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Visit the peaceful Hooji Temple to experience Taoist culture and history. Explore the temple grounds, admire the traditional architecture, and enjoy the serene environment for meditation and reflection.
The Dafawang Temple of Songshan is located at the southern foot of Taishi Mountain in Dengfeng, northeast of Songyue Temple. It is said to have been built in the 14th year of the Yongping reign of Emperor Ming of the Han Dynasty (71 AD).
The temple, nestled in the heart of Mount Song, is considered one of the world's most famous temples. In 1987, the temple was renovated, restoring over 60,000 square meters of its grounds, renovating over 5,000 square meters of its main halls, and repairing 47 statues. With the flourishing Buddhist activities and tourism, the Dafawang Temple has become a tourist attraction. Its patriotic and religious spirit has been highly praised by leaders at all levels, religious figures both domestically and internationally, and tourists alike. Today, the Dafawang Temple has regained its splendour, its reputation spreading far and wide, and the thousand-year-old temple has regained its former glory.
Flanking the corridors of Fawang Temple are two ginkgo trees over a thousand years old, each 30 meters tall and 5 meters in circumference. In midsummer, the lush green leaves cast a shadow like a giant umbrella. In late autumn, the branches are covered with yellow leaves and laden with fruit. Mountain breezes sweep through, casting golden leaves and silver fruit on the ground, adorning the temple with a quaint, tranquil, and enchanting beauty. In spring, when flowers bloom, the fragrance permeates the temple interior and exterior, refreshing the mind and cleansing it of evil. Six existing Buddhist pagodas surround Fawang Temple, including one dense-eaves Tang Dynasty pagoda, three single-story Tang Dynasty pagodas, and one each from the Yuan Dynasty and the Qing Dynasty.
Temperate monsoon climate; Fawang Temple is one of the earliest temples in my country, three years later than the White Horse Temple in Luoyang and 424 years earlier than the Shaolin Temple. It is more than 1,900 years old and suitable for travel in all seasons.
The Heavenly King Hall, the Great Hall, the Ksitigarbha Hall, the Western Saint Hall, the Reclining Buddha Hall, and the six existing Buddhist pagodas around the Dharma King Temple include one dense-eaves Tang Dynasty pagoda, three single-story Tang Dynasty pagodas, one Yuan Dynasty pagoda, and one Qing Dynasty pagoda.
It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours
No tickets required, included in Songyang Scenic Area 80 yuan/person
8:00-18:00
Hooji Temple is a well-known Taoist temple in Zhengzhou. It has a rich history and is revered as a site for Taoist worship. The temple offers a glimpse into traditional Chinese religious practices and architecture.
Hooji Temple is located in the northern part of Zhengzhou. It is accessible by taxi, local buses, or walking if you're staying nearby.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Early morning or late afternoon visits are ideal for avoiding crowds and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
The entrance fee is around 30 RMB. Tickets can be bought at the temple entrance, with online booking options available during peak seasons.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance unless visiting during a national holiday. Booking 1-2 days ahead is sufficient during busy times.
You will need about 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the temple, including its main halls, gardens, and surroundings.
Must-see areas include the main hall, the tranquil gardens, and the Taoist cultural exhibits, which showcase the temple's religious significance.
Guided tours are available in Chinese. English-speaking audio guides are not always available, so it's recommended to check in advance if needed.
The best photography spots are around the temple's main halls and in the surrounding gardens. The natural beauty and architecture provide excellent backdrops for photos.
Start by visiting the main hall, then explore the gardens. Finish by walking around the temple grounds to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Night visits and special light shows are not currently available at Hooji Temple. It's best to visit during the day for a complete experience of the temple's offerings.
The temple can get crowded on weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit on weekdays in the early morning or late afternoon.
Basic facilities include rest areas, toilets, and a small shop selling souvenirs and Taoist-related items. There are no large restaurants, so it's best to bring your own food and water if needed.
The temple is mostly accessible, but some areas may have uneven terrain that could pose challenges for visitors with limited mobility.
Cash and mobile payment methods like Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted. Credit cards are not commonly accepted inside the temple.
There are a few local restaurants and cafes near the temple offering traditional Chinese cuisine, but dining options inside the temple are limited.
Vegetarian options are available at nearby restaurants, but vegan and halal food choices may be limited. It's best to check menus in advance.
Nearby hotels include budget options like the Zhengzhou Shangdu Hotel and mid-range options like the Zhengzhou International Hotel, both a short drive from the temple.
Other nearby attractions include the Henan Museum and the Zhengzhou People's Park, which can easily be visited together in a day trip.
There are small souvenir shops near the temple selling Taoist religious items, incense, and postcards. Popular souvenirs include small statues and charms.
After visiting, you can use local taxis, buses, or ride-sharing services to continue exploring Zhengzhou. The city's metro system is also a convenient option for longer trips.
