Tranquil and serene Baotong Zen Temple

Baotong Zen Temple is an ancient temple with a history spanning over a thousand years. Although it has been damaged and restored multiple times due to wars, most of its current structures date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. The temple is built along the mountain and was once a royal temple. Its architectural complex is quite extensive, offering a peaceful and quiet environment with few visitors. Ascending the steps from the Mahavira Hall, you will find the magnificent Hongshan Pagoda on the mountain, standing 44 meters tall. This stone pagoda was constructed during the Yuan dynasty. Beneath it grows Hongshan vegetable sprouts, a special local produce from Hubei that was historically offered as tribute. The back mountain is home to many small shelters for stray cats, where kind-hearted individuals regularly feed them.