Spring Outing to Dajue Temple: Seeking Spring Scenery in an Ancient Temple — CIBR Student Union Spring Activity Successfully Held

Spring Breezes Brush Faces, All Things Thrive. To help students unwind from intensive research work, connect with nature, and strengthen communication, the CIBR Student Union organized a spring outing to Dajue Temple—a thousand‑year‑old ancient temple at the foot of Yangtai Mountain in western Beijing—on April 25, 2026. The event blended cultural exploration with outdoor spring sightseeing for both teachers and students.

Upon arriving at Dajue Temple, teachers and students took a group photo at the temple gate before embarking on a fun‑filled “Ancient Temple Treasure Hunt” in small groups. The Student Union had previously designed a series of tasks related to the temple’s history and culture: locating the thousand‑year‑old ginkgo tree and ancient yulan magnolia, taking part in a historical quiz challenge, learning stories behind the ancient trees and traces left by time, and uncovering the mystery of the Khitan‑era temple’s unique west‑facing‑east layout.

Wandering among red walls and grey tiles, students paused to study and take photos beside ancient trees and stone steles. Some found the white yulan magnolia said to be hand‑planted by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, while others solved the riddle of the temple’s architectural orientation in front of Khitan stone tablets. During the treasure hunt, participants enjoyed teamwork and traced the millennium‑long history of the ancient temple with their footsteps.

Ancient Temple Treasure Hunt & Check‑in Photos

Along the tour, wisteria vines hung over eaves with pale purple clusters swaying gently in the wind. Dappled light and shadow fell across weathered red walls, and the white pagoda peeked through fresh leaves against the blue sky. Students could not help picking up cameras to capture moments of encountering spring. Meanwhile, the Student Union launched a photography contest and released a “Spring Collection Checklist”, encouraging participants to record Dajue Temple’s spring beauty from diverse perspectives—ranging from the spring‑toned palette of white walls and grey tiles, new green foliage and mottled moss, to temple guardian beasts and wandering stray cats waiting to be spotted.

The temple’s stray cats turned out to be popular unexpected guests. Strolling leisurely through courtyards or lingering among flowers and tree shadows, they exuded ease, prompting students to snap photos one after another. Those who submitted entries won exquisite gifts prepared by the Student Union. Vibrant spring‑themed photos were shared in the activity group and on social media, freezing the liveliest memories of this spring.

Photography Exhibition

Nestled against the Western Hills, Dajue Temple boasts stunning scenery. Students hiked slowly along mountain paths in groups, shifting their views among tree shades, mountain breezes and distant landscapes to soak in natural scenery away from the city. Some stopped to gaze afar, while others took photos for each other, documenting mountain views, blossoms and companions along the way. Beyond exploring the ancient temple, the outing offered a refreshing chance to get close to the wilderness.

Tour Moments

During the visit, some wandered slowly through courtyards, admiring architectural carvings and stone inscriptions; some rested under tree shades, sharing snacks and laughter; others posed for group photos beside red walls, flowering branches and ancient trees. Some cherished the breeze under the white pagoda, some lingered over wisteria fragrance, and others filled their cameras with lovely shots of cats and peers. Leisure rarely found in research life became tangible here: sunlight filtering through leaves onto clothes, casual chats with friends, and bright faces captured by lenses. On the way back, everyone viewed photos taken that day, sharing discoveries and amusing stories amid constant laughter.

This spring outing allowed students to step out of indoor labs amid heavy research schedules, relax in the ancient temple’s spring charm and mountain scenery, and deepen communication and friendship through interactive activities including the treasure hunt and photography contest. Centering on students’ academic and daily‑life needs, the CIBR Student Union will continue to plan more warm, fun and meaningful events to accompany everyone through the changing seasons alongside their research pursuits.