Flew all the way to Xi’an just for this 1,400-year-old ginkgo tree! The ancient Guanyin Zen Temple is a must-see
Family, who understands! The moment I saw this “millennium internet celebrity” ginkgo tree, I immediately booked my flight—golden leaves covering the ground, a trunk so thick it takes several people to hug, 1,400 years of history settled in, the photos are stunning beyond words. This trip to Xi’an is totally worth it!
📍【Address】: Guanyin Zen Temple, Luohandong Village, Dongdajie Office, Chang’an District, Xi’an City (Don’t get lost! There are many fake check-in spots nearby, make sure to look for the official name “Guanyin Zen Temple”)
🚗【Transportation】:
- Public Transport: Take Metro Line 2 to Weiqu South Station, then transfer to Bus 730 to Luohandong Village Station. After getting off, walk 10 minutes. There are signs along the way, just follow the crowd and you won’t go wrong;
- Driving: Navigate directly to the temple parking lot. Parking fee is 10 yuan per visit. It’s recommended to arrive early (before 8 AM) during peak season, or you’ll get stuck at the village entrance and watch others take beautiful photos first;
- Pitfall Warning: Don’t take illegal roadside taxis! They charge 50 yuan, but the bus only costs 2 yuan. Save money and avoid being scammed~
🍂【Place Introduction】:
The temple is hidden at the foot of Zhongnan Mountain. As soon as you enter, you’re struck by the millennium-old ginkgo tree! The trunk is strong and upright, the branches spread out like a big golden umbrella. Sunlight filters through the leaves, covering the ground with “gold foil.” Walking underneath feels like stepping into a fantasy drama scene.
Besides the ginkgo tree, the temple itself is very charming. Red walls and black tiles paired with golden leaves make every corner a perfect ancient-style photo spot. The incense is light and peaceful. When tired, you can sit on the stone benches in the Zen courtyard, listen to the rustling of the wind through the leaves, and instantly feel all your fatigue melt away.
The best part is[!][!] the temple is free to enter, so you can see the ancient tree without paying an entrance fee—great value for money~
🍜【Highly Recommended Food】:
- Temple Vegetarian Noodles: You must try the vegetarian noodles at the temple’s dining hall! 15 yuan a bowl, the noodles are chewy, the broth is flavorful, paired with pickled radish to refresh and cut the grease. It’s super comforting to eat a hot bowl of noodles after visiting the ancient tree;
- Chang’an Gourd Chicken: Available in the city at Zui Chang’an and Tong Sheng Xiang. The skin is crispy to the point of crumbling, the meat tender and juicy. Tearing it apart smells amazing. Paired with Shaanxi Bingfeng soda, the carb happiness doubles;
- Roujiamo (Chinese Burger): Just find any old shop by the roadside. The fatty and lean braised meat stuffed in a Tongguan bun, biting into it gives a crispy crunch and bursts with meaty aroma. Perfect for a snack while exploring;
- Oil-Splashed Noodles: Wide noodles drizzled with hot oil, sizzling and fragrant. Add a fried egg and some greens, spice level optional. Carb lovers will be ecstatic!
⚠️【Important Tips】:
- Reservation! Reservation! Reservation! Saying it three times because it’s important! During peak season (late October to early November), you must book in advance on the “Guanyin Zen Temple” official WeChat account. Daily visitor limits apply, no reservation means no entry. Don’t come empty-handed and cry;
- Outfit Suggestions: Wear light-colored or ancient-style clothing (Hanfu, qipao) for photos—they match perfectly. Avoid dark clothes, or they’ll clash with the golden leaves and ruin your shots;
- Best Photo Times: 9-11 AM or 3-5 PM. The light is soft and not backlit, making the leaves glow golden. Midday sun is too harsh and causes overexposure;
- Be Respectful: Don’t climb the tree or shake the leaves! If you see someone breaking branches, please stop them. The millennium-old tree needs everyone’s care so more people can enjoy its beauty;
- Bring Supplies: The temple only offers vegetarian noodles and tea. You can bring snacks and water. During peak season, you might wait up to half an hour in line for noodles.
Flying all the way to Xi’an just for this 1,400-year-old ginkgo tree is definitely worth it! Red walls, ancient temple, golden ginkgo leaves—every shot is a mood masterpiece. Pair that with authentic Shaanxi cuisine, and you get double the comfort from carbs and scenery. This trip is legendary, and you won’t stop posting nine-grid photos on social media. Those who go will know how amazing it is~
Other visitors' reviews of Zhongnan Mountain
Show More ReviewsI thought that Zhongnan Mountain was a mountain, but then I climbed the Qinling Mountains to know that Zhongnan Mountain is very big. Zhongnan Mountain is a section of Qinling Mountains. Zhongnan Mountain is a beautiful place of landscape. Since ancient times, countless monks have come to ask for the Tao, and many people have lived here, without asking the world, and enjoy the beauty of nature. Good mountains, Zhongnan Mountain is tall and tall, and the sun and moon are born on the mountain. Good scenery, other places have been shrouded by night, and the peaks of the south have the afterglow of the sunset. Good people, the people on the mountain are straightforward and calm. Good sound, the mountain wind blows the pine and cypress, the pine branches and pine leaves are whirring in the wind, the wind and pine sound echo between the thousands of mountains, very crisp and exciting. There is such a place, I really regret reading, and it is better to pursue merit and fame than to enjoy the beautiful scenery here. What do you say?