Shaanxi! The Thousand-Year-Old Temple in Xi'an with Stunning Ginkgo Trees

Must-visit in early winter! This thousand-year-old temple in Xi'an hides the most beautiful ginkgo trees online🍂, a one-day tour guide for you! I just visited the Ancient Guanyin Zen Temple last week and was breathless from the 1,400-year-old ginkgo tree! Sharing my secret route to help you explore this low-key royal temple～ 🌅 Morning itinerary: 9:00 Depart from downtown (self-driving or taxi recommended, about 1 hour drive) 10:00 Arrive at the Zen temple (remember to book in advance on the official WeChat account, free but limited entry!) Must-visit spot ① Thousand-year-old ginkgo tree Legend says it was personally planted by Emperor Li Shimin. In mid to late November, it shines golden, and when the leaves fall, the ground is covered with a golden carpet. Don’t forget your camera📸 Must-visit spot ② Guanyin Ancient Spring The temple’s clear spring flows year-round. You can fill a cup of spring water to taste (there is a designated water collection point) Must-visit spot ③ Mahavira Hall The incense burner in front of the hall is exquisitely simple, perfect for quiet prayers and blessings 🍜 Lunch recommendation: 12:30 Temple vegetarian meal (25 RMB/person) or nearby farmhouse restaurant Highly recommend "Luohan Cave Village Old Bowl Fish," a 10-minute walk away, with freshly killed live fish that’s super delicious～ 🌇 Afternoon itinerary: 14:00 Zen tea experience There is a tea room in the temple where you can taste Zen tea (38 RMB/person), with a ginkgo view right outside the window 15:00 Walk around nearby There is a quiet trail on the temple’s back mountain, with beautifully colored autumn forests that are very healing 16:00 Return to downtown ❗️Useful tips: 1. Be sure to wear non-slip shoes! The bluestone paths plus fallen leaves can be slippery 2. The best photo time is 10-11 AM, when sunlight shining through the ginkgo is super dreamy 3. Drones are prohibited, don’t bring one 4. Nearby strawberry farms open in December, you can pick some on the way back