Temple of the Six Banyan Trees
六榕寺
On a recent summer morning in Guangzhou, I found myself exploring the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. Navigating through the bustling streets of Yuexiu District, where market stalls were already alive with activity, I could feel the day’s heat settling in. The air was thick and humid, but as soon as I stepped into the temple grounds, the city’s clamor softened. I was greeted by the sight of towering banyan trees and the scent of burning incense. It’s said that the renowned poet Su Dongpo gave the temple its name over 900 years ago, inspired by the original banyans that once stood here.
The Flower Pagoda, an octagonal tower painted in striking red and white, dominated the center of the complex. As I approached, the carvings along its exterior caught my eye, each detail telling part of its centuries-old story. Inside the temple halls, golden Buddha statues glimmered in the filtered morning light. A handful of early visitors moved quietly, lighting incense and offering prayers. The temple provided a welcome retreat from the city’s nonstop energy—a serene spot where I could soak in a bit of Guangzhou's rich history before returning to the lively streets outside.
在广州的一个夏日清晨，我前往六榕寺一探究竟。穿过繁忙的越秀区街道，市场摊位已经热闹非凡，我能感受到一天的热浪逐渐袭来。空气闷热潮湿，但当我踏入寺庙院落时，城市的喧嚣随之消退。迎接我的是高大的榕树和弥漫的香火气息。据说，著名诗人苏东坡在900多年前为这座寺庙命名，灵感正是来自于当时这里的榕树。
花塔，这座八角形的塔楼，漆成醒目的红白相间，耸立在庙宇中央。走近时，外墙上的雕刻吸引了我的目光，每一个细节都诉说着它几百年的历史。进入寺庙大殿，金色的佛像在晨光的映衬下熠熠生辉。几位早到的游客安静地走动，点燃香烛，虔诚祈祷。寺庙为这座不眠城市提供了一处宁静的休憩之地，让我得以暂时远离繁忙，感受广州深厚的历史气息，然后再回到热闹的街道中。