Shanghai Qingpu | Who hasn't seen the ginkgo season at Baoguo Temple?

I've been living in Qingpu for a while now, and I'm always on the lookout for great outdoor spots. Shanghai has officially entered winter, and the ginkgo and red leaves are at their best. However, due to the rain and wind earlier, the ginkgo trees don't seem as lush as in previous years. Today, I visited Baoguo Temple, and seeing the monks with their enticing equipment, I decided to join in with my little black card and half-frame film. 🔍 "Baoguo Temple" has a parking lot outside, but on weekends and during the ginkgo season, there are more tourists, and parking spaces can be a bit tight, requiring some skill. 🍂 As soon as you enter, you'll see this thousand-year-old ginkgo tree. It seems to have been struck by lightning before, as the trunk is split, and a lightning rod has been installed. There are some new branches growing on the side, with lush golden leaves. 📸 Photo spots 1️⃣ Monk statue under the ginkgo tree Serene and sacred, with a stone tablet inscribed with "Ginkgo" nearby. You can take photos from any angle, and each side has its unique beauty as the sun's angle changes. Shooting through the incense burner offers a different perspective. 2️⃣ Four-faced Guanyin statue under the ginkgo tree With Guanyin Temple and ginkgo as the background, and the sunlight just right, it feels very sacred. 3️⃣ God of Wealth Hall Standing at a high point, with the God of Wealth Hall as the background, combined with ginkgo branches and an incense burner, creates an immediate sense of tranquility. 🚶 Nearby attractions Since you're here, why not explore the surroundings? Baoguo Temple is right by Dianshan Lake, and the sunset is particularly captivating, making you feel like you're looking at the sea. 1️⃣ Health Trail On the right side of Baoguo Temple, there's a "Jade Buddha Merit Park." Enter from the right side of the park. The trail is 600 meters long, with some maple leaves along the way, and you can see some birds and villagers' self-built houses. The trail ends at Dianshan Lake, offering a wide-open view, perfect for photos. 2️⃣ Dianshan Lake Village There's a small path between Baoguo Temple and the Merit Park, leading to Dianshan Lake Village. It's a fishing village where villagers sell their catch or dried fish. As you walk further, you'll see Dianshan Lake and many fishing boats, which is quite different from my impression of Shanghai🤣 ⚠️ Things to note 1️⃣ Due to the strong wind and waves here, remember to wear windproof clothing, and if possible, wrap yourself up like a zongzi. 2️⃣ There are also homestays nearby, converted from villagers' houses, which are charming and beautiful. Friends from out of town might consider staying here. 3️⃣ Baoguo Temple offers vegetarian noodles until 2 PM, and there's also a café outside.