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The Dayu Temple is located in Zhouyuan Village, 3 kilometers northeast of Hancheng City. Formerly known as the Great Xia Yuwang Temple, or simply the Dayu Temple, it is a temple dedicated to the worship of Yu the Great. Built to commemorate Yu the Great, the temple comprises two main halls and twelve side rooms, covering an area of 425 square meters. In May 1985, it was designated a key cultural relic of Hancheng City.
The Dayu Temple was first built in 1301, the fifth year of the Dade era during the Yuan Dynasty. It was renovated during the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty and the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty. The remaining temples are the Offering Hall and the Sleeping Hall, which are connected front and back. The Sleeping Hall is three bays wide and four rafters deep, housing a shrine with a seated statue of Dayu in its center. He holds a shield and bears a solemn expression, flanked by four attendants.
Xia Yu was an ancient tribal chieftain. Legend has it that during the reigns of Tang Yao and Yu Shun, a devastating flood struck the Yellow River basin. Shun dispatched Yu to control the flood. It is said that during his time, Yu "took great pains, remained away from home for thirteen years, and dared not enter even when passing by his home." He used dredging to control the flood. Later, he seized Shun's tribal chieftaincy by force and, upon his death, passed the position to his son Qi, thus completely breaking the tradition of "abdication."
The warm temperate continental monsoon climate has four distinct seasons, abundant sunshine, and sunny, cold, and dry winters. Spring, summer, and autumn are suitable for travel.
The Dayu Temple faces south and sits north. The central axis houses the Offering Hall and the Sleeping Hall, connected by a curved canopy. The main hall features three groups of wooden shrines with brick bases, divided into nine compartments by hanging columns. Each shrine features an openwork relief depicting two dragons playing with a pearl. The shrine tables are decorated with gilded lacquer paintings depicting two dragons playing with a pearl or a phoenix facing the rising sun. The east wall of the hall features a mural depicting Sun Wukong subduing Red Boy, while the west wall depicts Guo Ziyi's solo visit to the Uighurs and a celebration banquet.
It is recommended to play for about 1 hour.
20 yuan/person
08:00-17:00
Dayu Temple is dedicated to the legendary Emperor Yu, who is renowned for his work on flood control and is regarded as a cultural hero in Chinese history. The temple serves as both a religious and historical site, representing the connection between Chinese spirituality and ancient engineering feats.
Dayu Temple is located in Huayin, Shaanxi Province, at the foot of Mount Hua. The most convenient way to get there is by taxi or private car from the city center of Huayin or Xi'an. Public buses may also be available, but a taxi is recommended for convenience.
Dayu Temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon, especially on weekdays to avoid large crowds.
The entrance fee is approximately 20-30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site. Online booking may be available for larger groups or peak seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary for most visitors, but it is recommended during peak seasons, especially during public holidays. A few days in advance is sufficient.
You can explore Dayu Temple in about 1 to 1.5 hours. If you plan to explore the surroundings or take photographs, allocate more time accordingly.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and English-speaking guides may be available on request. Audio guides are offered in Mandarin, and some locations may have English translations.
The best photography spots are around the main temple hall and the surrounding gardens, which provide scenic views of the temple and the nearby mountains. The temple architecture itself is a highlight for photography enthusiasts.
Start with the main temple hall, then proceed to the gardens and surrounding areas. Take time to explore the historical inscriptions and statues before concluding your visit with a relaxing walk around the temple grounds.
Currently, there are no night visits or light shows available at Dayu Temple. Special tours may be available during holidays or for large groups, so it's worth checking in advance.
Dayu Temple can be crowded on weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are early mornings on weekdays, especially outside peak tourist seasons.
There are basic facilities available, including toilets and rest areas. Small shops selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs are available near the entrance.
The main temple hall and surrounding areas are generally accessible, though some parts of the temple may involve stairs or uneven paths. Visitors with mobility challenges should check with staff for more accessible routes.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used. Credit cards may not be accepted at smaller shops or local restaurants.
Vegetarian and halal food options are available at local restaurants, especially in the surrounding area catering to Muslim visitors.
Souvenir shops near Dayu Temple offer traditional Chinese crafts, religious items, and cultural artifacts. Typical souvenirs include postcards, incense, and small religious statues.
