Xiyuan Temple: A Serene Sanctuary in the Charm of Wu

Suzhou Xiyuan Temple, officially known as Xiyuan Jietang Lusi, is a historic and culturally rich Buddhist temple located at No. 18, Xiyuan Lane, Liuyuan Road, Gusu District, Suzhou. This place is not only a religious sanctuary but also a garden filled with beautiful scenery, attracting countless visitors to experience its charm. Highlights of Xiyuan Temple Experience 1. Worship and Prayer • Founded in the Yuan Dynasty, Xiyuan Temple has a history of 700 years and is a prominent site for the Vinaya school of Buddhism. Visitors can burn incense and pray here, seeking blessings, especially for relationships, which are said to be very effective. 2. Counting Arhats and Drawing Lots • The Hall of Five Hundred Arhats in Xiyuan Temple is one of the four major Arhat halls in China. Visitors can count the Arhats here, find the one that matches their fate, and have their fortune told on the spot. 3. Tasting Vegetarian Noodles and Buns • The vegetarian noodle house in Xiyuan Temple offers various vegetarian noodles such as Guanyin noodles, Auspicious noodles, and Ruyi noodles at affordable prices. Additionally, there are vegetarian buns with a variety of flavors. 4. Petting Cats and Feeding Pigeons • There are many stray cats and pigeons in Xiyuan Temple. Visitors can enjoy close interactions with these animals by petting the cats and feeding the pigeons. 5. Copying Sutras and Enjoying the Garden • The Huxin Pavilion Tea House in Xiyuan Temple offers free sutra copying. Visitors can quietly copy Buddhist scriptures here, experiencing the tranquility of combining calligraphy and spiritual practice. Transportation • Bus: Take bus 9002 to Xiyuan Station, then walk 91 meters to reach the temple; or take bus 406, which also arrives within 20 minutes. • Subway: Take Line 2 to Shilu Station or Line 1 to Tongjing North Road Station, both within 1.5 kilometers walking distance. • Driving: You can park at Nanmen Laike Mall parking lot, but parking spaces are limited, so green travel is recommended. Travel Tips • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, no entry after 4:30 PM. • Ticket Price: Only 5 yuan, offering great value for money. • Notes: Maintain silence inside the temple, do not disturb others; follow temple etiquette and dress appropriately; incense should burn naturally upon entry, showing respect. Summary With its low ticket price, rich cultural experiences, and tranquil environment, Xiyuan Temple is an ideal sanctuary for the soul. Whether worshiping and praying, counting Arhats and drawing lots, tasting vegetarian noodles and buns, or petting cats and feeding pigeons, this place offers a wealth of experiences for visitors.