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Visit the Lixue Pavilion to explore its cultural significance, including its connection to Confucian teachings. Take a stroll through the surrounding peaceful gardens and enjoy the architecture. If available, join a guided tour to learn more about its historical context and role in education and culture.
Built during the Ming Dynasty and renovated in 1980, the Lixue Pavilion now serves as a venue for daily Buddhist rituals. Legend has it that this is where the Second Patriarch Huike, standing in the snow, sought the Dharma from Bodhidharma, even though he had severed his arm. Within the hall, a shrine houses a bronze statue of Bodhidharma, cast in 1531, the tenth year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty. Above the shrine hangs a plaque inscribed with the words "Snow Seal Heart Pearl," written in vigorous and imposing calligraphy. It was personally inscribed by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty.
In the first year of the Zhengguang reign of Emperor Xiaoming of the Northern Wei Dynasty (520 AD), a monk named Shenguang (Sengke) traveled from Xiangshan Temple in Luoyang to Shaolin Temple to visit Bodhidharma, eager to receive the patriarch's true teachings. Bodhidharma had brought from India a cotton robe and a rice bowl—certificates of the true Dharma transmission. These two treasures were denied to those who had not attained the realm of true enlightenment and were fully recognized. Shenguang, deeply devoted to the Dharma, was determined to receive the robe and bowl. But Bodhidharma remained silent, facing the wall, unmoved. Shenguang stood outside the patriarch's door, awestruck and motionless. He stood there from daybreak until nightfall. A heavy snowfall descended, knee-deep in the snow, and at dawn, he was still not allowed inside. To demonstrate his sincerity in his pursuit of the truth, Shenguang cut off his left arm. Bodhidharma spoke and asked him, "Why do you do this?" Shen Guang replied piously, "I hope the monk will open the door to nectar and save the masses!" Bodhidharma saw that he was sincere and was worthy of being passed on his robe and bowl, so he called him into his room to preach and gave him the Dharma name "Hui Ke".
Because Bodhidharma was the founder of Zen Buddhism, he was later called the First Patriarch. Huike, his direct disciple, was historically known as the Second Patriarch. Bodhidharma thoroughly expounded the Lankavatara Sutra to his disciples, widely promoting the Dharma. Before his death, he passed his robes and food bowl to Huike, saying, "In the past, the Tathagata, in order to uphold the Dharma, gave these robes as a token of trust, and they have been passed down through generations until now. I now give them to you; you must protect and safeguard them." Huike knelt to accept them.
The temperate monsoon climate has moderate temperatures, making it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
A bronze statue of Bodhidharma, cast in 1531 in the tenth year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty, is enshrined in a shrine within the Lixue Pavilion. Above the shrine hangs a plaque inscribed with the words "Snow Seal Heart Pearl," written in vigorous and imposing calligraphy. This inscription was personally inscribed by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. Visitors can experience the immense perseverance and determination of Huike, the Second Patriarch, who lost his arm standing in the snow.
It is recommended to play for about 1 hour.
Scenic spot package: 80 yuan/person
07:30-17:00
The Lixue Pavilion is a historical site dedicated to the study and promotion of Confucian teachings. It has played a significant role in the educational and cultural development of the region. The pavilion was built to honor the importance of learning and knowledge in Chinese culture.
Lixue Pavilion is located in Zhengzhou, Henan, and can be reached by taxi from the city center. Local buses may also serve the area, and walking from nearby hotels or attractions is feasible if you're staying nearby.
The pavilion is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is recommended to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
The entrance fee is approximately 20 CNY. Tickets can be bought at the entrance or online through the official site or third-party platforms.
It is not required to book tickets in advance, but it is recommended to do so during peak seasons or holidays to avoid long lines.
You can explore the Lixue Pavilion and its surroundings in about 1-1.5 hours. If you're interested in deeper historical insights or guided tours, you may want to allocate more time.
Key highlights include the main pavilion structure, the surrounding garden, and the stone inscriptions that detail Confucian teachings. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views of the nearby landscape are also worth experiencing.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in other languages may not be widely available, but some guides may be able to offer information in English upon request.
The best viewpoints are from the pavilion itself, offering panoramic views of the surrounding gardens and landscape. The peaceful surroundings also provide excellent photo opportunities, especially in the early morning or late afternoon light.
Start with the main pavilion, then walk through the surrounding gardens and explore the stone inscriptions. Take your time to absorb the cultural significance of each exhibit and enjoy the peaceful environment.
Night visits or light shows are not available at Lixue Pavilion. The attraction is focused on cultural education and historical significance during daylight hours.
The pavilion can get crowded on weekends and holidays. To avoid crowds, visit during weekdays, preferably in the morning when the attraction first opens.
The pavilion has basic facilities including clean toilets, rest areas, and a small shop selling educational materials and souvenirs. There are no large restaurants on site, but light snacks and drinks may be available.
The site is mostly accessible, with ramps and seating areas for elderly visitors. Some areas might require walking on uneven paths, so those with mobility impairments may need assistance in certain parts.
Cash, credit cards, and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted at the site. It is recommended to use mobile payments, as it is the most widely accepted form of payment in China.
There is a small café on-site offering basic snacks and drinks. Nearby, you can find local restaurants serving traditional Henan cuisine.
Vegetarian options are available at nearby restaurants, but vegan and halal options may be limited. It’s advisable to check with the restaurant staff or bring your own food if needed.
There are several mid-range hotels near the site, along with budget guesthouses. For luxury stays, consider hotels in downtown Zhengzhou, which is a short taxi ride away.
Nearby attractions include the Shaolin Temple and Songshan Mountain. These can easily be combined for a cultural day trip exploring the region’s historical landmarks.
Yes, there is a small souvenir shop selling Confucian-themed items such as books, scrolls, and local handicrafts. Popular souvenirs also include traditional Chinese calligraphy supplies.
After visiting, taxis or local buses are the best options to continue your trip. Taxis provide the most direct route if you're heading to nearby attractions like the Shaolin Temple.
