[2025 Qingdao Attraction] Travel Guide for Fahai Temple (Updated Apr)

When people live in the secular world for a long time, their souls and bodies easily become detached. Temples are like Noah's Ark, ferrying the souls of all living beings... I recently visited Fahai Temple, located in Xiazhuang, Chengyang District, Qingdao. Originally built during the Northern Wei Dynasty over 1,600 years ago, it is the oldest temple in Qingdao. Upon arrival, two white magnolia trees, their branches reaching beyond the yellow courtyard walls, greeted me with their blossoms, adding a touch of elegance to the temple. Entering the gate, I was welcomed by the smiling Maitreya Buddha in front of the screen wall. Inside the courtyard, two ginkgo trees stood out. A tall, thick male tree is over 1,600 years old, while a slender, shorter female tree is over 1,000 years old. It is said that the current female tree was planted after the original one died. They stand side by side in front of the Mahavira Hall. Under the two ginkgo trees, many students were either quietly reading scriptures or sharing their thoughts. This scene reminded me of a similar sight I witnessed years ago at Yonghe Temple in Beijing, where numerous students would queue early in the morning, waiting for the temple gates to open. Their visits seemed driven by a pursuit of inner peace and tranquility, unlike their elders who might be seeking blessings or repenting for their sins... The temple also houses the Guanyin Hall, Ksitigarbha Hall, Three Sages Hall, God of Wealth Hall, Sutra Depository, Drum Tower, and Bell Tower. Beside each hall, winter sweet flowers, nearing the end of their bloom, still emitted a lingering fragrance... On the west wall next to the Drum Tower, a large inscription reads, "One should dwell nowhere," a verse from the Diamond Sutra, encouraging detachment. By "dwelling nowhere," people can let go of their attachments to people and things, thus finding inner peace. ‌Approaching noon, the temple volunteers announced the vegetarian meal. A pink magnolia tree in front of the hall was about to bloom. The simple vegetarian meal reinforced my sense of detachment. I scanned the QR code at the merit box and made a small donation to express my gratitude. Many eminent monks and temples in China are named Fahai, meaning "Dharma as vast as the sea." For me, each visit to a temple is not a pilgrimage of conversion, but rather a reflection on my soul, a pure journey in pursuit of the unity of body and mind... From spring blossoms to autumn fruits, I look forward to returning when the ginkgo trees in Fahai Temple are lush and leafy again... As winter turns to spring, I anticipate returning when the winter sweet flowers in Fahai Temple are once again fragrant in the cold...

🍂In order to attend an appointment with the thousand-year-old ginkgo tree, I came to Qingdao Fahai Temple! Two ancient ginkgo trees that are more than 1,600 years old are full of golden color and sparkle in the sun. The breeze blows and the leaves fall one after another. It is so beautiful! ⛰【Attraction Guide】Qingdao·Fahai Temple 📍Detailed address: No. 26, Yuanyuan Community, Xiazhuang Street, Chengyang District, Qingdao City 🚗Transportation strategy: It is recommended to drive by yourself and navigate to Fahai Temple. You can park on the roadside. 🚇Exit Licun Park Station of Metro Line 2, transfer to bus No. 111 or 131 and get off at Shuiqingyuan East Station, and walk! 🕙Opening hours: all day (the temple is open from 8:00-16:00) 💰Ticket price: Free! 🌟Tour guide: ✅Fahai Temple is located in Xiazhuang, Chengyang District, Qingdao City. It was built in the Northern Wei Dynasty and has a history of more than 1,700 years. It is the oldest Buddhist temple in Qingdao! ✅There are two male and female ginkgo trees in Fahai Temple. The one on the east side is male and is more than 1,600 years old. The one on the west side is female and is also more than 1,000 years old. It is tall and tall with lush branches and leaves. It is known as the "Bodhi Tree of China" ! ✅Every year in late November, the leaves gradually turn from green to golden, which is very spectacular and attracts countless citizens to come and watch. The ancient temple and ginkgo form a beautiful autumn picture! ✅I caught up with the Millennium Ginkgo Festival the day before yesterday. I personally found that the top ones are a bit bald, but the ones below are still very lush. There is rain in the forecast this week and the weather is cooling down, so hurry up if you want to come! ✅Be sure to arrive early, as there are already a lot of people around 10 o'clock. It coincides with the Source Market, which sells various seasonal vegetables, fruits and agricultural and sideline products. You have to walk around a lot to find a parking space! Recommended attractions around [RedHeart]: You can choose to visit Taihe Mountain Scenic Area, Danshan Park, Maogong Mountain, Chengyang Chinese Studies Park, and Century Park! 📌Tips: [One] If you want to go, you must hurry up. If you miss it, you have to wait until next year! [Two] Photography of the Buddha statues in the temple is not allowed!

Millennium Ginkgo in Autumn Rain —— 📍: Navigate to Fahai Temple, located in Yuantou Community, Xiazhuang Street, Chengyang District 🎫: Free 🕐: 8:00–16:00 (open one hour earlier from the 1st to the 15th of each lunar month) —— After entering the temple, there will be three free incense sticks on the right Vegetarian meal time: 11:30–12:00 —— On November 19, many leaves had fallen from the top of the tree, and there were many people ——

For these two ginkgo trees, I visit Fahai Temple every year. The millennia-old ginkgo trees in Fahai Temple in Chengyang District, Qingdao, have reached their annual "highlight of the year." Upon entering Fahai Temple, you will see two ancient male and female ginkgo trees, one of which is over 30 meters tall. Their lush branches and leaves are like golden brocade, covering the temple and adding a solemn and mysterious charm to the ancient temple. The millennia-old ginkgo trees are not only a beautiful sight in Fahai Temple but also witnesses to nature and history. With a history of over 1,700 years, this ancient temple has become a popular spot for Qingdao residents to admire ginkgo trees and experience the fusion of nature and history.

As the fall season deepens, the lush green fades away, and the golden hues slowly usher in winter. Qingdao's annual "golden moment" is a romantic time for locals. But are there too many people at Badaguan and Zhongshan Park? No problem! Here are some hidden ginkgo photo spots that will make you stand out! Are you ready to be the star of your social media feed? 1. Qingdao Olympic Sculpture Culture Park Qingdao Olympic Sculpture Culture Park The lush green is a thing of the past. A large area of ginkgo trees near the west gate is quietly blooming with golden beauty. When the wind blows, the trees sway gracefully. Who says only wheat fields are golden? It's captivating... 2. Vanke Charm City Bus Stop Located on Xingyang Road in Chengyang District, Vanke Charm City Bus Stop is a well-known ginkgo photo spot. Autumn, sunshine, ginkgo, and me—we are one! Remember to wear your warm-colored outerwear. Everywhere you look, it's all bright and beautiful! 3. Qingdao Chengyang Baolong Plaza (near Chongyang Road) The ginkgo trees on both sides of Chongyang Road are now starting to "turn golden." The long-awaited "golden corridor" is expected next week. Come here to enjoy a romantic autumn sunset. 4. Baixing Park When the ginkgo leaves turn golden, autumn romance ripples through the air. 5. Xintiandi Plaza A tree full of brilliance, a ground full of gold. The ginkgo trees in autumn, are a grand romance bestowed upon the world by nature. They are a farewell letter from autumn to summer and a romantic poem to winter! 6. People's Square Relax in the afternoon sunlight filtering through the leaves. Stroll through this golden ocean. Take a deep breath and savor the satisfying taste of autumn. Look up, and you'll see a dazzling view. 7. Fahai Temple The two 1,600-year-old ginkgo trees in front of the temple have witnessed countless springs and autumns. Every leaf is a line of poetry written by time. In mid-to-late November, the ancient ginkgo trees will reach their annual "highlight moment." That's it! If you have any other good places to recommend, leave me a message. I'll check them out when I have time.

The oldest temple in Qingdao, built during the Northern Wei Dynasty, has a history of over 1,700 years. The temple is named after Master Fahai, who founded the temple. There are two ginkgo trees in the temple, which are about 1,600 years old and are known as the "Root of Qingdao". 【Temple Opening Hours】: 8:30-16:00 daily, 7:00-16:00 on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month 【Ticket Price】: Free, no reservation required 【Temple Location】: Yuantou Community, Xiaozhuang Street, Chengyang District, Qingdao 【Transportation】: The temple is located in the village. If you drive, you can park your car at the entrance of the temple or in the village. Bus routes include 111 and 946. 【Incense Burning】: The temple provides free incense. Do not bring incense, candles, or paper money into the temple. You can bring flowers/fruits as offerings. 【Praying】: There are two courtyards in total. The front courtyard is the Mahavira Hall, with the Guanyin Hall on the left and the Dizang Hall on the right. The back courtyard is the Three Saints Hall, with the Sutra Depository on the left and the Guanyin Hall on the right. 【Vegetarian Meal】: The temple provides free vegetarian meals from 11:30-12:00, extended to 13:00 on holidays. The dining hall is located on the east side of the back courtyard. Do not waste food. You can take away any leftovers. Fahai Temple not only has profound historical and cultural value, but is also a good place to experience Buddhist culture and natural scenery. Experience ancient architecture, admire thousand-year-old ginkgo trees, and participate in various religious activities to feel the tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.