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Bodhi Temple was first built in the Tang Dynasty, during the Yonghui reign of Emperor Gaozong (650-655 AD), under the supervision of Master Bodhi, Zhu Zhiqin. It experienced periods of prosperity and decline throughout the subsequent dynasties. It is one of the Eight Great Temples of the Central Plains and the only garden-style temple in Henan Province. With a history of over 1,300 years, it shares the same fame as Xiangguo Temple in Kaifeng, White Horse Temple in Luoyang, and Shaolin Temple in Songshan, and is a designated National Cultural Relic Protection Site.
During the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, the abbot of Xiangyang, Shifang, overcame difficulties, expanded the Dharma, and built the temple on the foothills. The temple's halls and pavilions are built into the mountainside, forming four courtyards. The main gate opens to the left, surrounded by ancient trees and dragons. The main buildings on the central axis include the Second Buddha Hall, the Main Hall, the Dharma Hall, and the Sutra Library. Flanking the sides are the bell tower, drum tower, guest hall, dining hall, warehouse, meditation room, and Taoist temple. The Main Hall, with its single-eaved, gabled roof, exudes a sense of grandeur. The lintels, inner lintels, and four rafters are all richly painted. The Dharma Hall's columns are unpainted, while the painted caisson ceilings are richly colored. The east and west walls originally featured charcoal sculptures of the Five Hundred Arhats, painted in a gray-brown color, evoking a sense of "purity and emptiness."
The temperate monsoon climate, the dazzling array of stalactites in front of the temple, the tiger caves between the stone walls shaded by jungle, and the ancient ginkgo trees guarding the temple area make visitors more excited and full of fun, making it a suitable place for travel in all seasons.
Bodhi Temple, a Henan Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Site, is located at the eastern foot of Xinghua Mountain in Laozhuang Township, Zhenping County, Nanyang City. Built into the mountainside, it comprises four courtyards. Ming and Qing dynasty buildings centered on the temple include the screen wall, mountain gate, two Buddha halls, the main hall, the Dharma Hall, and the Sutra Library. Flanking the temple are the bell and drum tower, the main dining hall, warehouses, east and west storehouses, meditation rooms, and a Taoist temple. Additional features include over ten steles, Tang Dynasty ginkgo trees, Ming Dynasty magnolias, and valuable trees such as hibiscus, oil palm, and banana trees. At the foot of the mountain lies a steep reservoir, creating a beautiful backdrop against the mountains, water, and flowers. Near the southern slope of the temple lies the ancestral hall of Peng Yuting, the founder of Wanxi Local Self-Government, making it a suitable spot for outings.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
free
Open all day
Bodhi Temple Tourist Area is a significant Buddhist site in Nanyang, Henan, known for its spiritual importance and cultural heritage. The temple has a long history as a place of worship and meditation, attracting both pilgrims and tourists.
Located in Nanyang, Henan. Visitors can reach it by taxi, local bus, or private car. Walking is possible from nearby hotels or transport hubs.
Typically open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Spring and autumn are the best times for comfortable weather and vibrant surroundings.
Entrance fees may vary; tickets can usually be purchased onsite. Some online ticketing may be available through local tourism platforms.
Booking in advance is not usually required unless visiting during peak holidays or special events; a few days ahead is recommended in such cases.
2–3 hours to comfortably explore the main temple area, gardens, and smaller shrines.
Guided tours may be available in Chinese; audio guides are generally not provided.
Enter through the main gate, visit the central temple hall, explore the gardens and ponds, then proceed to smaller shrines and pagodas, finishing with scenic viewpoints.
Night visits are generally not allowed. Special religious ceremonies may occur on important dates.
Weekdays and early mornings are least crowded. Weekends and public holidays see more visitors.
Facilities include restrooms, benches, drinking water, small snack kiosks, and souvenir shops.
Main paths are moderately accessible. Some areas may have steps or uneven terrain; supervision is advised for children and assistance for elderly or disabled visitors may be needed.
Cash is accepted for entrance and small purchases; mobile payments via Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely supported.
Local eateries and small restaurants are available near the temple entrance serving traditional Chinese food and snacks.
Vegetarian options are commonly available; vegan and halal options may require inquiry at nearby restaurants.
Several hotels and guesthouses are within a short drive from the temple, offering convenient access for tourists.
Souvenir shops offer postcards, small Buddhist artifacts, local handicrafts, and religious-themed items.
Taxi or ride-hailing services are convenient to visit nearby attractions or return to the city center; local buses may also connect to other sites.
