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AMELIA VEGAUnited States

The 5 Most Zen Secret Spots to Visit in December! 90% of People Don’t Know the 3rd One, Going There Can Change Your Luck

“Anxious and sleepless at the end of the year? These 5 places will clear your mind in 1 hour!” December is the golden period for cultivating your mind and character. Avoid the crowded popular spots, I’ve discovered these truly magical places where time slows down—ancient temples with red walls reflecting the first snow, bamboo forest hot springs exhaling white mist, even the air you breathe has healing power! 1. Zhejiang · Guoqing Temple (The Top Choice for Buddhist Youth) Highlights: 1,400-year-old Sui Dynasty temple + winter plum blossom zen vibes Fun fact: Every plant in the temple is personally planted by the monks Must-try: 7:00 AM morning chanting class / 2 yuan vegetarian meal at the dining hall 📸 Photo spot: Blue stone slab path in front of Yuhua Hall, perfect for snowy shots 2. Yunnan · Jizhao Nunnery (A Temple That Defies Expectations) Why it’s popular: A Buddha land with succulents instead of incense Hidden activity: After lunch, get free tea sets and daydream at the pine forest tea table Travel tip: Take a taxi from Dali Old Town to Gantong Cableway, then hike 20 minutes (tests your sincerity) 3. Fujian · Wuyishan Zhizhi Nunnery (A Mysterious Energy Field) Metaphysical alert: The ancestral home of Southern Taoism, frequented by I Ching masters Exclusive route: Bamboo raft to the fifth bend of Jiulong Stream, then hike along a wild path Breathtaking moment: Early morning mist reveals the cliff inscription “Dao Ci Zhi Zhi” (Stop Here) 4. Sichuan · Wawu Mountain Gongtong Mountain Villa (A Real-Life Ice and Snow Wonderland) Seasonal special: Mid to late December ice waterfall spectacle + rime on the tung trees Zen retreat package: 1980 RMB/3 days (includes guqin lessons + forest meditation) Warmth tip: Bring heat packs! The mountain mid-slope is 10°C colder than the base 5. Jilin · Changbai Mountain Neyin Ancient City (Shaman Culture Immersion) Hidden gem: Ancient Jurchen city ruins hidden in the forest Mystical ritual: Shaman blessing dance every Saturday (advance booking required) Irresistible temptation: Soak in hot springs while watching the snowy Tianchi Lake view 【Advanced Player Easter Egg】 Encounter a sweeping monk at Guoqing Temple? Try pressing your palms together and chanting “Amitabha,” the master might invite you to taste his treasured cloud mist tea! 【Avoid Pitfalls】 ▶️ All temples prohibit stepping on thresholds or pointing at Buddha statues ▶️ Some mountain paths are icy in winter; best to visit between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM ▶️ Want empty shots? Remember the golden half hour right after morning chanting when pilgrims disperse “True peace is not avoiding the noise of the world, but cultivating a fence and planting chrysanthemums in your heart.” This December, pick a place and start your spiritual spa!
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Posted: Dec 7, 2025
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