Baoguo Temple... light mountain climbing, rich forest, edge of the city - day trip

Baoguo temple reachable by two buses from me. The 2nd bus being a more local style bus. Took about 1.5 hours in total, and the bus drops you off right in front.





I paid the entrance fee which was just 20 rmb, not bad for China, but I was figuring that the area wasn't too big.

Upon entry, I was pleasantly surprised by the welcoming, lush nature. I felt happy to be there. The area is obviously well kept and the environment, the tangible and intangible, exudes a bright, positive and warm feeling.

 First, I headed up and to the right, away from the temple area. I wanted to walk around first. I proceeded to walk up the stairs towards the peak. China has a lot of destinations like this: beautiful scenic areas with well built stairs heading up and around mountains.


The walk up the mountain was pleasant, invigorating and the lack of tourists was welcoming. That's the best part of having my holidays fall on Mondays and Tuesdays; there is no one else traveling, except retirees, sometimes.

A lot of this type of flower: Sunflowers, maybe?

The view wasn't bad. It wasn't deep enough in the mountains to be just a nature view, so you can see small towns from the top.

Cool looking Chinese style gazebo

- Hung out there awhile and read, soaking in the surroundings.

Welcome to the temple entrance:

This old stump and roots of a tree, I found to be captivating. I wonder how big this tree was.













Inside the temple.

There was also a museum of archaic tools and other items within the temple grounds. This picture shows two tools which are for planing wood. There rest of the museum was an eclectic mix of ancient tools, chairs, people of note and the history of the temple (the founder and origin). One section was dedicated to the fathers of different skills, such as architecture and city planning. Very cool!

The museum continues.

5 for 5 rmb, not bad. basically different flavored
ice popsicles - magically delicious!

Cool Chinese art.. I love the blending of colors and tradition.

On the way out of the temple and back down the stairs, I stopped and took a picture through here. I was kind of amazed at all the small little areas within this scenic spot.

A sort of dried up, man made water fall that looked cool
with that dragon head spout. 

Great place for a day trip. I would definitely go again because of it's close proximity to the city.