A Dialogue Between the Ancient Zen and Modern Light at Donglin Temple Buddha

📸 Photo Spots and Experiences 1. [Main Plaza in Front of the Buddha] At 5:30 AM, the 46.5-meter-tall golden statue of Shakyamuni overlooks visitors through the morning mist, with light slanting from the hills creating a sacred aura of 'Buddha's Light'. 2. [Corridor Corner Inside the Temple] The red brick arches and emerald green glazed tiles intersect, creating a magical scene of 'Humans and Buddha in One Frame' with travelers holding oil-paper umbrellas. It is recommended to turn on the HDR mode of your camera to capture the layers. 3. [Observation Deck on the Back Hill] From the top, you can have a 360-degree view of the Buddha and the silhouette of the continuous mountains. Especially during the 'Christmas Eve' light show, millions of Buddha eye lights illuminate, resembling a galaxy falling to the earth. 📖 A Hundred-Word Travelogue Located in Xizhi District, New Taipei City, Donglin Temple is famous for having the 'World's Largest Gilded Buddha'. The 46.5-meter-tall statue of Shakyamuni sits among the green hills. To enter the temple, you need to walk along the 'Eightfold Path' stone road, with murals depicting the life of Buddha on both sides. It takes about 15 minutes to reach the main hall. Must-do experiences: • Bowing Ceremony: Walk clockwise three times under the feet of the Buddha to feel the spiritual cleansing with the vibration of the earth and the faint scent of incense. • Vegetarian Meal Experience: The 'Compassion Kitchen' in the temple offers all-vegetarian bento (NT$80), especially recommended is the 'Arhat Vegetarian Rice Ball', with plump rice mixed with diced mushrooms and bamboo shoots. • Night Lights: After 7:00 PM, the Buddha eye lights are turned on (free), accompanied by the chirping of birds in the mountains, instantly transforming into a 'Buddhist Crystal Palace'. ⚠️ Notes: • The plaza in front of the Buddha is steep, it is recommended to take the temple shuttle bus (NT$20/person) for strollers or elderly people. • There are free 'Pure Land Buddhism' lectures every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon, which provide a deep understanding of the teachings. • There are no shops inside the temple, you can bring your own snacks, but no outside food is allowed in the main hall. 🚌 Transportation Tips 1. MRT: Take the Bannan Line to 'Xizhi Station', then transfer to the 'Xizhi Donglin Temple Shuttle Bus' (5 trips daily, 25-minute ride). 2. Driving: Exit the Zhongshan Highway at the northbound interchange, and drive straight along 'Xike Road' to the temple parking lot (NT$100/hour). 3. Walking: Start from the 'Muzha Car Station' historical old street, and walk along the mountain path for about 40 minutes (gentle path suitable for the whole family).