Over 40 Harvard students swapped lecture halls for temple walls this week, diving into Zen culture at Hangzhou’s iconic Lingyin Temple in Zhejiang Province. Their visit wasn’t just about sightseeing—they savored traditional Buddhist vegetarian meals, blending education with flavor in a way that would make even K-pop fans hit ‘like.’
Founded in 326 CE, Lingyin Temple (literally ‘Soul’s Retreat’) is a spiritual powerhouse nestled among misty hills. The students’ veggie feast featured dishes like braised lotus root and mushroom stir-fries, proving plant-based eating is anything but boring. One student joked, ‘Who needs burgers when you’ve got tofu that tastes this good?’
The trip highlights a growing trend of cultural exchange programs connecting global youth with China’s ancient traditions. As temple bells chimed, the group explored centuries-old pagodas and learned about Buddhist principles of harmony with nature—a lesson straight out of a sustainability TED Talk.
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