and do not use flash photography; feeding is prohibited inside the temple. Quietly observing is the best way to respect these little lives. Before leaving, you can buy a cup of Zen tea at the tea stall outside the mountain gate and recall the feathered spirits you just encountered, making even time feel gentle.