What secrets do the ancient trees and gardens of Tanhua Temple hold?

Here's a travel guide to Tanhua Temple in Kunming to help you plan your trip: Introduction to Tanhua Temple Tanhua Temple, located at the foot of Jinma Mountain in the eastern suburbs of Kunming, was first built during the Chongzhen reign of the Ming Dynasty. It was named after a 300-year-old Youtan tree (actually a Yunnan Magnolia) within the temple grounds. In 1981, Tanhua Temple was expanded into a park imitating classical Jiangnan gardens, divided into front, middle, and rear gardens. Recommended Attractions 1. Front Garden • Primarily features temple buildings, pavilions, rockeries, waterside pavilions, flowers, bamboo groves, corridors, and arched bridges, arranged in a well-spaced layout. • In the small courtyard to the right of the Dayi Hall in the front garden, there is a stele inscribed with a poem by Zhu De dedicated to Monk Yingkong, which is a key cultural relic protection unit in Yunnan Province. 2. Middle Garden • Slightly larger than the front garden, it houses Yijian Pavilion, the Peony Garden, the Azalea Garden, the Camellia Garden, the Crabapple and Cherry Blossom Garden, and a children's playground. • There are also the National Famous Couplets Stele Garden, Eighteen Arhats, and Five Hundred Arhats stone carvings. 3. Rear Garden • The main attraction is the Ruiying Pagoda, a seven-story, octagonal glazed tile observation tower, 48 meters high. Climbing the tower offers a panoramic view of Kunming city and Dianchi Lake. • The area around the pagoda is planted with crabapple trees, azaleas, and other flowers, creating a pleasant scenery. 4. Youtan Tree • The most famous ancient tree in the temple, it is said to have come from India. Over 300 years old, it is a landmark of Tanhua Temple. Visiting Tips • Best time to visit: It is recommended to visit in the morning when the park is relatively quiet and suitable for strolling and flower viewing. • Recommended route: Enter from the front garden entrance, visit the Youtan tree and Zhu De's poem stele, then go to the middle garden for flower viewing, and finally climb the Ruiying Pagoda for a panoramic view of Kunming. • Flower viewing time: Camellias bloom from February to March, magnolias in summer, and crabapples and azaleas compete in autumn. Practical Information • Admission: Free. • Opening hours: 07:30-18:30. • Transportation: Take bus routes 132, Z99, 249, 254, or A12 directly to Tanhua Temple Station. Things to Note • Some areas of the park have children's play facilities, suitable for family visits. • Access to the Ruiying Pagoda in the rear garden may be restricted due to safety concerns. It is recommended to confirm in advance. Tanhua Temple is not only a garden full of historical charm but also a great place for flower viewing and leisure. We hope you can experience the unique charm of this ancient temple during your visit!