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The Bigan Temple, located in Weihui, Henan Province, is one of the most important temple-tomb complexes in China. It is the first shrine in China to include a tomb for human sacrifice and is known as the "First Temple Under Heaven." Its spacious and majestic architecture, imposing and simple, showcases the ingenuity and artistic creativity of the ancient Han Chinese working people. The Bigan Temple is a nationally protected key cultural relic site, and Bigan's tomb, the first documented mound-style burial mound in China, holds significant historical value.
According to the Records of the Grand Historian, King Wu entered the Yin Dynasty, visited Shang Rong's neighborhood, released Ji Zi from his captivity, and sealed Bigan's tomb. Bigan's tomb is my country's first mound-style burial mound. Successive emperors have offered sacrifices, maintained it, and conferred posthumous titles upon it, resulting in a grand and classic ancient architectural complex. Within the temple grounds, lush ancient cypresses and numerous steles stand. The main buildings include a memorial archway, a sacred path, a statue of Bigan, a screen wall, a mountain gate, a ceremonial gate, wooden beams, a stele corridor, a worship hall, a main hall, side halls, a stone archway, and a tombstone pavilion, each with its own unique character.
The Bigan Temple has a rich historical and cultural heritage. The Wei Xiaowen Emperor Stele, Tang Taizong Zhenguan Stele and the Qianlong Imperial Stele in front of the main hall in the ancient stele corridor, which is known as a treasure house of calligraphy, are all rare treasures. The "heartless vegetables, sky burial tombs, and Confucius sword-carved stele" have left many beautiful and moving legends for the Bigan Temple. The "happy cypress, plank cypress, and flat-crowned cypress" in the temple are even more unique.
The temperate monsoon climate is renowned in Chinese history. Bi Gan, a loyal minister who risked his life to remonstrate with his emperor, was hailed as "the most benevolent person in the world." King Wu of Zhou deified Bi Gan as a national deity. Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty built a temple in recognition of his loyalty. The area is suitable for travel in all seasons.
We recommend visiting the Qianlong Imperial Stele Pavilion, Bigan's Tomb, the Ming Dynasty "Fallen Leaves Return to Their Roots" screen wall, and the Happy Cypress.
Play for about 3 hours.
40 yuan/person
Summer 8:00-19:00
Winter 8:30-17:30
Bigan Temple is an important Buddhist site in Henan, known for its historic architecture and religious significance. It has served as a center of worship and cultural heritage for centuries.
The entrance fee is usually low and can be purchased on-site. Some online platforms may offer advance tickets.
Advance booking is generally not required except during holidays; 1–2 days ahead is sufficient if needed.
1–2 hours to explore the main halls, courtyards, and gardens.
Guided tours are mainly in Chinese; limited English-language guides may be arranged in advance.
Generally, only daytime visits are allowed. Special religious events or ceremonies may occur occasionally.
Partially accessible; some steps and uneven paths may pose challenges. Elderly or disabled visitors should take care.
Cash is accepted, and mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely available.
Vegetarian options are commonly available; vegan or halal options may be limited.
Souvenirs include religious statues, prayer beads, traditional crafts, and local snacks.
