This lesser-known Suzhou 'Little Forbidden City', the Yulan magnolias are in full bloom

In Yangcheng Lake, Suzhou, there is a temple known as the Suzhou Little Forbidden City: Huangluo Zen Temple, which has the architectural style of the northern royal family, grand and majestic, and also possesses a low-key quietness that has not yet been widely known. On Sunday, while exploring the magnolias in the Suzhou gardens, I learned about this place and drove here. The temple on a cloudy day had an added solemnity. Next to the Mahavira Hall, the white magnolias were blooming profusely, while the purple magnolias were still buds, waiting to bloom in a few days. 🌸 Huangluo Zen Temple No. 25 Qingshui Village, Yangcheng Lake Town, Suzhou (within the Beauty Leg Scenic Area) 1️⃣ It has yellow walls different from traditional Suzhou temples, but rather cinnabar red walls and glazed tile eaves like the Forbidden City. 2️⃣ Currently, 3 to 4 white magnolia trees are in full bloom next to the Mahavira Hall, with the red walls and magnolias reflecting each other beautifully. 3️⃣ In a week, the purple magnolias will come into bloom, and after flowering, photos with a sense of depth similar to those of the Linggu Temple magnolias can be taken. On the other side, there are 2 to 3 purple magnolia trees still in buds. 4️⃣ Located at the Beauty Leg of Yangcheng Lake, it is suitable for self-driving. If arranging a half-day trip, you can also visit the Yangcheng Lake Resort Area, or the Bao Island Village and Huiju Temple with Minnan style in Kunshan, which is an hour's drive away. 🎫 Ticket: Free 🅿️ Parking: There is a large open space parking lot at the entrance of the temple, free of charge.