Guoqing Temple (国清寺) – Ancient Buddhist Temple on Mount Tiantai (天台山)
Guoqing Temple (国清寺) is one of the oldest and most revered Buddhist monasteries in China, founded in 598 AD during the Sui Dynasty. It is located in the scenic gorge of Mount Tiantai (天台山) (Zhejiang Province). This is the birthplace of the Tiantai school — the first school of Buddhism created by the Chinese. Ancient sutras, pagodas, and unique architecture integrated into the mountain landscape are preserved here.
What awaits you: visit to the main temple complex, the 59-meter Sui Pagoda (隋塔), the sacred stone bridge (石桥), Shiliang Waterfall (石梁飞瀑), a walk through the Tiantai tea plantations, and a tasting of the famous "cloud tea" (天台云雾茶).
Sights
What awaits you on the tour
- Morning departure from Shanghai — meeting at Hongqiao station, high-speed train to Taizhou (台州站) (2.5 h).
- Arrival in Taizhou — meeting with the guide, transfer to Mount Tiantai (天台山) (30 min).
- Guoqing Temple (国清寺) — main halls, ancient relics, scent of incense.
- Sui Pagoda (隋塔) — 59-meter pagoda without a foundation, standing for 1400 years.
- Lunch at a monastery vegetarian café — traditional Tiantai school cuisine.
- Shiliang Waterfall (石梁飞瀑) — picturesque waterfall cascading from a stone bridge.
- Tea ceremony — visit to the "cloud tea" plantations of Tiantai (天台云雾茶), tasting.
- Walk through bamboo groves (竹林) — meditative trails, sacred springs.
- Return to Shanghai — evening train or car.
Sample itinerary (one-day tour)
| Time | Program stage | Details and transport |
|---|---|---|
| 06:30 | Meeting at Hongqiao station (Shanghai) | Meeting with the guide, boarding train G7503 (07:00). |
| 09:30 | Arrival at Taizhou Station (台州站) | Exit train, transfer to Guoqing Temple (30 min). |
| 10:00–11:30 | Guoqing Temple (国清寺) | Visit main halls, Sui Pagoda (隋塔), steles, entrance 10¥. |
| 11:30–12:30 | Lunch at vegetarian café | Traditional dishes: tofu, mushrooms, seasonal vegetables. |
| 12:30–14:00 | Shiliang Waterfall (石梁飞瀑) | Walk along the trail, photos at the stone bridge (石桥), ticket 60¥. |
| 14:00–15:30 | Tiantai Tea Plantations (天台山云雾茶) | Tour of the terraces, tea ceremony, tea purchase. |
| 15:30–16:30 | Bamboo Grove (竹林) and springs | Free time for meditation, walk. |
| 16:30–17:00 | Transfer to the station | Drive to Taizhou Station. |
| 17:30–20:00 | Departure to Shanghai | Train G7528 (17:46) arrival in Hongqiao at 20:00. |
💡 Important notes:
- Train tickets should be purchased 5–7 days in advance; demand is high on weekends.
- In the temple, keep quiet and do not take photos without permission in prayer halls.
- Comfortable shoes are a must – many ascents and steps.
- For those interested, a two-day program with overnight stay in a guesthouse near the temple is available.
Price and conditions
Tour cost
Services of a Russian-speaking guide, help with tickets, transfer arrangements, accompaniment.
Car (sedan/minivan) for the whole day, transfer from Shanghai and back.
Estimated expenses per person
Additional services
What else to visit
(三清山) UNESCO site, granite peaks. (~30 km.)
(桐柏宫) Taoist temple on Mount Tongbai. (~15 km.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Important information
The indicated prices are valid at the time of offer. Ticket and service costs may change. Booking is made after prepayment. Cancellation less than 7 days before the tour is non-refundable.
