At the Zhanshan Temple in Qingdao's Shinan district, the wintersweet trees have quietly bloomed, their golden petals contrasting beautifully with the ancient temple's grey walls and dark tiles.

A wintersweet tree stands in front of the gate of the Zhanshan Temple. [Photo/IC]

After enjoying the wintersweet flowers, step into the temple's dining hall, where you will find an irresistible delicacy cherished by the old Qingdao locals – vegetarian noodles.

At the entrance of the dining hall, two orderly lines form, one for steamed buns and the other for vegetarian noodles. It's best to arrive before 11 am to avoid missing out.

To the right of the Hall of the Heavenly Kings, the Tihu Coffee shop adds a touch of modernity to the ancient temple. Beneath the shade of several ancient trees, visitors can sit and enjoy the gentle tinkling of bronze bells and the melodious chimes of the bell tower, creating a sense of timeless tranquility.

Sitting here, sipping on a cup of specialty coffee, with the lingering fragrance of wintersweet in the air and a gentle breeze brushing against your face, a feeling of complete calm and contentment washes over you.