Live Your Best Lives
Lingshan Temple, located in Tongxin Village, Luoshan County, was built in the fourth year of Emperor Xiaowen's reign (474 AD) during the Northern Wei Dynasty, and boasts a history of over 1,500 years. It was designated a "national temple" during the Tang and Ming dynasties and is now a national 4A-level scenic spot.
Lingshan combines a national nature reserve, ecological demonstration area, and bird sanctuary. Its total planned area is 61.5 square kilometers, encompassing six scenic areas: Lingshan Temple, Xiaoyao Cave, Jinding, Longya Temple, Longfengxianglin, and Jiuli Luoyan Lake.
Lingshan Temple is a unique temple, housing both monks and nuns. Princess Jianning, daughter of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, once became a nun here, practicing Buddhism with her hair uncut. Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang also designated Lingshan Temple as the "National Temple." Lingshan Temple is not far from the scenic area's main entrance and can be reached on foot or by the scenic area's sightseeing bus, which costs 5 yuan.
In addition to visiting Lingshan Temple for historical relic worship and blessings, visitors can also explore the mountain's natural scenery. The scenic area is divided into several zones, featuring lush green mountains and waters, bizarre rock formations, and recreational activities at Luoyan Lake. Hejia Chong, located within the scenic area, was the starting point for the Long March of the 25th Red Army. Dongzhai National Nature Reserve is a bird paradise, offering birdwatching opportunities for bird enthusiasts. Hiking enthusiasts can climb Jinding, the main peak of Lingshan Mountain, offering panoramic views of the vast forest and stunning views of both sunrise and sunset.
The climate is a northern subtropical monsoon continental humid climate. Lingshan Temple has a history of more than 1,500 years and is one of the earliest temples built after Buddhism was introduced to China. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.
Yuanzhang Lake, Chongba Pavilion, Millennium Ginkgo, Crape Myrtle, Holy Well;
It is recommended to play for 3-4 hours
65 yuan/person
8:00-18:00
Xinyang Lingshan Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Henan with deep cultural and religious significance. It has served as a place of worship, meditation, and cultural preservation for centuries, reflecting traditional Chinese Buddhist architecture and art.
The temple is located in Xinyang, Henan Province. Visitors can reach it by taxi or private car from the city center. Local buses may also serve nearby stops, followed by a short walk to the temple entrance.
The temple is usually open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Early mornings offer a quieter, more serene experience, while weekends and festival periods can be busier.
Entrance fees are typically around 20–40 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the temple entrance. Online booking options may be available through local tourism websites.
Advance booking is not usually required except during major festivals. Booking 1–2 days in advance is recommended during peak periods.
1.5–2 hours are generally sufficient to explore the temple grounds and enjoy the surroundings.
Guided tours may be available in Chinese. For English or other languages, private guides can be arranged in advance.
Enter through the main gate, visit the central hall, explore surrounding halls and pagodas, walk through the gardens, and finish at the scenic viewpoints or rest areas.
Night visits are generally not allowed. Special tours or cultural events may be available during festivals, but light shows are uncommon.
Weekdays and early mornings are less crowded. Festivals and weekends attract larger crowds.
Facilities include public restrooms, water fountains, small snack stalls, seating areas, and souvenir shops near the main entrance.
Main pathways are accessible, but some areas may have steps. Elderly and children should take care on uneven paths; wheelchair access may be limited.
Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted; some cash may be needed for small vendors or donations.
Small local restaurants and tea houses are available near the temple, offering traditional Henan cuisine and snacks.
Vegetarian options are commonly available at temple-adjacent restaurants. Vegan and halal options may be limited.
Several mid-range hotels and guesthouses are located in Xinyang city, a short drive from the temple.
Nearby attractions include Shihe River Scenic Area and local cultural sites, making it convenient to combine in a day trip.
Souvenir shops offer Buddhist-themed items, prayer beads, calligraphy, and local handicrafts.
Taxis, private cars, or local buses are convenient for traveling to nearby attractions or returning to Xinyang city center.
