Baiyun Temple

What are the most recommended things to do in Baiyun Temple?

  • Explore the main temple halls and admire traditional Chinese Buddhist architecture.
  • Observe and participate in local religious ceremonies and rituals.
  • Walk through the temple gardens and peaceful courtyards.
  • Take photographs of intricate carvings, statues, and scenic views.
  • Learn about the history and cultural significance of Baiyun Temple.

Introducing Baiyun Temple

Baiyun Temple National Forest Park lies at the foot of the beautiful Taihang Mountains, boasting lush forests, towering ancient trees, and breathtakingly beautiful scenery. The scenic area's main attraction, Baiyun Temple, originally known as Baimao Temple and also called Mengjue Temple, was built in the Tang Dynasty and flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It gained widespread fame after Emperor Qianlong visited the area during his tour of southern China, where he inscribed a plaque bearing the phrase "White Clouds Free." The temple boasts five large, single-eaved, gabled rooms, along with over 50 other rooms, including the central hall, mountain gate, east and west side halls, and pavilions. The quaint mountain gate, central Buddha Hall, and main hall were built during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Five Hundred Arhats Stele, dating back to the Song Dynasty, is exquisitely carved, while the Buddha's Light Illuminates the Great Zen Master Stone Pagoda, with its intricate, lifelike relief carvings, is a rare example of Yuan Dynasty stone carving.

Towering ancient trees tower before the temple, so dark that even in midsummer the sun never shines. Five thousand-year-old ginkgo trees, towering above the ground and casting a canopy of green, have survived wars and remain untouched, serving as living fossils for studying the vegetation of the Taihang Mountains. Surrounding the temple are lush, slender bamboo forests, whose rustling sound in the mountain breeze brings to mind the poetic scene from the Book of Songs: "Looking out over there, at the Qi River, I see lush green bamboos."

Climate and best time to travel

Temperate monsoon climate; Baiyun Temple is located at the foot of Bailu Mountain, 35 kilometers west of Huixian City, Henan Province, with dense forests and towering ancient trees; the four distinct seasons and pleasant climate make it suitable for travel in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Baiyun Temple, Tang Dynasty Ginkgo Tree, Puzhao Great Zen Master Stone Pagoda, Fengshui Pagoda, Five Hundred Arhats Stele, Jinsha and Yinsha Springs, Yuanji Temple, Longyu Temple, Yuan's Villa, Longkou Fengmen, etc.

It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours

Tickets

Adult ticket: 20 yuan per person; children under 1.2 meters tall are free; military officers with officer ID cards are free; persons with disabilities with disability ID cards are free; journalists with press ID cards are free; and seniors aged 70 and above (including 70 years old) with valid ID cards are free. Children between 1.2 and 1.5 meters tall purchase a child ticket for 10 yuan; seniors aged 60-69 purchase a ticket for 10 yuan with valid ID cards; students with student ID cards receive half-price tickets.

Attraction opening hours

07:00-19:00


Most Popular FAQs for Baiyun Temple

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Baiyun Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Henan, known for its long-standing religious, cultural, and architectural importance. It has been a center for Buddhist practice, study, and local pilgrimages for centuries.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Located in Henan Province. Visitors can reach the temple via local buses or taxis, with walking paths leading from the nearby parking areas to the temple complex.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Spring and autumn are ideal for comfortable weather and scenic beauty.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee is around 30–50 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the temple entrance; online booking may be available through local tourism platforms.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons or holidays, ideally 1–2 days prior.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

1–2 hours are sufficient to explore the main halls, gardens, and cultural displays.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

  • Main Buddha Hall and side halls
  • Temple courtyards and gardens
  • Statues and carvings of Buddhist deities
  • Pagodas and bell towers

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are typically available in Chinese. English-speaking guides may be arranged through local tour agencies.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

  • Main hall with Buddha statues
  • Temple courtyards and gardens
  • Pagoda structures and surrounding scenic areas

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at the main entrance, proceed through the central hall, explore side halls and gardens, then finish at the pagoda or bell tower area.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits and light shows are generally not available. Special Buddhist ceremonies may occur on religious holidays.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Weekdays are less crowded. Public holidays and weekends tend to be busier with tourists and pilgrims.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Facilities include restrooms, water stations, small snack vendors, seating areas, and souvenir shops near the entrance.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Temple grounds are mostly accessible on foot. Elderly and children should take care on stairs; wheelchair access is limited.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Both cash and mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Nearby restaurants offer local Henan cuisine. Small cafes or tea houses may be found close to the temple entrance.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are available, particularly in temple-run eateries. Vegan and halal options require prior inquiry.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Hotels and guesthouses in the nearby town provide convenient lodging for temple visitors.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

  • Local historical temples and pagodas
  • Scenic parks and natural reserves in Henan
  • Nearby cultural or historic towns

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops sell Buddhist artifacts, incense, local crafts, and small statues.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

Taxi, ride-hailing services, or local buses are recommended to continue traveling to nearby attractions or the city center.