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Located approximately 100 kilometers south of Mount Song, the Central Peak, Pingdingshan Xiangshan Temple, south of Naodian Town in Baofeng County, is known as Xiangshan Pumen Zen Temple. Historically, due to shifts in administrative divisions, it was known as "Ruzhou Xiangshan Temple" and "Baofeng Xiangshan Temple." It is one of the earliest known Buddhist temples in China and holds an irreplaceable position in the history of Chinese Buddhism and Guanyin culture, with its distinctive religious roots and cultural characteristics.
Historically, the Xiangshan Temple on Pingdingshan was a grand scale. Its main structure, inspired by the rounded peaks of Xiangshan Mountain, maintained a mandala-like layout with a pagoda at its center and halls flanking it. The overall layout spanned three peaks, with Xiangshan Mountain at its center, flanked by East and West Dragon Mountain, and extending outwards to the foot of the mountain, encompassing the West Courtyard and the South Courtyard. Numerous lower courtyards also existed in the surrounding areas. Throughout history, Xiangshan Temples typically featured a mountain gate, Vajra Hall, Heavenly King Hall, Skanda Hall, Guansheng Hall, Maitreya Hall, Four-Faced Buddha Hall, Guanyin Hall, Main Hall, Jialan Hall, Patriarch Hall, Sixth Patriarch Hall, Ksitigarbha Hall, Guangsheng Hall, Mountain God Hall, Bao Gong Hall, Sutra Hall, Dharma Hall, Meditation Hall, Guest Hall, Bell Tower, Abbot's Court, and Kuixing Tower. Furthermore, they also included pagodas, tomb towers, and sutra pillars.
temperate monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons, but best in autumn
Song Dynasty Cai Jing Stele
Within the archway beneath the Guanyin Bodhisattva Pagoda stands a thousand-year-old stele, known as the "Three Wonders Stele," the "Stele of the Great Compassion Bodhisattva." It holds immense historical and artistic value, powerfully establishing and solidifying Pingdingshan Xiangshan Temple's historical status as the cultural "root" of Guanyin. In terms of its version, it represents the source of contemporary accounts of Guanyin's life story, and any historical research on the Bodhisattva cannot circumvent its existence.
Guanyin Bodhisattva Pagoda
At the center of Xiangshan Temple stands a thousand-year-old Song Dynasty pagoda, the renowned Guanyin Bodhisattva Pagoda, mentioned in historical records. This pagoda is the landmark of Xiangshan Temple in Pingdingshan and holds significant religious significance.
It is recommended to play for 1 to 2 hours
5 yuan/person
8:00-18:00
Xiangshan Temple in Luoyang is an ancient Buddhist temple with a history spanning several centuries. It has served as a significant center for Buddhist worship, education, and culture in Henan. The temple houses important statues, scriptures, and architectural relics, reflecting the religious and artistic development of the region.
Entrance fee: Approximately 50 RMB per adult; discounted rates for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or via online platforms in advance.
Booking in advance is optional; recommended during holidays or peak tourist seasons to avoid long queues.
Allow 1.5–2 hours to explore the main halls, courtyards, gardens, and surrounding scenic areas.
Guided tours are available in Chinese and sometimes English; audio guides may be available in limited languages.
Special evening events are rare; primarily daytime visits are recommended.
Paths are mostly paved; suitable for children and elderly. Some steps may be difficult for wheelchairs, so assistance may be required.
Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) and cards are accepted; carrying some cash is recommended for smaller vendors.
Vegetarian options are commonly available; vegan options are limited. Halal food can be found in central Luoyang.
