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Yunkong Zen Temple is located at the northern foot of Yunkong Mountain, six kilometers southwest of the Daming Township Government in Hua County, Weinan. Legend has it that it was first built during the Eastern Han Dynasty and was formerly known as "Yunji Temple." The origin of the "Yunkong" in "Yunkong Mountain" and "Yunkong Zen Temple" can be traced back to the 27th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1688 AD). Master Puqian changed the name from "Yunji Temple" to "Yunkong Zen Temple" in honor of the highly respected "Zen Master Yunkong."
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Yunkong Zen Temple was a grand affair, stretching over a thousand meters from east to west and covering an area of 20 square kilometers. Its Buddhist temples were bustling with incense and smoke, but by the late Qing Dynasty, it had fallen into decline. Only three main halls remain, housing the main Buddha statue and the Bodhisattvas Manjusri and Samantabhadra. Six corridors to the right front of the main hall provided accommodation for the monks. At the southern end of the temple stands a Song Dynasty pagoda, resembling a wooden pavilion, and further south, the Puqian Zen Master Pagoda.
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.
Yunkong Zen Temple has been famous for a long time, and an important reason for this is the "hanging coffins", which give the temple a unique and strong local flavor.
It is recommended to play for about 30 minutes.
free
08:00-17:00
Yunkong Zen Temple is a significant Buddhist temple in Huayin, Shaanxi, known for its peaceful setting and role in the practice of Zen Buddhism. It serves as a center for meditation and spiritual learning, attracting those seeking peace and enlightenment.
The Yunkong Zen Temple is located in the city of Huayin, Shaanxi Province, at the foot of the Huashan Mountain. It can be reached by taxi from Huayin Railway Station or by bus from nearby cities. It's a short walking distance from the main roads in the area.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during weekdays in the morning when it's less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience for meditation and exploration.
Entry to Yunkong Zen Temple is free. However, some special events or activities, such as guided tours or tea ceremonies, may require a small fee. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or in advance for specific events.
Booking in advance is not necessary for general entry, but it’s recommended for special events or guided tours. Booking at least 1-2 days in advance is advised during peak tourist seasons.
Exploring the Yunkong Zen Temple takes approximately 1-2 hours, depending on how long you wish to meditate or explore the peaceful surroundings.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin Chinese. Audio guides in English and Chinese may also be available upon request, but it's best to check with the temple beforehand.
The best spots for photography are near the main temple hall, the Zen garden, and the scenic walking paths that offer views of the surrounding mountains and lush greenery.
Start at the main entrance and visit the temple hall, then walk through the Zen garden and meditation areas. Finish with a peaceful walk along the temple’s surrounding nature paths for a complete experience.
There are no night visits or light shows at Yunkong Zen Temple. Special tours and activities such as meditation sessions may be available during the day, especially during cultural or spiritual festivals.
The temple can get crowded on weekends and during public holidays. The best time to visit is on weekdays, especially early in the morning, to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
The temple has basic facilities, including toilets and rest areas. There are no major food outlets within the temple, but there are small shops selling tea, incense, and Buddhist-related items. It’s best to bring your own water and snacks.
The temple is generally accessible, but some areas may require walking up steep paths. Visitors with mobility issues may find the main temple hall and surrounding areas more accessible, but it’s advisable to check with staff for specific needs.
Cash is generally accepted at the temple, but mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are also commonly used, especially in the local shops and for special events.
There is a small café within the temple offering traditional Chinese tea. Nearby, there are a few local restaurants that serve Shaanxi cuisine, including noodle dishes and dumplings.
Vegetarian options are available at nearby restaurants, particularly in Shaanxi-style dishes like noodles and vegetable soups. Halal food options may be available in local restaurants catering to specific dietary needs.
Several hotels and guesthouses are available near the temple in Huayin, ranging from budget to mid-range options. There are also a few boutique hotels offering a more traditional experience.
Nearby attractions include Huashan Mountain, one of China’s most famous mountain ranges, known for its stunning landscapes and hiking trails. The Huayin city center is also worth visiting for local culture.
The temple’s souvenir shop offers incense, tea sets, Buddhist statues, and other related items. Local handicrafts and traditional Chinese teas are popular souvenirs in the area.
After visiting, taxis and public buses are available to take you to Huayin Railway Station or other nearby attractions. For further travel, trains and buses to Xi'an are frequent and convenient.
