The Gu Guanyin Buddhist Temple in the Zhongnan Mountains of China is beautiful in its own right, but that’s not why hordes of tourists flock to the historic location around this time every year.
While those of us in the suburbs with big backyards find the whole idea of thousands of leaves falling onto our properties — ugh, raking — this particular temple counts it as a blessing.
And it’s pretty clear why that is.
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The 1,400-year-old ginkgo tree drops its golden leaves come fall, blanketing the courtyard it rests in with gilded petals.
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It’s believed that the tree was planted during Emperor Taizong of Tang’s reign (626-649).
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Because of this, it resides on a national list for protected trees.
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Monks come out to chant and pray with the tree.
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It truly is a sight to see firsthand.
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(via Bored Panda)
A natural occurrence as spectacular as this really makes you rethink raking as being a hassle.
Take a moment to truly appreciate the beauty of nature!
