Temples are Gaining Popularity Amongst Young Chinese, But Why?

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There's been a recent surge in the number of young people visiting temples in China. What was once a realm frequented by the elderly has now become a popular spot for younger generations, who enjoy taking selfies in front of temple halls swathed in incense, sharing them on social media, buying Buddhist-themed souvenirs, and asking for good fortune.

According to data from relevant platforms, almost 50 percent of people born in the 1990s and 2000s have booked tickets for temple attractions since February. Bookings for temple-related scenic spots have also increased by a staggering 310 percent compared to last year. With social media platforms buzzing with posts and clicks on relevant topics, it begs the question: what's driving this newfound trend among the youth?

From Picturesque Temples to Trendy Trinkets

Usually, when we think of temples, we conjure up images of red walls, yellow tiles, and shaded trees shrouded in smoke. In the past, temples were a rare, niche tourist destination, but the recent craze for temple tours has changed that. These days, temples in China are attracting more visitors than ever. Young people love to dress up in traditional Chinese costumes and take photos in front of the red walls of 卧佛寺 Wò fósì . Meanwhile, 智华寺 Zhì huá sì is a century-old temple renowned for its exquisite architecture, delicately-carved Buddha statues, and magnificent murals.

Many bloggers can be found posting pictures of themselves wearing Hanfu near the temple against red walls

Temples in Beijing have become more than just a place of worship. With their quiet and artistic atmosphere, they provide the perfect backdrop for creative coffee shops. Bloggers have been raving about visiting temples not just for the spiritual experience, but also for the trendy coffee shops that have been popping up within them.

For young people, exploring shops around temples has become trendy, too. Despite the occasional poor quality of coffee and service, the love for temple coffee shops seems unstoppable. Notable spots in Beijing include 耀咖啡 Yào kāfēi （Yao Café） near 白塔寺 Bái tǎ sì , which boasts a large and open patio, as well as a coffee shop near Wanshou Temple that serves festive black cups decorated with the Chinese character 寿 Shòu (longevity).

Visiting a temple and savoring a cup of coffee has become a regular part of the routine for many

Apart from their picturesque appeal, temples in Beijing have also been trying to attract the younger generation through cultural arts and crafts. Baita Temple recently introduced a canvas bag featuring the map of Beijing's Third Ring Road, while Wanshou Temple has launched its own canvas bag that draws inspiration from the temple's ancient architecture, using warm pink and cool green hues.

The canvas bag at Wanshou Temple has created quite a buzz among bloggers

A Desire for Ceremonial Objects

Ceremonial objects have surpassed souvenirs in popularity, with young people lining up for hours to get their hands on ancient emperor's sacrificial bracelets. Some of these bracelets are so sought-after that they are often out of stock, leaving even frequent temple-goers empty-handed.

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Some influencers have even published guides on how to snag these elusive accessories. Yonghegong is one such hotspot for these bracelets, which are made with special materials like incense ash porcelain and incense ash-glazed bracelets made from the temple's own incense burner's ash. From basic models to the macaron color series and half-sugar glaze series, every new bracelet release at Yonghegong always draws a crowd of eager young people.

Numerous bloggers have been sharing their experience about the exquisite bracelets they've acquired from the Lama Temple

If you have a friend who's been to Yonghegong, they might have told you about the Herculean task of buying bracelets there. "You have to elbow your way through the crowd just to get a glimpse of the glass cabinet, and then shout yourself hoarse to make yourself heard," said one exasperated visitor. Despite these challenges, young people remain steadfast in their belief that acquiring an incense ash porcelain glass bracelet made from the ash of a temple's incense burner, and having it blessed by a master, completes the entire Buddhist worship experience. For them, the effort is well worth it.

An Escape from Reality

The rise in the number of visitors to temples has also been linked to the growing anxiety among young people. A popular Chinese internet saying highlights this trend: "If you want to know what young people need the most right now, just visit a temple." For many young people, temples offer a welcome respite from the pressures of modern life, particularly the stress of achieving academic and professional success. Temples have become a peaceful haven where they can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and find solace in the quiet contemplation of spiritual matters.

Temples have become an escape from reality for many

In Chinese culture, there is a widely held belief that seeking the guidance of Buddha is preferable to seeking advice from others, and that deceiving others is inferior to deceiving Buddha. As a result, young people are increasingly turning to the monks and Buddhists in the temples as trusted confidants.

Whether or not their prayers are answered, these young seekers of truth and wisdom find solace in the spiritual support they receive, and take comfort in the belief that good luck awaits them. The temples have become a sanctuary where young people can seek refuge from the pressures of modern life and find a sense of peace and purpose.

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Images: Uni You, Irene Li

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