https://nz.trip.com/moments/detail/shaoguan-222-137816099?locale=en-NZ
EnchantNova5Singapore

Two days to heal restlessness! I found a super energizing "healing" destination.

Temporarily leaving behind the city's hustle and bustle, I embarked on a two-day, one-night healing journey. The destination was the ancestral home of Zen Buddhism—Nanhua Temple—and a guesthouse nearby that pleasantly surprised me, "Chanxi Courtyard." Day 1: Arrival · Settling in · Initial exploration of the serene ancient temple · Afternoon: Arrived at "Chanxi Courtyard." I was immediately drawn to its tranquil atmosphere. White walls and black tiles, a deep courtyard, with minimal decoration, yet full of Zen spirit everywhere. The room I stayed in had a large window, outside which swayed bamboo shadows, instantly calming my heart. · Evening: Strolled to Nanhua Temple. There were few visitors at this time, highlighting the solemnity and tranquility of the ancient temple. I sincerely worshipped in front of the Sixth Patriarch's True Body Hall, feeling the profound legacy of a thousand years of incense offerings. Walking slowly around the temple, I listened to the crisp sound of wind chimes on the eaves and watched the sunset bathe the ancient halls in golden light. Day 2: Morning prayer · Quiet reflection · Experiencing Zen life · Early morning: Got up early and entered Nanhua Temple again to feel the first wisp of incense in the morning mist. Listening to the monks chanting their morning sutras, my heart felt an unprecedented peace and clarity. · Morning: Returned to "Chanxi Courtyard" and brewed a pot of clear tea in its elegant tea room. I thought of nothing, just watching the tea leaves unfold in the water, enjoying this rare leisure. The guesthouse’s details were also very thoughtful; every item reflected the owner’s taste and understanding of Zen living. Highlights of this trip: · In-depth experience: Unlike a rushed visit, this time there was ample time to immerse myself in the Zen atmosphere of Nanhua Temple. · A place of peace: "Chanxi Courtyard" is very close to the temple, within walking distance, with a quiet environment, making it an ideal resting place that truly realizes "living in the scenery, resting in Zen." · Spiritual healing: This was not just a trip, but a process of self-dialogue and spiritual recharging. If you also want to find a quiet place to seek a moment of peace for your soul, you might want to try this route. Pray amid the lingering Buddhist chants at Nanhua Temple, and settle your body and mind deeply in the courtyard of Chanxi Courtyard.
View original text
*This content is provided by our partner and translated by AI
Posted: Nov 9, 2025
Submit
0
Mentioned in this post
Attraction

Nan Hua Monastery

4.7/5744 reviews | Historic buildings
Shaoguan
No. 5 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Shaoguan
Details
Show more
Related Trip Moments
Nan Hua Monastery

Master, a deep travel guide to Shaoguan: the top choice for hot spring vacations

Johnson Andrew Andy
Nan Hua Monastery

Guangdong Spring Festival Travel Essentials

Earth_mix
Nan Hua Monastery

Just 1 hour from Guangdong, a two-day parent-child ginkgo hot spring tour

ElijahButler.52
Nan Hua Monastery

Shaoguan Travel Guide.

Noah Thompson2 Tranquility
Nan Hua Monastery

Shaoguan Travelogue: Step into the Lingnan Secret Realm of Mountains, Waters, and Zen

OttoKuusisto
Nan Hua Monastery

The Encounter of the Great Buddha and Modern Architecture! Shaoguan Nanhua Temple's Hidden Gems Revealed

kaliyah_9910
Nan Hua Monastery

Nanhua Temple in Shaoguan|A Zen Encounter with the Thousand-Year-Old Temple on a Rainy Day

EffervescentMellifu
Nan Hua Monastery

The Splendor of Nanhua Temple

_TI***2j
Nan Hua Monastery

4-Day 3-Night Family Travel Guide to Shaoguan, Guangdong (Budget 4000 RMB)

AidenMitchell
Nan Hua Monastery

Experience the tranquility of Nanhua Temple, a thousand-year-old Buddhist temple in Shaoguan, Guangdong. If you enjoy seamlessly blending urban life with nature, and ancient charm with modern style, this route is sure to be rewarding. Nanhua Temple, in particular, boasts a rich historical atmosphere, and the surrounding farmhouses, ancient buildings, and expansive views are all highly recommended. The afternoon weather is comfortable, making it an ideal time to experience Zen and a slower pace of life. Nanhua Temple Itinerary Nanhua Temple is located in Qujiang District, Shaoguan City, and is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's easily accessible by car or taxi. The temple does not offer luggage storage, so it's recommended to travel light. Upon entering, you'll receive three incense sticks; light them to pray before entering. Surrounded by tall trees and with ancient buildings arranged in a harmonious and picturesque manner, the temple offers a truly therapeutic experience, whether for taking photos or simply strolling peacefully on a sunny day. 📸 Highlights - The interplay of mountain scenery and the temple, modern and historical architecture, creates a truly atmospheric ambiance under the sunlight. Wearing a brightly colored dress and taking photos against the backdrop of ancient trees creates a unique and stylish look. - There are many quiet corners and distinctive buildings around the temple, which you can slowly explore and appreciate. Don't rush; allocate two hours to fully experience them. - The close-up views of the buildings and the distant mountain backgrounds are all photogenic, so it's recommended to charge your phone/camera beforehand. 🥢 Food Recommendations Near the temple, there are various local farmhouses and restaurants serving light, healthy, and rustic dishes. We especially recommend the private restaurants near the temple entrance, where you can enjoy authentic Cantonese cuisine such as braised pork belly with preserved vegetables and tofu feasts. There are also small shops near the temple where you can buy drinking water, light meals, incense, candles, and small souvenirs. 👜 Pre-trip Tips - The entire Nanhua Temple scenic area is open-air. In summer, it's recommended to bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle. The afternoon is the best time to visit, avoiding the midday heat and enjoying the gentle sunlight. There is no luggage storage at the temple; please bring only your personal belongings for a relaxed visit. - When entering the temple to pray, please observe temple rules: refrain from loud noise, and light incense and candles only in designated areas to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. 🚗 Transportation Information: You can take a taxi directly from downtown Shaoguan to Nanhua Temple; the journey takes approximately 30 minutes. The road in front of the temple is wide, making it convenient to hail a taxi or hire a car. If you are driving, there is a simple parking area outside the temple gate. In summary, this visit to Nanhua Temple was a rewarding experience: immersing yourself in history, seeking healing through prayer, and savoring local cuisine. A two-hour relaxing stroll is highly recommended, especially in the afternoon if you want to take your time and take photos. Remember to bring water and travel light for a truly Zen-like journey! #ShaoguanTravel #NanhuaTempleVisit #GuangdongSlowLiving #TempleExperience #TravelTips

Koey Cheung
Nan Hua Monastery

Autumn arrives in Lingnan, and in Shaoguan, I encounter a thousand-year-old ginkgo and the Zen spirit of the world

Gray Oliver|76
Nan Hua Monastery

Shaoguan Nanny-Level Guide to Explore Stunning Attractions

Alexander Moore23love