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Lingshan Temple, formerly known as Baozhong Temple, Baoen Temple, and also Phoenix Temple, is located 40 kilometers southwest of Luoyang City, at the northern foot of Lingshan Mountain, west of present-day Yiyang County. Backed by a cliff face and facing the Luo River, it sits south and faces north, a significant departure from the orientation of most Chinese Buddhist temples. Legend has it that King Ling of Zhou was buried there, hence the name Lingshan, and Lingshan Temple itself.
The original temple buildings included the mountain gate, front hall, Pilu Hall, Main Hall, Sutra Library, and left and right side halls. Only the mountain gate, the Central Buddha Hall (also known as the Great Compassion Hall), and the Main Hall remain. The statues of the Three Buddhas within the Main Hall are Ming Dynasty clay sculptures, and twenty-eight stone inscriptions from various dynasties are embedded in the brick walls. A seven-story pagoda stands on the steps in front of the hall, built in the 17th year of the Chenghua period (1481).
Both the Great Compassion Hall and the Great Hero Hall have single-eaved hip roofs, bracket sets and beams, retaining the architectural style of the Jin Dynasty.
temperate monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
The Four Wonders of Lingshan Temple
First, the temple gate faces north. Most temples in China face south, but Lingshan Temple faces north.
Second, the temple has a mountain gate. Lingshan Temple is different from other temples in that it has a unique tower-style mountain gate.
Third, the Buddha statue has a beard, which is unique in the country;
Lingshan has eight scenic spots praised by tourists, namely: embroidered cliffs, immortal palms perched on rocks, Qingqu Cave, Cui Suspension, lonely peak overlooking the distance, mountain resembling eagle ridge, Luoxi River surrounded by many circles, and gurgling springs in the stream.
It is recommended to visit for 1 to 2 hours
30 yuan
8:00-18:00
Lingshan Temple in Luoyang is a historic Buddhist temple with centuries of heritage, serving as a spiritual and cultural site. It represents traditional Chinese Buddhist architecture and houses important religious artifacts, making it significant for both worship and cultural tourism.
The temple may have a modest entrance fee; tickets can usually be purchased at the entrance. Online booking is available through local tourism websites or apps.
For regular visits, advance booking is not necessary. For special ceremonies or festivals, booking a few days in advance is recommended.
1–2 hours is sufficient to walk through the temple, explore the main halls, and enjoy the gardens.
Guided tours may be available on request in Chinese. English-language guides or audio tours are limited and should be arranged in advance if needed.
Night visits are generally not permitted. Special religious ceremonies may occur occasionally, providing unique experiences for visitors.
Weekdays and early mornings are the least crowded. Weekends, public holidays, and festival days attract more visitors.
The temple is mostly accessible to elderly and children. Some areas may have steps or uneven paths, making full disabled access limited.
Cash and mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are generally accepted for entrance and purchases inside the temple.
Nearby areas have local restaurants and small cafes offering traditional Chinese cuisine. Food stalls may also be available around the temple entrance.
Vegetarian food is widely available in temple cafeterias. Vegan options are limited, and halal options are scarce in the immediate area.
Several mid-range hotels and guesthouses are available within Luoyang city, with some walking distance or a short taxi ride to Lingshan Temple.
Souvenir shops sell prayer beads, Buddhist statues, postcards, traditional crafts, and incense.
