Temple In China Offers Free Food And Lodging To Women Seeking Peace Of Mind
Tianxian Temple is located in Fujian province in southeastern China.
By Sukhbir Cheema — 13 May 2025, 03:44 PM
Tucked away in the mountains of Fujian province, China, a temple built of red brick and quiet resilience is drawing women from all walks of life
Tianxian Temple, once solely a place of worship, has grown into a sanctuary for those exhausted by the grind of corporate life, family obligations, and social expectations.
Founded by Abbess Yin Xuan, who spent a decade teaching herself architecture to rebuild the temple in traditional Minnan style, this women-only retreat flips the script on religious spaces typically dominated by men.
In many Chinese temples, women are still barred from certain rituals — especially during their menstrual cycle.
Tianxian offers a radical alternative: full inclusion, free lodging, and zero stigma.
Here, live-streamers, office workers, and single mums wake up at 4.30am to practise Baduanjin, hike up a mountain, and share in everything from tea ceremonies to feminist film screenings.
There are no hushed tones around menstruation. Sanitary pads are shared freely, without shame.
Many who have experienced the retreat said they have never felt such a deep sense of embrace in years
"For the first time, I feel unconditionally accepted," volunteer Xingxing said to South China Morning Post.
Abbess Zhi Guan, known for her playful dialect and grounded humour, said the women who take part in the retreat are so independent.
"They can thrive perfectly well without men."
