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Visit Xuanzang's birthplace and explore the memorial sites dedicated to his legacy. You can also learn about his travels along the Silk Road, his contributions to Buddhist philosophy, and visit local temples that celebrate his influence.
The Xuanzang Hometown Scenic Area is backed by Jingshan Mountain in the north, overlooks Songshan Mountain in the south, is adjacent to Huanyuan Ancient Pass in the southeast, and is close to Yique Longmen in the southwest. It consists of seven scenic spots: Xuanzang's former residence, the royal temple Foguang Temple, Chen Family Garden, Phoenix Terrace, Horseshoe Spring, Scripture Drying Terrace, and Xiyuan Cemetery.
Facing south, the temple covers an area of 25 mu (approximately 1.6 acres) and has a construction area of 6,000 square meters. It is divided into two courtyards: the front courtyard houses the east and west wings and a main hall. The west wing primarily displays Xuanzang's moving journey to India, which lasted 17 years, and the entire Buddhist scriptures he painstakingly translated over 19 years. The east wing in the back courtyard was the residence of Xuanzang's mother, Mrs. Song, and the back hall housed the residences of Xuanzang's grandfather and mother.
Xuanzang's former residence is located in the center of Chenhe Village, facing south and divided into two courtyards. Within the courtyards are several imitations of ancient architecture, including the Ci'en Hall and the East and West Wings. The West Wing primarily displays Xuanzang's moving journey to India, which lasted 17 years, and the entire Buddhist scriptures he painstakingly translated over 19 years.
Foguang Temple, located in the backyard of Xuanzang's former residence, was built in the first year of the Tang Dynasty's Shenlong reign (705 AD) by order of Emperor Zhongzong of Tang, Li Xian, in memory of the monk Xuanzang. The former site of Chen Family Garden is located directly south of the residence, facing north and backed by Phoenix Terrace. The Scripture Drying Terrace is located 150 meters east of Phoenix Mouth and was constructed on river terraces.
The warm temperate continental monsoon climate makes it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
There are seven scenic spots in Xuanzang's hometown scenic area, namely Xuanzang's former residence, the royal temple Foguang Temple, Chen Family Garden, Phoenix Terrace, Horseshoe Spring, Scripture Drying Terrace, and Xiyuan Cemetery.
It is recommended to play for about 3 hours.
30 yuan/person
8:00-17:00
Xuanzang was a famous Buddhist monk, scholar, and traveler who journeyed to India in the 7th century to obtain sacred Buddhist texts. His hometown in Luoyang is a tribute to his contributions to Buddhism and cultural exchange along the Silk Road.
Xuanzang's hometown is located in Luoyang, Henan Province. You can reach it by taxi, local buses, or a short walk if you are staying nearby.
The site is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and pleasant.
The entrance fee is approximately 40 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the site or online through various ticket platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is not required, but it is recommended during peak seasons or holidays. Tickets can be booked up to a few days in advance.
It typically takes about 2 to 3 hours to explore Xuanzang's hometown, including visits to the memorials, temples, and other historical sites.
The main highlights include Xuanzang's birthplace, the Xuanzang Memorial Hall, and the nearby Buddhist temples that provide insights into his life and teachings.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and audio guides are also provided in English and Chinese. It is recommended to book a tour for a deeper understanding of Xuanzang's legacy.
The best photography spots are around the memorial hall, the nearby temples, and the serene surrounding landscapes of Luoyang.
Start by visiting the Xuanzang Memorial Hall, then explore the temples dedicated to his teachings. Afterward, take a walk through the surrounding gardens and historical sites.
Night visits are not available. However, special cultural events and exhibitions may be held during major festivals, so check for local events.
The site can get crowded during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times are on weekdays, particularly in the early mornings or late afternoons.
There are toilets, water stations, and rest areas along the site. There are also small shops selling souvenirs and light snacks.
The site is generally accessible, though some areas may have uneven terrain. It’s best to check with the staff for accessibility details before visiting.
Mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted. Credit cards are also accepted in most areas, though it’s good to carry some cash for smaller purchases.
There are a few local restaurants and cafés near the site that offer traditional Chinese dishes. For more variety, you can head to Luoyang’s city center.
Vegetarian options are available at most local restaurants. Halal food is available in Luoyang's Muslim quarter.
There are several hotels ranging from budget to mid-range near the site. For more options, you can stay in central Luoyang.
Nearby attractions include the Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple, and the Luoyang Museum. These can all be visited in a day trip.
Yes, there are souvenir shops selling traditional Chinese items like calligraphy, silk, and local handicrafts.
You can take a taxi, local bus, or use the train to continue your trip. The nearest train station is in Luoyang, and buses are available to nearby attractions.
