Shenzhen: Fortune Reading, Blessings, & Brunch at Temple

Discovering Shenzhen’s Hidden Spirit: Fortune Reading, Blessings, & Brunch at a 700-Year-Old Temple

When you think of Shenzhen, images of modern skyscrapers and high-tech hubs probably come to mind. Yet, just outside the city’s bustling urban landscape lies a serene, centuries-old temple where tradition still lives. For $197 per person, this tour offers a rare glimpse into authentic Chinese spiritual practices—guided not by a typical tourist guide, but by a local who lives these rituals daily.

What we especially appreciate are two key aspects: first, the chance to participate in genuine offerings to deities like the God of Wealth and the Matchmaker, which makes the experience feel rooted in real cultural practice. Second, the peaceful vegetarian brunch served inside the temple provides a perfect moment to reflect after your spiritual journey.

One thing to consider is that this experience is primarily spiritual and cultural, not religious in a sermon-like sense. If you’re expecting a lively sightseeing tour or Hike, this might not be your best fit. It’s ideal for travelers interested in authentic local traditions, spiritual curiosity, or those seeking a calm, meaningful break from Shenzhen’s busy city life.

Who this tour suits: Curious travelers wanting an authentic cultural experience, those interested in Chinese customs and fortune-telling, or anyone seeking a peaceful, reflective morning away from Shenzhen’s modern buzz.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Led by a local who lives and maintains the temple, not a scripted guide.
• Cultural Rituals: Participate in offerings to gods and uncover your energy path through personal fortune readings.
• Unique Setting: Dine inside a 700-year-old temple with incense-filled air and mountain views.
• Practical & Flexible: No hiking involved—easy transportation options using metro, taxi, or bus.
• Valuable Souvenirs: Take home a blessed charm designed to protect your spirit for the year.
• Culinary Delight: Enjoy a peaceful vegetarian brunch, a rare chance to dine in a spiritual setting.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Experience: A Deep Dive into the Spiritual Side of Shenzhen

The Journey Begins at a Local Market

Your day starts at a lively local market, a sensory feast: fresh fruits, fragrant spices, and the sounds of vendors calling out. Your guide, a local deeply connected to the spiritual traditions, helps you select symbolic fruits for offerings. We loved how the choice of apples for peace and oranges for wealth reflects the subtlety of Chinese symbolism. Our guide explained why some fruits should be avoided—this added a layer of understanding that makes the ritual feel more meaningful.

This initial step is more than just shopping; it’s about setting a respectful, mindful tone for the rituals ahead. It also helps you connect with the local community’s daily life, making the experience more genuine.

The Ancient Mountain Temple: A Peaceful Sanctuary

After the market, we traveled to a 700-year-old mountain temple, far from Shenzhen’s skyscrapers. This quiet, green retreat offers a stark contrast to the city’s modern chaos. The temple’s age and history add a profound sense of continuity, as if you’re stepping into a living tradition that has survived centuries.

The experience involves light incense, presenting offerings, and learning how locals honor deities like the God of Wealth and the Matchmaker—gods associated with prosperity and love. Our guide emphasized that these rituals are about respect, gratitude, and seeking balance—not just superstition.

Personal Fortune Readings & Energy Pathways

A highlight is the personalized fortune reading. You can choose between a Chinese birth chart (Ba Zi), which uses your birthday and time to uncover your energy path, or a draw of oracle sticks that offer insights based on Chinese zodiac symbolism. We found the Ba Zi reading particularly engaging. It’s fascinating to see how your birth data can reveal your tendencies and life directions in a way that feels both ancient and relevant.

The guide also prepares a special protection charm during the ceremony, charged with positive energy. This small, blessed item is a tangible reminder of your experience, designed to guard your spirit through the year.

More Great Tours Nearby

Reflecting Over a Vegetarian Brunch

No spiritual journey should end without nourishment, and here, the vegetarian buffet inside the temple hall offers just that. The food is simple but delicious—fresh, thoughtfully prepared, and served in a peaceful setting. As you dine, incense still wafts through the air, and the mountain views provide a calming backdrop.

Many reviewers appreciated this part, noting that the brunch is a “rare local experience,” allowing time to reflect and absorb what you’ve learned.

Transportation & Accessibility

Transport is straightforward—public help via metro, taxi, or bus makes it accessible without any strenuous hiking or long walks. The entire experience is paced comfortably, making it suitable even if you’re not up for physical exertion. The tour’s flexibility and ease of access are real pluses, especially for travelers on a tight schedule or those preferring a more relaxed pace.

Who Should Sign Up?

This experience is well-suited for those curious about Chinese cultural traditions, spiritual practices, and local history. It’s also a good choice for travelers looking for a peaceful, reflective activity that provides a different perspective on Shenzhen beyond shopping and modern landmarks. If you’re open-minded, interested in personal insights, or simply want a meaningful cultural connection, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

Valuing the Experience: Is It Worth the Price?

At $197, this tour offers more than just sights—it provides a chance to participate in authentic rituals, gain personal insight, and enjoy a tranquil meal in a historic setting. The value is especially clear when you consider the personalized fortune reading, the spiritual charms, and the intimate, genuine atmosphere led by a local who cares for the temple’s upkeep.

Compared to typical tourist attractions, this experience feels authentic and respectful—more a cultural exchange than a commercial enterprise. The focus on spiritual respect and local tradition makes it stand out as a meaningful, rather than superficial, activity.

The Sum Up: Who Will Benefit Most?

If you’re seeking a calm, authentic connection to Chinese spiritual practices, this tour offers a rare opportunity. It’s perfect for travelers who want more than just sightseeing, aiming instead for a personal, cultural experience that’s both peaceful and enlightening. Those interested in fortune-telling, local rituals, or spiritual blessings will find this particularly enriching.

However, it’s less suitable if you’re after high-energy activities, extensive hiking, or religious sermons. This is about gentle participation, reflection, and genuine tradition—values that many modern travelers seek in a meaningful cultural experience.

In short, this tour is a thoughtful way to add depth to your Shenzhen visit, offering a rare glimpse into the spiritual side of Chinese life. It’s a quiet, soulful journey that leaves you with more than souvenirs—an insight into a living tradition that has endured for centuries.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, it generally suits most ages, but it’s best for those able to sit comfortably and participate in gentle rituals. People over 95 might find it less appropriate.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Bring your passport or ID card, and your birth date and time if you want a Ba Zi reading. Wear respectful clothing suitable for temple visits.

Is transportation included?
The tour includes assistance with public transport between sites—no hiking required, making it accessible and easy to reach.

Can I book the tour with flexible payment?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, which helps keep your plans flexible.

What languages are spoken during the tour?
The experience is offered in English, Chinese, and Traditional Chinese.

Will I get to keep the charm?
Yes, you’ll receive a blessed protection charm to take home—though the actual blessing is performed during the ritual.

How long does the whole experience last?
The exact duration isn’t specified, but it’s designed to be a relaxed morning or early afternoon activity.

What is included in the meal?
A vegetarian buffet brunch served inside the temple, offering simple, tasty, and healthy options.

Is this experience religious?
It’s more of a spiritual and cultural exchange—not a religious sermon—focused on respect, tradition, and personal insight.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your plans.

This tour offers an enriching, authentic peek into Chinese spiritual customs, all wrapped in a peaceful setting far from the city’s hustle. Whether you’re spiritual or simply culturally curious, it’s a meaningful way to spend a morning in Shenzhen.

You can check availability for your dates here: