[2025 Suzhou Attraction] Travel Guide for Zhipingchan Temple (Updated Mar)

Suzhou Zhiping Temple, founded in the second year of Tianjian in the Southern Dynasty Liang (503) Although it does not restore its old appearance, the ancient ginkgo tree in the temple has been three hundred years old. It is said that Emperor Qianlong went down to the south of the Yangtze River six times, and each time he took a rest in Zhiping Temple. Presumably, he has also seen this ancient ginkgo tree many times. Taking advantage of the good weather, I came to Zhiping Temple under the warm sun. When I walked to the front of the mountain gate, I saw a tall ginkgo tree passing over Zhiping Temple. I found that this 300-year-old ancient ginkgo tree has already made its grand appearance. There are not many tourists in the temple, and I just met someone shooting a Warring States robe portrait. The top of the corridor, the eaves and the wall, and occasionally there are big and small monkeys passing by, adding a different scenery to this originally quiet ancient temple. Standing under the tree, looking up is a tree of yellow and green intertwined ginkgo leaves. Most of the ginkgo leaves on the top of the tree crown are golden. The green leaves of the tree waist and the lower branches are also changing color. The crown is full of golden yellow, which is particularly dazzling under the blue sky. When the tourists are scattered, looking back around, I can only hear the rustling of the leaves. At this moment, I have a dreamy feeling of unity of heaven and man. At this autumn and winter, if you are in Suzhou or plan to come to Suzhou, if you also like ginkgo trees, remember to check in at Zhiping Temple. Qianlong's same style, the ancient ginkgo tree that has been 300 years old. 【Surrounding play】 There is a Shangfangshan Zoo next to Shangfangshan Forest Park, and Shihu Scenic Area, which can be arranged for a trip. 【Practical Tips】 Scenic area√Zhiping Temple Location√Inside Shangfangshan National Forest Park, Huqiu District, Suzhou City Ticket price|√40/person, garden card can be used Time√07:00-17:00 Check in| Recommendation| 【Traffic Guide】 Self-driving Navigate to Shangfangshan Forest Park, nearby parking Subway Take Line 3, exit 1a of Shihu North Station, walk 1.2km to arrive or exit 5, take Shangfangshan Special Line at Kehua Road Yuhu Street Station Bus Take 415, 505, Holiday Special Line 3, Holiday No. 5 bus to Shangfangshan National Forest Park Station and get off

🌸2025 Cherry Blossom Viewing Calendar ▪️Early Bloomers: Mar 20–25 (Visit the ancient Ji'jian Temple for the first blush of pink) ▪️Peak Bloom: Apr 1–10 (Witness the explosion of cherry blossoms accompanied by the bells of Zhiping Temple) ▪️Late Bloom: Apr 15–20 (Savor Biluochun tea by Shihu Lake while enjoying the snow-like remnants of cherry blossoms) 🏯【Zen Exploration: A Three-Part Journey】 ❶ Ji'jian Temple: Whispers of Cherry Blossoms and Stone Buddhas ▪️Remnants of a Southern Dynasty Temple: Gaze upon the Yuan Dynasty stone Buddha statues peeking through the cherry blossom branches. ▪️Hidden Photo Spot: Capture the ancient scripture pillar and cherry blossoms together using a wide-angle lens from the east side of the Mahavira Hall, near the prayer flags. ▪️Cultural Tidbit: A Ming Dynasty scholar composed the "Twelve Chapters of Cherry Blossom Zen" here. Find a reprinted copy in the temple's tea room. ❷ Shihu Lake Pavilion: A Poetic Stroll ▪️Fan Chengda's Retreat: Follow the path where the Southern Song Dynasty poet once planted plum trees and discover the engraved poem "Cherry Blossom Valley." 🚌Practical Guide: Tickets & Transportation 🎫 Tickets ▫️40 CNY (half price for students/seniors 60+) ▫️Online Booking: Reserve your time slot 1 day in advance via the official "Suzhou Gardens Tourism" WeChat account. 🚇 Transportation ▫️Subway: Take Line 3 to Shihu North Station, then transfer to the "Cherry Blossom Express" bus (5-minute ride to the North Gate). Walking is also an option if the weather is nice. Walking is faster when there's traffic! ▫️Driving: Navigate to "Shangfang Mountain National Forest Park East Parking Lot" (plenty of parking before 8:30 am). 📜【A 37-Year-Old Solo Traveler's Cultural Notes】 ▪️Crowd-Beating Itinerary: Ascend the Lengjia Pagoda for a panoramic view of the cherry blossoms → Join a senior photography group around 10 am for free commentary. ▪️Solo Dining Delights: Pack a lacquered box filled with pine nut and jujube paste sesame cakes for a picnic at the Fan Ancestral Hall ruins. ⚠️【Tips for 37-Year-Old Solo Female Travelers】 ▪️Safety Warning: The back mountain has many forks and macaques 🐒. Do not approach them. ▪️Secret Route: Enter through the North Gate → Head straight to the Peacock Garden for photos of cherry blossoms and peacocks → Explore in reverse to avoid crowds. Follow me, your 37-year-old, single Suzhou sister, to learn how a solo travel checklist is more romantic than a marriage registration form 💕

Hidden Gem of Ancient Ginkgo | Suzhou Shangfangshan Forest Park Zhìpíng Temple|||🍂Shangfangshan National Forest Park is located about 5 kilometers southwest of Suzhou city center, and is the core scenic group of Shihu Scenic Area. 🍂Zhìpíng Temple is located within Shangfangshan National Forest Park in Suzhou Shihu Scenic Area. It was first built in the second year of Tianjian in the Northern and Southern Dynasties (503 AD). It is said that Emperor Qianlong visited Jiangnan six times, and each time he stopped at Zhìpíng Temple. There is an ancient ginkgo tree in the temple, which has been in existence for three hundred years. 🍂Zhìpíng Temple is not far from the north gate of Shangfangshan Forest Park, and it's a short walk. 🍂Best viewing period: late November - mid December 🎫Ticket: Shangfangshan ticket is 40, garden card is free. The ticket for Zhìpíng Temple is included, no need to buy another ticket. 🍁Opening hours: 06:00-16:30 all year round (stop selling tickets at 16:30) 🚗Transportation: ①The parking lot is on the north side of Shihu Scenic Area Management Office, and it takes about 300m walk to the scenic area; ②Metro Line 3 "Shihu North Station", less than 1km walk can reach; ③You can take bus 415 to Shangfangshan Forest Park Station, and walk to the destination after getting off. 🍃Even in the ginkgo season, there are not many people in the temple, the environment is quiet, sitting in the corridor quietly watching the leaves dyed by the sun, it's movingly beautiful. If the other ginkgo tree that was cut down was still there, it would probably be as lush as this one. 🛶🏕There is also a Shangfangshan Zoo nearby, suitable for dating and walking children, and the nearby Shihu Park is available for boating.