The koi you forward on your phone can’t beat the real ones raised at temples. 🐟
Young travelers are heading to temples to feed koi and catch some good luck—the kind you can hold in your hands.
China and Thailand’s 6 lucky ponds. See the koi, luck +1 👇
🇨🇳 China
🐟 Suzhou · Xiyuan Temple
📍 Address: No. 18 Xiyuan Lane, Liuyuan Rd, Gusu District, Suzhou (Subway Line 1, Tongjing North Rd Station, within walking distance)
🙏 What to do: Buy an admission ticket, feed koi and pigeons at the temple’s release pond, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a giant softshell turtle said to be over 400 years old. Copy sutras at the lakeside pavilion to quiet the mind.
✨ Highlights: Two living “treasures” hold court—koi and a giant softshell turtle. After feeding, try a bowl of Guanyin noodles. Pure comfort.
🐟 Luoyang · White Horse Temple
📍 Address: Baima Temple Town, Luolong District, Luoyang (Direct buses 56/58 from downtown)
🙏 What to do: Feed the 2,000 koi—so chubby and goofy locals call them “water huskies”—at the release pond. Toss a coin into the ancient wishing well for good fortune. While you’re here, visit the India, Myanmar, and Thailand-themed halls—four countries in one temple.
✨ Highlights: China’s first Buddhist temple. The koi are so numerous they’ve become a local meme. Coin wishes are a time-honored ritual.
🐟 Hangzhou · Lingyin Temple
📍 Address: No. 1 Fayun Lane, Lingyin Rd, Xihu District, Hangzhou (inside Lingyin Feilai Peak Scenic Area; Bus 7 to Lingyin)
🙏 What to do: Feed koi by the cool spring creek—the temple’s famous koi magnet that swarms in 3 seconds when you toss food. Red carp in the release pond symbolize abundance year after year. Afterwards, enjoy vegetarian food at Shifangyuan.
✨ Highlights: The temple associated with Ji Gong, the “Living Buddha.” Plump, round koi in spring water and a serene Zen vibe bring double the good luck.
🐟 Qingdao · Zhanshan Temple
📍 Address: No. 2 Zhiquan Rd, Shinan District, Qingdao (Subway Line 2, Zhiquan Rd Station, Exit C; approx. 10 minutes on foot)
🙏 What to do: Pick up 3 free incense sticks at the gate. Bring steamed buns to feed the pond full of red koi by the Avalokitesvara release pond. Toss a coin to make a wish—locals say it works wonders. Walk around the Medicine Buddha Pagoda three times, then grab a bowl of noodles at the vegetarian canteen Suxiang Zhai.
✨ Highlights: A 600-year-old temple in the heart of the city. The “see koi, get lucky” meme started here. You can wander all day without getting tired of it.
🇹🇭 Thailand
🐟 Chiang Rai · Wat Rong Khun - White Temple
📍 Address: About 13 km south of central Chiang Rai, Thailand (Reachable by car charter/rideshare. Search "Wat Rong Khun" in your map.)
🙏 What to do: Sprinkle some fish food at the koi wishing pond outside the main hall. Buy a wishing plaque to hang, or write a wish on a silver leaf. Before you go, drop a coin in the wishing well.
✨ Highlights: Locals say “feed the fish at the White Temple for a whole year of good luck.” The pure white sanctuary with red koi makes for next-level photos.
🐟 Chiang Mai · Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
📍 Address: Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai, Thailand (About 16 km west of the city. Go up by songthaew or car charter.)
🙏 What to do: Climb the 309-step naga staircase or take the cable car. Feed the plump koi at the “pond in the clouds.” Receive holy water and a white string blessing from a monk, and draw a fortune stick while you’re there.
✨ Highlights: A pilgrimage site housing Buddha relics. A double boost of “cloudside koi feeding + white string protection,” plus sweeping views over Chiang Mai.
Even the koi have clocked in at temples now. For real luck, go for the real thing.
Which koi did you catch? Share in the comments—let’s see whose luck arrives first. 👇