Introducing Daici Tower
The Dai Temple Tower, also known as the Dongyue Temple, the Dai Temple Palace, the Chongyou Temple, and the Dongyue Temple, is located east of Dazhai Village, Chaoyi Town, Dali County, Weinan City, Shaanxi Province, 16.3 kilometers east of the county seat. The exact date of the Dai Temple's construction is unknown, but it was renovated in the first year of the Zhenguan reign of the Tang Dynasty (627 AD) and additional halls were added in the sixth year of the Longqing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1572 AD).
The Dai Temple is 89 meters wide from east to west and 129 meters long from north to south, covering a total area of 11,480 square meters. The original buildings included the mountain gate, Zhongcen Tower, East Song Tower, West East Tower, memorial archway, incense pavilion, Changchun Pavilion, left bell tower, right drum tower, offering hall, sitting hall, and sleeping hall. The eastern wing also houses the seventy-two mountain gods. These buildings were all magnificent, with their bracketed corners and carved beams and painted rafters. However, due to vandalism, all were destroyed, leaving only the Dai Temple's Cen Tower intact.
The Cenlou building is the crystallization of the wisdom of the ancient Chinese working people who were rich in imagination and ingenious in conception. It has high scientific and artistic value and is now a key cultural relic protection unit in Shaanxi Province.
In addition, the Dai Temple building also has a stele of "Dongyue Temple Reconstruction of Hanguan Fuzi and Shengmu Temple" erected in the sixth year of the Qianlong Emperor's reign in the Qing Dynasty. It is 2.23 meters high and 0.22 meters wide. The inscription is in regular script, with 8 lines and a total of 418 characters. The surrounding area is engraved with creeping grass and floral patterns.
Climate and best time to travel
The warm temperate continental monsoon climate has four distinct seasons, abundant sunshine, and cold and dry winters. Spring, summer, and autumn are suitable for travel.
Recommended number of days and locations for visiting
It is recommended to play for about 20 minutes.
Tickets
free
Attraction opening hours
Open all day
Most Popular FAQs for Daici Tower
What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?
Daici Tower is an ancient Buddhist pagoda located in Huayin, Shaanxi Province. It was built during the Tang Dynasty and is part of the city’s long religious and cultural history. The tower was constructed to enshrine Buddhist relics and scriptures, serving as a spiritual landmark symbolizing devotion and wisdom. It also reflects the architectural artistry of ancient China, with intricate brick carvings and a graceful multi-tiered design.
Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?
- Location: Daici Tower, Huayin City, Weinan, Shaanxi Province, near the base of Mount Hua.
- By bus: Take a local bus or tourist shuttle from Huayin city center or Huashan Scenic Area; several routes stop near the site.
- By taxi: About 10 minutes by taxi from Huashan North Railway Station.
- By walking: Accessible by foot from nearby hotels or central Huayin if staying locally.
What are the opening hours and best times to visit?
- Opening hours: Generally open 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily.
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for clear weather and comfortable temperatures; early morning or late afternoon for beautiful light.
What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?
Daici Tower is typically free to enter or requires a small maintenance fee, payable at the entrance. Tickets are purchased on-site; online booking is usually unnecessary.
Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?
No advance booking is required; walk-in visits are common and convenient.
How much time is needed to fully explore it?
About 30 minutes to 1 hour is enough to explore the tower and its surrounding area leisurely.
What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?
- The multi-story tower structure and intricate brick carvings.
- The top viewing level for panoramic city and mountain views.
- Surrounding temple remnants and small gardens.
- Information boards describing the tower’s Tang Dynasty origins.
Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?
There are usually no official guided or audio tours at the site. Visitors can read informational signs in Chinese or bring a local guide from Huayin for deeper context.
What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?
- The base of the tower for capturing its full height and symmetry.
- The upper levels overlooking Huayin City and Mount Hua.
- The tower’s west side at sunset for warm lighting on its structure.
What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?
- Enter from the main gate and walk around the base to view the carvings.
- Climb the tower step by step, pausing at each level for views.
- Reach the top to enjoy the panoramic scenery of the city and mountains.
- Exit through the park area to relax before leaving.
Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?
Night visits are not common; the site usually closes before dark. There are no regular light shows or nighttime events.
Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?
- Weekdays are generally quiet, with few tourists.
- Weekends and holidays see moderate local visitor numbers.
- Early mornings are the calmest time to visit.
What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?
- Basic public toilets near the entrance.
- Small snack and drink stalls outside the gate.
- Benches and shaded rest areas nearby.
- No large shops inside the site, but convenience stores are nearby.
Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?
The base area is flat and accessible for most visitors, but the tower’s steep stairs may be challenging for the elderly or disabled. Children can visit with supervision.
Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?
Small cash is recommended for snacks or local vendors. Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted for minor purchases.
What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?
- Local eateries within walking distance serving Shaanxi specialties such as biangbiang noodles and roujiamo (Chinese hamburger).
- Small tea houses and snack stalls around the park area.
Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?
- Vegetarian options like noodles, dumplings, and stir-fried vegetables are common in nearby restaurants.
- Halal food can be found in central Huayin or near the mosque area.
What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?
- Huashan International Hotel
- Huayin Grand Hotel
- Huashan Fenghuang Hotel
- Various budget hostels near Huashan Scenic Area
What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?
- Mount Hua (Huashan Scenic Area)
- Yuquan Temple
- Huazhou Park
- Huayin Ancient City and Cultural Street
Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?
- Souvenir shops near the park sell Buddhist-themed trinkets, paper fans, local crafts, and Huashan pastries.
What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?
- Taxi or bus to Mount Hua Scenic Area for further exploration.
- Train from Huashan North Railway Station to Xi’an or Weinan.
- Private car hire or ride-hailing apps for flexible travel.
