Daming Temple(Qiling Temple)

If you thought Yangzhou was just about ancient gardens and mouth-watering cuisine... you're missing out on the absolute highlight! For this trip, I made sure to book my tickets and map out my itinerary on the Trip.com app way in advance to see "Daming Temple" with my own eyes. With over 1,500 years of history, here's why this ancient temple became an absolute "must-visit" on my bucket list. ✨ Why do you need to visit? (Impressions worth sharing) The moment you step through its iconic mustard-yellow gates (proudly displaying the Chinese characters "大明寺"), it feels like the hustle and bustle of the outside world is instantly shut out. The entire grounds are embraced by towering trees and the gentle chime of wind bells. A faint, lingering scent of incense fills the air, bringing an indescribable sense of inner peace. The highlight that literally stopped me in my tracks for a massive photo op was the "Qiling Pagoda." This majestic 9-story, octagonal wooden pagoda soaring into the sky showcases flawless Tang Dynasty architecture. The wooden structure popping against the crystal-clear blue sky is just breathtaking. Walking inside and discovering the beautifully enshrined white marble Buddha statue, perfectly illuminated by warm rays of sunlight (exactly like you see in the photos)—it was a moment of pure awe and absolute serenity. Plus, wandering around the temple grounds, you'll spot a golden Guanyin statue and adorable little monk figures holding gourds tucked away in the gardens, perfect for a little exploring and making wishes along the way. 🌿 Nature Therapy and the Power of Faith Another thing that totally blew me away was the massive ancient ginkgo tree right in the temple. When I visited, it was full of lush green leaves, casting a cool shade and really bringing the ancient buildings to life. (I was low-key thinking how stunning and picturesque it must look when the leaves turn a brilliant golden-yellow in the fall!) Standing there, lighting incense, and making a wish in front of the Mahavira Hall ("Daxiongbaodian"), surrounded by incense smoke and the gorgeous flare of the evening sun, was an experience that was truly rewarding. 💵 Cost Breakdown & Travel Tips (in THB) Admission Fee: Around 150 - 220 THB (Prices fluctuate based on the tourist season. Pro tip: Check and book your date-specific tickets via the Trip.com app in advance to secure your spot and skip the crazy lines at the entrance!) Booking: I booked both my Yangzhou hotel and temple tickets through Trip.com for this trip. It was incredibly seamless—just flash the QR Code at the gate, and you're good to go. No hiccups at all! Overall Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (5/5) Final Verdict: Daming Temple isn't just a religious landmark; it's a living piece of historical art. If you visit Yangzhou and don't check in here, you haven't truly been to Yangzhou! Hit save on this spot in your Trip.com app and come follow in my footsteps!

💰 Average Cost: 355-475 RMB to Explore the Millennium-Old Temple A must-visit spot in Yangzhou! Here’s a solo one-day travel guide just for you~ 📍 Location: No. 638 Wenchang West Road, Hanjiang District, Yangzhou ⏰ Opening Hours: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Open year-round) 🎫 Ticket Price: 45 RMB Recommended Visit Duration: Half a day 🏠 Accommodation Recommendations: Homestays near Shugang, 260-380 RMB/night Super close and convenient to the temple 🍜 Dining Recommendations: Vegetarian meals inside the temple, 50 RMB/person Light and elegant, perfect for Zen enthusiasts! ✨ Highlights: Step into the ancient temple and be surrounded by Zen beauty~ The grand halls hold the essence of a thousand years of Buddhist culture Climb the Qiling Pagoda at sunset Not only can you overlook the entire city of Yangzhou But also watch the sunset glow cast on the temple’s golden roof A rare sight of modern city and ancient temple in one frame Every snap is a masterpiece📸 👣 Itinerary: 1 day and 1 night is just right! Explore the temple and appreciate the scenery and culture by day Watch the sunset paint the ancient temple red in the evening Great value for money~ 💭 Tips: · Arrive before 8 AM to avoid crowds · Climbing the pagoda requires an extra fee but is definitely worth it · Incense is provided for free inside the temple for sincere worship · Vegetarian meals need to be booked in advance~

When visiting Yangzhou, I took a nearby trip to Daming Temple and found it more charming than I expected. This ancient temple was founded during the Southern Dynasties and has a history of over 1,500 years. It was also the place where Master Jianzhen taught before his voyage to Japan. You can feel the aura of the "Number One Temple in Eastern Huai" right at the entrance. The main highlight is climbing the Qiling Pagoda, which offers a panoramic view of Slender West Lake. The Jianzhen Memorial Hall is a Tang-style building designed by Liang Sicheng, and there is also Pingshan Hall built by Ouyang Xiu, both offering wide open views. The West Garden inside the temple is a delightful surprise, featuring a typical Jiangnan garden style with the "Fifth Spring Under Heaven," rockeries, ponds, pavilions, and towers—perfect for a leisurely stroll and casual photography. Nearby food and sightseeing: You can walk to Guanyin Mountain, which is convenient for a side trip. If you want to eat, there is a vegetarian restaurant next to the Jianzhen Library or the nearby Yangzhou Banquet, serving authentic Huaiyang cuisine with friendly prices. 🏛️Name: Daming Temple 📍Address: No. 8 Pingshan Hall East Road Yangzhou Store Exploration | Popular Check-in Spot | Yangzhou Food & Fun | My Travel Diary | Weekend Must-Visit

The location is at the Daming Temple Lantern Festival in Yangzhou, where lanterns are released only on October 17 or 18 each year. It is a small event at Daming Temple, so the scenic area is not well prepared to accommodate many visitors. The river lantern release spot is an internal pond within Daming Temple. At night, there are many mosquitoes and it is dangerous near the water, making it almost impossible to take good photos except for close-ups of the water lanterns. Friends who are nearby can go take a look, but those far away are strongly advised not to go. Of course, you can also follow official announcements to see if there will be any changes or improvements next year. Safety first for everyone~

Located around Slender West Lake, Yangzhou Daming Temple is a well-known ancient temple, famously called the "First View in Northern Huai." Unlike other ancient temples, Daming Temple covers a large area and includes many themed exhibition areas related to Ouyang Xiu. Both Ouyang Xiu and Su Dongpo once served as governors in Yangzhou, leaving behind many wonderful stories. Visiting here is very educational. It is recommended to visit Daming Temple together with Slender West Lake since they are close to each other. The location is excellent—accessible by bus or shared electric scooters 🛵. Address: No. 8, Pingshantang East Road, Hanjiang District, Yangzhou City Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) Admission: 45 RMB 💰 ✨【Highlights】: 1️⃣ Huge temple grounds! Completely different from typical small temples, you can stroll and explore for a long time. 2️⃣ The Ouyang Xiu themed exhibition inside is truly a treasure 💎. It turns out that the great literary figures Ouyang Xiu and Su Dongpo both served as governors here. After visiting, you’ll feel your cultural knowledge has increased by 10086 points 📚. 🚶‍♀️【Tips】: You can easily plan to visit Slender West Lake on the same day. The two spots are very close! Convenient to visit both in one trip.

Who understands, family! Yangzhou truly has "slow living" engraved in its DNA🍁 The lively atmosphere of morning tea, the ink painting scenery of Slender West Lake, the bluestone streets of the old town… 🌟 Itinerary (Leisure version) ▫️Day 1: Arrive in Yangzhou → Stroll and eat at Dongguan Street → Night tour of the Grand Canal ▫️Day 2: Morning tea → Slender West Lake → Daming Temple → Wenchang Pavilion ▫️Day 3: He Garden → Pishi Street → Return trip 🍜 Must-try food list (personally tested, no misses) · Top choice for morning tea: Yechun Teahouse (recommend the jade shumai and crab roe soup dumplings, remember to go early to avoid queues!) · Snack collection: Huangqiao sesame seed cake and lotus root starch balls on Dongguan Street, plum blossom cake and tofu pudding on Pishi Street · Main meal recommendations: Lion’s Head Restaurant (Yangzhou fried rice so fragrant you’ll lick the plate), Quyuan Teahouse (beautiful environment, great for photos) 📸 Photo spot tips · Slender West Lake: Recommended to enter before 8 AM, fewer people and better light, 3 hours is enough, student ID gets half price~ · Wenchang Pavilion: Super photogenic after lights come on at night, located in the city center, go eat right after visiting · He Garden: "The top garden of the late Qing dynasty," the garden design is amazing, wearing Hanfu for photos is super photogenic! 🏨 Accommodation recommendations (very important!) Choosing the right place to stay in Yangzhou is really crucial! This time I picked Home Inn.neo (Yangzhou Wenchang Pavilion Weiyang Road Branch) and it’s simply legendary✨ ✅ Perfect location: 10 minutes to Dongguan Street, bus stop right outside, 10-minute taxi to Slender West Lake, super convenient for eating and sightseeing! ✅ Clean and quiet rooms: soft mattress, pillows just right height, no noise at night, sleep quality maxed out~ ✅ Thoughtful facilities: front desk staff are super friendly, proactively recommend food and routes, luggage storage available! Free bottled water, high-speed WiFi, lots of charging ports in the room, very traveler-friendly~ ✅ Best value for money: just over 100 RMB per person for such a great location, cleanliness and service on point, perfect for students and office workers! 💡 Little tips · Yangzhou’s attractions are quite concentrated, wear comfortable shoes, walking or biking is very convenient · Morning tea must be early, otherwise popular teahouses have long queues · Book accommodation in advance! Especially during holidays, this Home Inn.neo is really popular, if you book late there won’t be rooms~ Yangzhou is truly a city you don’t want to leave once you arrive, slowing down to stroll, eat, and drink is so pleasant~ Choose the right accommodation, and your trip’s happiness doubles! Next time in Yangzhou, I’ll stay at this Home Inn.neo again👇 📍Address: Home Inn.neo (Yangzhou Wenchang Pavilion Weiyang Road Branch) 👉 Search the name directly on Trip.com to book, remember to lock in your room early!

🏮Enjoy the magnificent spectacle of a thousand lanterns at night! This comprehensive guide to Daming Temple is a must-save! 📿Reasons to Visit A millennium-old ancient temple meets a dreamy lantern festival! The Tang Dynasty site where monk Jianzhen practiced + the Song Dynasty place where Ouyang Xiu entertained guests! The nighttime world of a thousand glowing lanterns is breathtakingly beautiful! 📍Transportation Guide 🚌Address: No. 8 Pingshantang East Road, Hanjiang District, Yangzhou City · Bus: Take routes 25 or 29 to Daming Temple Station · Self-drive: Parking available at the scenic area (10 RMB per visit) ⚠️Night tours must enter through the North Gate of Qiling Pagoda (after 17:00) ⏰Lantern Festival Time ✨Lighting hours: 18:00-21:30 (extended to 22:00 in summer) 🎫Tickets: Daytime tickets are valid! No need to buy again! 🔥Best viewing times: Special performances on holidays/weekends (recommended to enter before 19:00) 🚶‍♂️Must-visit Route 1️⃣ Enter through Qiling Pagoda North Gate · Lights turn on promptly at 18:00! Head straight to the top viewing platform to overlook the sea of lanterns with Slender West Lake in the frame · 📸Photo tip: Use a wide-angle lens + night mode 2️⃣ Jianzhen Memorial Hall · Tang Dynasty architectural light and shadow show every 20 minutes · The popular lantern wall is here! Wearing Hanfu makes photos even better 3️⃣ Pingshantang Hall · Song Dynasty building complex transformed into a poetry lantern corridor · Hidden photo spot: Shoot lantern clusters from the stone steps in front of the hall looking upward 4️⃣ The Fifth Spring Under Heaven · 360-degree water screen projections arranged around the spring source · Remember to bring coins to make a wish (coins reflecting at the spring bottom create a magical effect) 🍵Food Recommendations · Vegetarian restaurant inside the temple: Must-try Guanyin noodles for 18 RMB per serving · Cultural creative ice cream at the exit: Daming Temple Pagoda shape (matcha flavor is best) ❗️Tips to Avoid Pitfalls 1. Don’t trust scalpers at the entrance! Official channels guarantee ticket authenticity 2. It gets cold at night, bring a light jacket 3. Tripods must be registered in advance; selfie sticks limited to 1 meter in length 4. Weekends are crowded, recommended to arrive before 17:30

Daming Temple truly deserves its title as Yangzhou's top scenic spot! 🏆 This place is not only a historic Buddhist sanctuary but also a cultural treasure blending beautiful garden landscapes! 📜 The Past and Present of the Millennium-Old Temple: · 🏯 Founded in the first year of Emperor Xiaowu of the Southern Song Dynasty (457 AD), with a history of over 1,500 years! · 🏗 The Qiling Pagoda was added during the Sui Dynasty; in the Qing Dynasty, it was also known as "Qiling Temple" and "Fajing Temple" · 🎎 In 1980, to welcome the return of Master Jianzhen's statue from Japan for a "homecoming visit," the original name "Daming Temple" was restored ✨ Must-Visit Buildings: 1️⃣ Mahavira Hall: The magnificent main hall, bustling with incense and worship🔥 2️⃣ Pingshan Hall: A scenic spot built by Ouyang Xiu in the Northern Song Dynasty 3️⃣ Gulin Hall: Built by Su Dongpo to commemorate Ouyang Xiu, a favorite among scholars and literati 4️⃣ Jianzhen Memorial Hall: Designed by Liang Sicheng, a symbol of Sino-Japanese friendship❤️ 5️⃣ Qiling Pagoda: Climb the pagoda to enjoy a panoramic view of Yangzhou’s beautiful scenery! 💫 The "Three Treasures" for Cultural and Antique Collectors: · The Qing Yongzheng "First View in Huai East" stone carving · Deng Shiru’s seal script Heart Sutra stele · The contemporary "Three Treasures Stele" waiting for you to check in! 🌿 Scenic Area Information: 📍 Address: No. 8 Pingshan Hall Road, Shugang Mountain, Hanjiang District, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 🕒 Opening Hours: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM 💰 Tickets: 60 RMB in peak season, 40 RMB in off-season 🚗 Transportation: Bus No. 25 and tourist shuttle line direct access 📌 Travel Tips: 1. It’s recommended to visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds 2. Be sure to climb Qiling Pagoda for a bird’s-eye view of Yangzhou! 3. The park is full of ancient trees, perfect for taking stunning photos📷 4. The nearby Slender West Lake Scenic Area can be arranged for a combined visit!

#natureexploration Situated in the scenic surroundings of Yangzhou, Daming Temple provides a calming retreat enriched with historical importance. The temple is closely associated with the renowned monk Jianzhen, adding an extra layer of cultural depth to the visit. Its spacious layout, shaded areas, and quiet courtyards create an inviting atmosphere for relaxation and contemplation. This destination is ideal for travelers looking to combine sightseeing with a deeper appreciation of Buddhist heritage and Yangzhou's enduring cultural legacy.

The Ultimate Guide to Attractions, Accommodations & Food 1. Yangzhou Daming Temple 📍 8 Pingshantang East Road, Hanjiang District, Yangzhou ⏰ Open daily from 08:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:30); Admission: 27 RMB Perched on Shugang Hill, Daming Temple is one of Yangzhou's most historically profound ancient temples. The moment you push open the mountain gates, the faint scent of ancient timber and echoing Buddhist chants instantly transport you back a thousand years. It feels as though the poetic musings of ancient scholars are still lingering in the air. As you stroll through the temple, landmarks like Pingshan Hall, Jianzhen Memorial Hall, and the Bell Tower reveal rich layers of cultural heritage at every turn. Pingshan Hall is a standout—standing under its sweeping eaves and looking north, the distant trees look like a traditional ink painting, washing a deep sense of Zen over you. This is the exact spot that inspired Ouyang Xiu's famous verse, "The railings of Pingshan lean against the clear sky." Pro TIPS: · We highly recommend visiting the temple in the morning. With fewer crowds, the ethereal vibe makes it much easier to meditate and soak in the Zen atmosphere. · Be sure to set aside plenty of time to hang out outside Pingshan Hall. If you’re lucky enough to catch a sunny Jiangnan day, the stunning natural light makes it the perfect spot to zone out, snap some photos, or journal. 2. Yangzhou Grand Canal Cultural Tourism Resort · Daming Temple - Bell Tower 📍 1 Pingshantang East Road, Hanjiang District, Yangzhou (Inside Daming Temple) ⏰ Open daily from 08:00 to 16:30 The Bell Tower is an iconic landmark of Daming Temple. Climbing to the top rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of Jiangnan's picturesque landscape. Every strike of the bell seems to echo through thousands of years of history, deepening the temple's tranquil Zen vibe—it’s the kind of place you won't want to leave once you arrive. - While you might have to wait to climb the tower, the crowds thin out in the early morning or late afternoon. Paired with the scenic outdoor backdrop, the ancient temple vibes are absolutely MAX! 3. Yangzhou Slender West Lake Daming Temple Fuhui Jingshe Hotel 📍 8 Pingshantang Road, Shugang Slender West Lake Scenic Area If you want to fully immerse yourself in the ancient temple vibe, this hotel is hands-down your best bet. The location is unbeatable—nestled right inside Daming Temple and right next to the Slender West Lake. You can effortlessly bounce between the ancient temple and the classical gardens, completely on foot. Plus, you get free park entry in the mornings and evenings—an incredible perk! - The hotel offers a variety of complimentary experiences (like Daming Temple night tours and blessing lantern lightings), making it a fantastic choice for families, culture enthusiasts, and wellness travelers. Guests rave about the passionate and attentive staff and the well-equipped facilities. Just a heads up: some reviews mention cleanliness in certain rooms could be improved, so it's a good idea to communicate your expectations when booking. 4. Yunshang Siji Guesthouse (Yangzhou Slender West Lake Daming Temple Branch) 📍 1-101, 33 Pingshantang East Road Looking for a more unique stay? This waterfront guesthouse is just a few minutes' walk from the entrance of the Slender West Lake. It perfectly balances ancient charm with modern comfort, offering an incredibly relaxing, family-friendly environment that’s ideal for travelers who love exploring on foot. Keep in mind that soundproofing in some rooms is a bit lacking, so be sure to request a quiet room at the front desk before you book. 5. Dajiangyou · Intangible Cultural Heritage Landmark Huaiyang Cuisine (Daming Temple Branch) 📍 Shuxiu Road, Xihu Town (North of the East Gate of Huijin Garden) You can't visit Yangzhou without trying authentic Huaiyang cuisine, and the Daming Temple branch of "Dajiangyou" is the perfect spot to grab a bite nearby! Specializing in authentic local dishes, the flavors are delicate and refined—an ideal culinary pairing for a Zen temple journey, treating your taste buds to a cultural trip of their own. Itinerary Tips & Practical Guide · Pingshan Hall at night is stunning and wonderfully uncrowded. Taking a slow evening stroll through the temple or joining the hotel's night tour is highly recommended. · Both the hotel and the guesthouse are right by the Slender West Lake, making it easy to squeeze in an afternoon garden walk. For culture and travel photographers, bringing a telephoto lens is a must—the lighting at dawn and dusk is absolute perfection. · Getting there: Whether you arrive by bullet train or bus, catching a taxi directly to the Daming Temple entrance/hotel is your best bet. It only takes about 15-20 minutes from downtown Yangzhou. · Daming Temple requires an admission ticket. We suggest buying tickets online in advance so you can skip the line during peak hours. · Foodie tip: Start your day with a nourishing vegetarian breakfast at Fuhui Jingshe, and hit up "Dajiangyou" for lunch nearby so you don't miss out on any authentic local flavors.

When visiting Yangzhou, if you only know the elegance of Slender West Lake and the bustling Dongguan Street, you will definitely miss the "Number One Scenic Spot in Yangzhou" hidden in the Shugang Zhongfeng—Daming Temple. As the core cultural landmark of the Grand Canal Cultural Tourism Resort, it is not only a thousand-year-old temple but also a timeless secret realm that integrates Buddhist culture, literati elegance, and magnificent gardens. With over 1,500 years of historical accumulation, every step is in rhythm with the intertwining of cultural heritage and Zen spirit. Upon entering the scenic area, the first thing that catches your eye is the vermilion archway and yellow walls with dark tiles, exuding an ancient charm. Walking up along the central axis, the Hall of Heavenly Kings and the Mahavira Hall are arranged in sequence, showcasing the grandeur and solemnity of Qing Dynasty architecture. Inside the halls, the Buddha statues are solemn, incense curls gently rise, and the air is filled with a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere. The sea island Guanyin relief in the Mahavira Hall is particularly stunning, with over a hundred figures carved in a 5-meter-high wall, each with unique expressions and exquisite craftsmanship. Looking closely, it feels as if you can touch the texture of time. The most famous landmark in the temple is the Qiling Pagoda, an absolute must-see. This nine-story Buddhist pagoda, originally built in the Sui Dynasty, has been rebuilt to its original glory after periods of rise and fall. Standing 73 meters tall, its Tang-style gray-blue structure is steady and dignified, with flying eaves like a roc spreading its wings. Copper bells under the eaves gently ring in the wind, their clear sound echoing through the mountains and forests. Climbing the pagoda, each floor offers a different view. At the top, you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view of Yangzhou city: Slender West Lake winds like a green silk ribbon, the Grand Canal flows like a mighty dragon, and the ancient city’s streets are neatly arranged. In spring, the fragrant Qiong flowers bloom; in autumn, the forests are dyed in layers of color. The heroic spirit of Li Bai’s poem "The pagoda towers high, climbing to view the vast wilderness" is vividly felt here. Heading west, you enter the spiritual home of scholars and poets—Pingshan Hall and the West Garden. Pingshan Hall was built when Ouyang Xiu served as the governor of Yangzhou. The artistic conception of "distant mountains coming level with this hall" made it a gathering place for Northern Song literati. Inside the hall, the ancient couplets are weathered, and the flowers and trees in front are lush. Leaning on the railing and looking afar, all the mountains of Jiangnan come into view, and you can almost see Ouyang Gong and his friends drinking and composing poetry with carefree spirits. Adjacent to it are Gulin Hall and the Ouyang Ancestral Hall, which hold Su Shi’s remembrance of his mentor, continuing the cultural heritage for a thousand years. The West Garden is a Jiangnan-style garden hidden within the ancient temple, with shallow clear ponds, scattered pavilions, layered rockeries, and towering ancient trees. The most famous "Fifth Spring Under Heaven" is hidden here. This ancient well and spring have remained clear and sweet for thousands of years. The stories of Lu Yu tasting the spring and Ouyang Xiu discussing water add a literary aura to this clear spring. Strolling here, listening to the tinkling spring water and watching fish play among lotus leaves, the Zen spirit blends perfectly with the garden’s beauty, creating an extremely serene atmosphere. As the departure point for Master Jianzhen’s eastward voyage to Japan, the Jianzhen Memorial Hall at Daming Temple is an eternal witness to Sino-Japanese cultural exchange. Designed by Mr. Liang Sicheng and modeled after Japan’s Tōshōdai-ji Temple, the simple and elegant Tang-style architecture houses a serene statue of Jianzhen. The murals and ship models vividly recreate the hardships and perseverance of his six voyages eastward. This place is not only a religious sanctuary but also carries cultural friendship across mountains and seas, with every detail telling a story of millennium-long dedication and inheritance. After touring, you might want to try the Zen vegetarian cuisine at Suhui Zhai inside the temple. Vegetarian five-spice buns, vegetarian lion’s head meatballs, and Mapo tofu use vegetarian ingredients to mimic meat dishes. The Huaiyang flavors blend with Zen spirit, light yet flavorful. Enjoying a vegetarian meal in the quiet ancient temple brings peace to both body and mind. From the ancient temple of the Southern Dynasties to the Sui-Tang pagoda, from the elegance of Ouyang and Su Shi to Jianzhen’s eastward voyage, Daming Temple condenses Yangzhou’s millennium-old cultural heritage into one garden. It is free from noisy crowds, with only ancient buildings, clear springs, pagoda shadows, and the fragrance of books. It is perfect for a slow, thoughtful visit to find inner peace in Zen spirit. When you come to the Yangzhou Grand Canal Cultural Tourism Resort, don’t miss this millennium treasure hidden atop Shugang. It will show you that Yangzhou’s beauty is not only in its lakes and mountains but also in its enduring cultural heritage and Zen heart. ✅ Trip.com Travel Tips · Address: No. 8 Pingshantang East Road, Hanjiang District, Yangzhou City · Tickets: General admission 45 RMB, Qiling Pagoda climb 28 RMB · Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours, can be combined with Slender West Lake tour · Transportation: Bus lines 1/2/3 to Daming Temple stop; ample parking available for self-driving visitors

During the May Day holiday, two families went to Daming Temple in Yangzhou together, quite a big group. The sunlight made the Qiling Pagoda shine brightly; the nine-story pavilion tower with black tiles and yellow walls had the kids looking up, counting the floors, and when they reached nine, they all exclaimed "Wow" together. From the front of Pingshan Hall, you can see the mountains of Jiangnan in full view, and Su Dongpo's line "The distant mountains come level with this hall" became an instant language lesson. 🕯️ Quiet Moments at the Jianzhen Memorial Hall Before entering the Jianzhen Memorial Hall, I casually told the kids the story of Jianzhen's voyage to the East—six kids gathered around to listen. When I mentioned that he succeeded on the sixth attempt, one child asked, "Why did he still go if he was blind?" Taking advantage of the story about crossing the sea while blind, I talked to them about "perseverance," which was more effective than usual reasoning. The memorial hall was designed by Liang Sicheng in a Tang-style, simple yet strong. The Qionghua tree in front of the hall, a gift from a friend, is said to be related to the plants Jianzhen brought to Japan. The kids squatted by the stone lantern picking up fallen flowers, which was much more interesting than looking at their phones. 🏯 Pingshan Hall and Qiling Pagoda You must visit Ouyang Xiu's Pingshan Hall. Standing in front of the hall looking into the distance, the mountains of Jiangnan are fully visible, and Su Dongpo's line "The distant mountains come level with this hall" becomes a ready-made language lesson. The kids don’t understand the worries of a demoted official but know that Ouyang Xiu was a "grandpa" who could design gardens. You need to buy a separate ticket to climb the Qiling Pagoda, but the view from the top overlooking Slender West Lake and Yangzhou city is definitely worth it, and the kids were even more excited than the adults. 🙏 Practical Information · It’s crowded during the May Day holiday, so it’s recommended to arrive early · The mung bean cakes from the plain noodle shop are highly sought after by the kids This temple is not only full of history but can also become a shining afternoon in the children’s childhood.