Wuta Temple in Autumn 🍁 The Persimmons Are About to Fall!

#discoverchina This year feels like a warm winter — the courtyard trees are already loaded with juicy orange persimmons, but those two massive ginkgo trees haven’t turned gold yet. Last year around this time, they were glowing. I’d say wait until late October or early November for full autumn magic 🍂✨ 🛕 A Bit of Backstory Officially named the Temple of Great Enlightenment, it’s more commonly known as Wuta Temple because of the five iconic towers on its central stupa. Built during the early 1400s, it's now the home of the Beijing Stone Carving Art Museum. 🌟 What Not to Miss 🔸 1. The Five-Pagoda Stupa The highlight of the temple — a stunning structure inspired by the famous tower in Bodh Gaya, India. It features five mini pagodas placed on a broad base: one in the center and four at the corners. Look closely and you’ll spot: Rows of carved Buddha figures Eight sacred symbols of Buddhism Four fierce guardian kings The five cosmic Buddhas All carved in warm-toned stone with insane detail — definitely worth a slow walk-around 🌀 🔸 2. Stone Inscriptions Everywhere It’s like the northern cousin of Xi’an’s stone forest — filled with stone tablets, carvings, and engraved art. You’ll find: Commemorative tablets Ancient calligraphy Temple and guild inscriptions Even tomb epigraphs The most eye-catching? A towering monument with dragons twisting up its sides and fish, crabs, and turtles carved into the corners. It’s a showstopper 🐉🦀🐢 🔸 3. The Persimmon Trees Bright orange fruit hanging everywhere — some branches dip so low they’re within reach (but careful, they might bop you on the head!). If you visit on a quiet day, the staff might even offer one to take home 🍊💫 🔸 4. Twin Ginkgo Trees On either side of the stupa stand two ancient ginkgo giants. Once their leaves turn yellow, the whole courtyard turns into a golden dream. It’s a total photo heaven 📸✨ #thingstodo #travel