This Domestic Scenic Area Only Charges One Yuan for Entry, Has Maintained This Price for Decades, Truly a Heartfelt Attraction
Since the Reform and Opening-up Policy, China's policy of freedom of belief has led to many temples becoming tourist attractions. However, in recent years, the tourism industry has become increasingly prosperous, and the fees for tourist attractions have also risen sharply. When traveling, in addition to transportation and tickets, expenses for food, accommodation, and other necessities also constitute a significant cost.
However, even if you spend a considerable amount of money on travel every year, it may be difficult for ordinary families to bear. Moreover, the fees charged by attractions are artificially set and do not have substantial costs. When they continue to increase, it can sometimes be difficult to accept. If they were open like West Lake, everyone could enjoy them for free. Today, we're talking about this attraction, which is a conscience-priced attraction, only charging one yuan: Lingyan Mountain Temple.
Lingyan Mountain Temple is located on the shores of Taihu Lake in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, and now has a history of 1600 years. It has experienced many unfortunate events and was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. The temple we see today was restored by Master Ying Guang in the 1930s and embodies the efforts of various dynasties. Therefore, the architectural specifications are very elaborate, and there's also a small garden on the west side.
Actually, Lingyan Mountain itself is not famous for being a temple; it was once the site of Fu Chi's Gonggua Palace in the Spring and Autumn period. It preserves many relics of the Wu King and various daily items, which have been carefully preserved over the years. What made it famous is that it was once the birthplace of Xishi in the Southern Yue Kingdom, so there's also Xishi Cave.
Past events are gone with the wind, and today's Lingyan Mountain Temple is a temple that people particularly cherish. People are very protective of women's lives and deaths, unwilling to let them suffer any hardship. In 1980, Yuan last established a Buddhist college, with vocational and undergraduate courses. Many pilgrims or monks participated since its establishment.
It's remarkable that Lingyan Mountain Temple has endured repeated destruction and reconstruction for so long, demonstrating its immense charm. Going there for only one yuan to experience a thousand years of wind and rain is truly inspiring.
