**It can be hard to motivate myself to write when I already do it as a full-time day job and as a side gig for additional income – but here I am soldiering on, trying to clear up backlogs, some from as far back as last year lol. This entry is relatively ‘new’ (by new I mean three months ago), when N and I visited Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple in Jenjarom over the Lunar New Year celebrations. Enjoy!

Every Lunar New Year, thousands of visitors flock to Jenjarom’s famous Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple at night to attend its lights and lantern festival, which runs for two weeks. N and I came here in 2023 and despite the crazy crowd, it was a nice experience – so we decided to brave the sea of bodies again to see what new decorations they had in store.

We came early and managed to get some pretty shots before the rain started to pour (this also happened last year, lol).

Since 2024 is the year of the Dragon, many of the displays at the open-air courtyard were dragon-themed. Aside from the gargantuan main display of a golden dragon chasing after an orb, there were smaller, ‘chibi’ dragons scattered around the premises too.

Trivia: The dragon is considered to be the most auspicious sign under the Chinese animal zodiac. It is one of the most powerful, being a celestial creature that can control the elements of wind and water, and as such symbolises qualities such as power, strength, good luck, and wisdom. Which is why many couples try for ‘dragon babies’!

FGS Dong Zen Temple has two entrances. Coming from the back entrance where the courtyard is, you’ll pass a moongate, which leads to a corridor sandwiched between the cafeteria and the garden. During our visit, there were red lanterns set up to look like the long, trailing body of a dragon hanging above.

After grabbing some vegetarian snacks from the cafeteria, we ventured to the garden, which was beautifully landscaped with lots of colourful flowers, interspersed by glowing light displays. Some new additions this year included depictions of various deities and scenes of clouds, mountains, butterflies, and geometric objects.

I think the idea was to create a heavenly scene. The result was a rather quirky but pretty mishmash of displays.

No light displays here, but I like this rock island. The juxtaposition of the swaying, evergreen branches of the willow against hard, grey rock and the dark pool of water is a stunning example of a traditional Chinese garden.

Vibrant artwork from local school children displayed at one of the halls.

Stopped at the main hall to offer up some prayers. Aside from the large Buddha statue, the walls are adorned with bronze carved panels depicting scenes from Buddha’s life.

The sky was getting dark, the rain was subsiding, and the crowds were coming in full force. We popped into the exhibition hall for a breather, where there was a sale of arts and crafts, books, as well as religious paraphernalia. Was extremely tempted to get these adorable ceramics, mostly depicting animals of the Chinese zodiac.

Visitors who came from the main entrance were greeted by the sight of a giant dragon boat. On its back were several figures in traditional Chinese clothing, a gold ingot with a tree sprouting from its back, and a deity (?) under a gazebo. Not sure what it all represents, so if anyone knows, feel free to comment!

We doubled back to the garden area, which looked magical. I think they did a magnificent job at the displays!

Past the dragon light ‘tunnel’…

And finally back to the golden dragon courtyard, where our car was parked nearby. It looked even more impressive at night, the lights casting a bright glow on its surroundings.

When it’s not the Lunar New Year, FGS Dong Zen is actually a tranquil place for quiet reflection and meditation – they even have a calligraphy hall and a Buddhist cultural centre. In the meantime, I can’t wait to see what they have in store next year!

FO GUANG SHAN DONG ZEN TEMPLE

PT2297, Jalan Sg. Buaya, 42600 Jenjarom, Kuala Langat, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Opening hours: 10AM – 6PM