Huiju Temple Summer Vacation One-Day Tour

📍 Basic Information • Address: No. 508 Yangshu Road, Kunshan City, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province (or No. 500, slightly different according to sources). • Opening Hours: 08:00-17:00 (some mention Tianhou Palace open until 19:00). • Admission: Free entry, free incense offering available inside the temple. • Transportation: ◦ Self-driving: About 1 hour from Shanghai, free parking for up to 2 hours in the temple’s underground parking lot. ◦ Metro: Take Suzhou Rail Transit Line 11 to "Baihetan Station," then transfer to bus W518/W520 or walk 1.6 km. ------ 🌟 Highlights 1. Minnan-Taiwan Style Architecture: ◦ Modeled after Lukang Longshan Temple in Taiwan, blending Minnan red walls with swallowtail ridges and golden glazed tiles, perfect for photos. ◦ Tianhou Palace: The largest Mazu temple in East China, enshrining the Lukang branch of Mazu, with pure gold lotus tiles on the ground for blessings and safety. ◦ Nine-Story Pagoda: Iconic temple building, with a stunning lake reflection behind the pagoda, a perfect photo spot. 2. Cultural Experience: ◦ Free activities: Sutra copying, divination with moon blocks, Zen meditation (time confirmation required). ◦ Intangible cultural heritage displays: Minnan brick carving, lacquer carving corridor, Taiwanese folk performances (such as Electric Sound Third Prince, Taiwanese opera). 3. Nearby Food: ◦ Baodao Youyicun: A 5-minute walk away, a Taiwanese-style street with snacks like oyster omelet and large sausage wrapped in small sausage, free parking during dining hours in the underground lot. ------ 🗺️ Recommended Route • Morning: Mountain Gate → Bell and Drum Tower → Hall of Heavenly Kings → Yuantong Treasure Hall (view the 32-armed Guanyin statue) → Huiju Tianhou Palace (prayer for blessings). • Afternoon: Climb the Nine-Story Pagoda for panoramic views → Take photos by the backyard lake → Taste Taiwanese cuisine at Baodao Youyicun. • Night Tour (optional): Light show illuminating the red brick swallowtail ridges, uniquely charming. ------ 📌 Practical Tips • Dress Code: Comfortable shoes (the temple is large), avoid revealing or bright clothing. • Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for fewer crowds; rich activities during the Mazu Ascension Festival on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. • Combined Visit Suggestions: Convenient accommodation at nearby All Seasons Hotel, or combine with evening entertainment at Kunshan City’s Golden Eagle Shopping Center. Huiju Temple blends Minnan-Taiwan culture, Jiangnan gardens, and Buddhist Zen, perfect for blessings, photography, and food in one stop. It’s a hidden gem and ideal short-trip destination!