I arrived around 4:30 p.m when the sun was slowly setting. 



Going very early in the morning or in the afternoon before they close is best because there is almost no one there. There was only one monk who gave me a strange look.



Wenchang Palace is at the base of the Qingcheng mountain (青城山), next to the road and surrounded by a dense humid forest. This mountain is very famous for its natural beauty and the multitude of temples scattered across various points (some of which are difficult to access).



For a Taoist temple, this one has an especially majestic and ornate entrance in a pale red color.



Anyway, when I entered, it was complete silence, and calm. As always, before setting up the cameras and audio gear to record, I asked the monk -who was still looking at me- if he was okay with it (This should always be done, not only out of politeness and respect but because the recording results are always much better for some reason).



I spent more than 2 hours meditating alone at the altar by the smoldering incense, immersed in a soft mantra coming out from the temple's rudimentary sound system. Pure magic. 



Eventually, a few pilgrims trickled in. 



I headed out when a monk and a volunteer gave me the "we’re closing" shout. 



The volunteer also recommended me a local spot for a steaming bowl of noodles to beat the mountain chill.



We all need a place to disconnect. I record temple sounds to practice presence and quiet the mind when I'm not there. If you need a moment of calm today, more about the journey is linked in my profile’s pinned post. I hope it helps you as much as it helped me.

The sound of Wenchang Palace (文昌楼)