Hometown of the Sixth Patriarch, a Zen city

Guoen Temple, the hometown of the Sixth Patriarch, is a Buddhist temple with a long history and a tranquil environment. It is a popular place to pray for blessings during the Spring Festival, as recommended by locals. Location: Xinxing County, Guangdong Province Tickets: No tickets are required, and no reservation is required during the Spring Festival. Transportation Guide Public parking is very limited during the Spring Festival, and the roads are very congested. Private parking costs CNY 20–50. Try to avoid peak hours. You can take a local bus, or better yet, an electric bike or motorcycle. Tour Recommendations Time: There are many visitors to Guoen Temple during the Spring Festival, so it is recommended to arrive early to enjoy a quiet environment for praying for blessings. Items to bring: No need to bring your own incense, as the temple provides 3 sticks of incense for free in each hall. However, it is recommended to bring cash and coins (there are about 20 incense donation boxes along the way) to donate incense at each donation box. You can also bring a water bottle, snacks, and other personal items. Clothing: Wear comfortable and appropriate clothes and shoes, and bring a bag to store your phone and other items (keep an eye on your bag). It is not recommended to wear a short skirt. Praying for Blessings Entering the temple: Follow the guided route to worship, and don't worry about getting lost. Respect beliefs: Keep quiet and solemn in the temple, and respect the beliefs and rules of the temple. Protect the environment: Do not litter or damage temple relics and vegetation. Travel safely: Pay attention to traffic safety, follow the rules of the scenic area, and ensure personal and property safety. Nearby Attractions Zen Town, Huineng Square, Jintai Mountain, Jinshuitai Hot Spring, Temple Street, Wenchang Bridge, Tianlu Mountain, Paradise Town, etc. Shopping and Food Specialty purchases: You can buy local specialties such as preserved fruit, rice noodles, purple rice, and dried bean curd on the streets of the county. Food experience: Try local specialties such as Liuzu vegetarian food, Yunfu rice rolls, and Xinxing rice noodles. There are many farms nearby. (Try not to spend money in the scenic area if you can)