Exploring the Deep Mountain Forbidden City: The 9999 Dragons and Six Wonders of Bao'en Temple

In that season brimming with the essence of spring, I embarked on a journey to Bao'en Temple, filled with longing for the legendary 'Deep Mountain Forbidden City.' Bao'en Temple, a hidden gem nestled in a small county town, its stories and beauty are like Mr. Lu Xun's Garden of Hundreds of Grasses, full of mystery and allure. I. Departure Early in the morning, I left the bustling city and headed towards the tranquil mountains. The scenery outside the car window gradually changed from skyscrapers to rolling green hills, and my heart settled down with it. Departing from Chengdu, after a journey of more than three hours, I arrived at this ancient temple. II. First Encounter with Bao'en Temple Standing in front of Bao'en Temple, I was struck by its grandeur and exquisiteness. The temple was founded in the fifth year of the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty and took twenty years of wind and rain to complete. It stands like an old man who has experienced the vicissitudes of life, quietly narrating the changes of history. III. The Beauty of the Six Wonders Entering the temple, I was captivated by the 'Six Wonders.' First was the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in its full form, carved from a single piece of Phoebe zhennan wood, its solemn and respectful posture inspiring reverence. Then there were the exquisitely made dougong brackets, with elaborate decorations inside and out, a rich variety and numerous in quantity, each unique, as if witnesses to history. IV. The Charm of Phoebe zhennan The construction material of Bao'en Temple is uniformly Phoebe zhennan wood, a type of timber that was extremely precious in ancient Pingwu. The fragrance and texture of Phoebe zhennan wood seem to transport one back to the prosperous Ming Dynasty, feeling the weight of history. V. The Charm of the Murals The murals are another highlight of Bao'en Temple, blending the painting styles of the early and middle Ming Dynasty with those of local artists, influenced by Tibetan Buddhist aesthetics. Each mural is a story, each color a piece of history. VI. The Huayan Sutra Wheel The Huayan Sutra Wheel, a treasure of the temple constructed from Phoebe zhennan wood, stands quietly within the temple. Its solemnity and mystery command respect. VII. The Gathering of Ten Thousand Dragons Most astonishing are the legendary 9999 dragons. They are hidden or visible, integrated into every corner of the temple. I could almost hear them whispering in the wind, telling ancient tales. VIII. Touring Suggestions When visiting Bao'en Temple, I suggest that visitors slow down and savor every detail. The entrance fee is 40 yuan, and the parking fee is 10 yuan. These small expenses are exchanged for a spiritual cleansing. IX. Surrounding Tours If time allows, consider a two-day trip. Visit Bao'en Temple on the first day, and go to the Pingtong Plum Grove on the second day to experience the tranquility and beauty of nature. X. Concluding Remarks As night fell, I left Bao'en Temple with a heart full of harvest and reflection. It is like Mr. Lu Xun's Sanwei Bookhouse, providing me with knowledge, thought, and a deeper reverence for history.