Baotong Temple

The autumn colors of Wuhan's Baotong Temple offer a visually breathtaking blend of solemnity and splendor. The most captivating display of color is the Hongshan Pagoda, towering atop the mountain. As autumn deepens, the pagoda is enveloped by vast stands of ginkgo trees and ancient maple leaves. The golden ginkgo leaves and scarlet maple leaves, like an overturned palette, accentuate the ancient stone pagoda with an even more tranquil and profound aura. Climbing the pagoda, one gazes out upon the vibrant forests, the autumn colors complementing the ancient eaves and brackets. The temple's red walls, black tiles, and bluestone pavements, bathed in the clear autumn sunlight, create a stunning backdrop for the autumn foliage. Light and shadow filter through the branches, casting dappled shadows on the walls. When the wind blows, the falling leaves scatter, adding to the tranquility and Zen atmosphere. In addition, Baotong Temple's vegetarian restaurant features seasonal vegetables, allowing visitors to savor the delicious food while experiencing the gifts of autumn. In short, the autumn colors of Baotong Temple are more than just a natural spectacle; they perfectly blend the Zen spirit of a thousand-year-old temple, the solemnity of an imperial monastery, and the rich autumn colors unique to Wuhan. Less bustling and more tranquil, it offers a rare and tranquil spot within the bustling city, perfect for immersing yourself in the changing seasons. If the autumn colors of Baotong Temple are a tranquil classical painting, then the Wuhan Dream Mall across from it is a vibrant, modern ukiyo-e painting. Standing beneath the red walls of Baotong Temple or gazing from the Hongshan Pagoda, one's gaze easily transcends the lush greenery and vibrant autumn leaves to the sprawling modern commercial complex across the street. This visual contrast is striking: On one side, the Zen spirit and tranquility of the thousand-year-old temple, the quiet beauty of autumn leaves, the distant toll of bells, time seems to flow slowly here. On the other, the bustling and bustling of Asia's largest supermarket, with its flashing neon lights and bustling crowds, brimming with the latest consumer and entertainment energy. This scene of "past and present facing each other, just across the street" is the unique charm of Wuhan. You can spend an afternoon under the ginkgo trees of Baotong Temple, enjoying the quiet contemplation of autumn and the reflection of history, and then just steps away, immerse yourself in the vast space of Dream Mall and enjoy the ultimate convenience and pleasure of modern life. Transportation is extremely convenient, with direct access to both the subway and bus.

Baotong Temple was first built during the Liu Song Dynasty in the Southern Dynasties, with a history of more than 1,600 years. It is the oldest existing temple in Wuhan. The temple is built on the mountain, covering an area of ​​about 112,200 square meters, with a construction area of ​​6,600 square meters. The architectural layout is rigorous and well-proportioned. The main building is a brick-wood structure with a hip roof, brackets and eaves, and painted carved buildings, showing its simplicity, elegance, solemnity and luxury.

Baotong Temple Also known as Baotong Zen Temple, it is located at No. 549, Wuluo Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan City, Hubei Province. It was first built during the Liu Song period of the Southern Dynasties (420-479), and was originally named Dongshan Temple. It has a history of more than 1,600 years. Baotong Temple is built on the mountain. The temple covers an area of ​​more than 110,000 square meters. There are mountain gates, holy monk bridges, release ponds, bell towers, drum towers, Maitreya Hall, Mahavira Hall, Sutra Library, East and West Flower Halls of the Patriarch Hall, Buddha Chanting Hall, Galan Hall, Abbot's Room and Zen Hall. There is Hongshan Pagoda behind the temple. It is the first Buddhist place in Sanchu, one of the four famous Buddhist monasteries in Wuhan, and the oldest existing temple in Wuhan. In 1950, Baotong Temple was announced by the Wuhan Municipal People's Government as a key cultural relic protection unit in Wuhan. In 1983, Baotong Temple was announced by the State Council of the People's Republic of China as a national key Buddhist temple in the Han area. Tips: The temple is built on the mountain and is magnificent. There are many tourists. The monks in the temple and on the top of the mountain raise stray cats. They are leisurely and lazy, and have boundless happiness. Transportation: Wuhan has relatively developed bus and subway lines. The entrance is close to the subway station. The waiting time for the bus is about 15-25 minutes. The military preferential card can be used for all except No. 30. There is a parking lot inside for convenient parking. Accommodation: Located in the downtown area, accommodation and food are convenient. Tickets: 10 yuan. Time: Ticket sales stop at 4 pm. There are many tourists. You can choose to visit when there are fewer tourists. The tour time is 1-2 hours.

"The First Buddhist Land in Three Chus, the Only Royal Temple" If you want to understand a city, you must first look at its ancient temples. For most Wuhan people, Baotong Temple, which has a history of more than a thousand years, is a familiar and unfamiliar place. It is the oldest temple among the four most famous Buddhist monasteries in Wuhan, Guiyuan Temple, Baotong Temple, Gude Temple, and Lianxi Temple. According to the historical material "Baotong Temple Records": Baotong Zen Temple was built during the Liu Song period of the Southern Dynasties (420-479 AD), with a history of more than 1,600 years. It is the only royal temple in Wuhan. The temple has also been supported by 10 emperors and 6 princes in history. Today's Baotong Temple has also undergone many name changes in history. "Dongshan Temple" during the Liu Song period of the Southern Dynasties, renamed "Mituo Temple" during the Zhenguan period of the Later Tang Dynasty, and changed to "Mituo Temple" during the Duanping period of the Southern Song Dynasty. Dongshan was changed to Hongshan, and the temple was named "Chongning Wanshou Zen Temple". During the Chenghua period of the Ming Dynasty, the temple was renamed "Baotong Zen Temple", which has been used to this day. The existing Zen temple was built in the fifth year of Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty (1879). It is the largest and most exquisitely decorated temple in Wuchang. This is the origin of Baotong Zen Temple. Baotong Zen Temple is a must-visit when traveling in Wuhan. The bright yellow exterior wall of the temple is particularly dazzling, but it gives people a solemn sense of alienation. Walking into the temple, although it is in a busy city, it has a unique tranquility that is completely different from the noisy streets outside the temple. Look at the nameplate introduction: Every plant, every peak and every stone here has a great origin. Baotong Temple has buildings such as the release pond, the holy monk bridge, the reception hall, the east and west halls, the main hall, the ancestral hall, the Zen hall, and the Buddhist college. There are Hongshan Pagoda and Fajie Palace on the mountain behind the temple, as well as small pavilions, layered stones, strange stones, secluded paths, Huayan Cave, Bailongquan and other scenic spots. Along the way, I found that the temple architecture of Baotong Zen Temple is very similar to that of the Forbidden City in Beijing. Perhaps it has always been a royal temple. Going deep into the forest, the Hongshan Pagoda, hidden in the lush forest of Hongshan, stands under the blue sky. Its brick-red color reveals a hint of mystery. Climbing to the top of the pagoda, you can see everything. The beauty of climbing is beyond words. As the only royal temple in Wuhan, Baotong Temple has witnessed the rise and fall of China's feudal imperial rule. It is a witness to the history and culture of Wuhan in various eras in history. Cicadas chirping, birds singing, ancient bells, incense, lazy cats, on this sunny afternoon, come to Baotong Temple, will we meet by chance? ! Travel tips: Baotong Temple Address: No. 549, Wuluo Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan City, Hubei Province; Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 7:00-16:00; Tickets: 10 yuan (on-site ticket purchase), 2 yuan for climbing Hongshan Pagoda. Transportation: The fastest Wuhan Metro Line 2 [Baotong Temple] Station Exit D is just around the corner. Travel tips: Baotong Temple is not far from Wuhan University (Luojiashan Campus), Hubei Provincial Museum, Hubei Art Museum, East Lake Scenic Area and other attractions, so you can plan a reasonable day trip. The Baotong Temple Vegetarian Restaurant on the left side of the Baotong Temple gate is very famous. It is a good place to taste authentic Buddhist vegetarian food. There are quite a lot of dishes. You can choose whether you like luxury or simplicity. Chicken, duck, fish, meat, seafood, mountain delicacies and various stir-fried vegetarian dishes can meet all your needs.

Located at the south foot of Hongshan Mountain in Wuchang, it is the clearest Buddhist temple in all ages. It is the first Buddhist site in Sanchu, one of the four famous Buddhist jungles in Wuhan, and the oldest monastery in Wuhan. The monastery covers an area of 110,000 square meters and is the largest monastery in the cities of central and southern China. Ticket: 10 yuan. Recommended time: 1-2 hours. Landscape: A collection of cultural relics, Song Zhong, Yuan Pagoda, Xumi Seat, Ming Lion; a large number of historical sites, cliff stone carvings, eight sceneries of Hongshan, the most Buddhist cultural connotation.

Baotong Zen Temple is located on Wuluo Road, Hongshan District. The nearest subway is Line 2, which goes all the way to Baotong Temple Station. This is my first time there, and I found it quickly with the navigation. It covers a large area. To be honest, my back and waist are sore after walking around. Don't carry a backpack when you go there, it's really tiring. The scenery inside is beautiful, and you need to feel it carefully. There is a group of cute kittens. The cats at the foot of the mountain are very well-behaved and will come to play with you. The cats on the mountain are more shy. In addition, there is a layman on the mountain who collects cat food for the cats. Everyone participates at will. The only shortcoming is that some places are being renovated, and the lights in the Arhat Hall are not turned on, which makes people feel a little shabby, but the overall feeling is still good. It is best for young ladies to wear pants, and if you wear a skirt, try to wear a long skirt. If you wear a Hanfu, try to add a base if you are wearing a horse face. Don't wear too many flowery head accessories, and wear velvet flowers and other quieter ones (Note: The above is just a suggestion, dog head saves life, don't be angry, don't mix personal emotions, don't want to beat me! I'm very cute, no!

[Light Rain 2016-10-01] After staying in Wuhan for so many years, I came to Baotong Zen Temple for the first time today. The temple stands at the entrance of the busy street. A wall separates the red dust from the outside. It is quiet in the city and pious in the bustle. It used to be a royal monastery. It was called Dongshan Monastery in the Southern and Northern Dynasties. It has been more than 1400 years since then. The Tang Dynasty changed its name to Mituo Temple. It's a pity that we are late today and have closed the door. We'll climb the pagoda another day and hope to see the temple do great justice. I love this city very much.