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Danfeng Flower Temple, also known as the "Pinglang Palace," "Mingwang Palace," and "Ship Gang Guild Hall," is located in Longjuzhai, Danfeng County, Shangluo City, Shaanxi Province. Construction began in 1815, the 20th year of the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty, and was completed in 1817, the 17th year of the Guangxu reign. Facing south, it faces the Danjiang River. The entire building covers an area of approximately 3,600 square meters, with a floor area of 1,000 square meters.
A side hall stands to the south, and the entire building is constructed of wood and earth. The workmanship is meticulous, and the carvings are exquisite. In the morning sunlight, the glazed tiles on the roof appear resplendent and magnificent. Because of its grandeur and splendor, it is dedicated to the Danjiang River God Yang Si (whose Taoist title is "Nine Waters and Heavenly Spirits, Great Marshal, Purple Clouds, Unifying the Law, True Lord, Water Country, Dragon, Anyuan King, Lingyuan, Tongji Tianzun"), hence the name "Flower Temple."
The Flower Temple's main gate is built like a three-bay memorial archway, reflecting the architectural style of Jiangnan water towns. The Flower Opera House to the south is particularly unique, standing 36 meters high, 11 meters deep, and with an 8-meter stage entrance. Instead of supporting columns, the second floor is constructed using stacked, multi-angled timber structures, each tapering upwards to form a pyramidal cage-like structure that supports the weight. Looking up from the center of the stage, it resembles a whirlpool in a rapids, a truly ingenious design. This strikingly beautiful ancient building is a provincially protected key cultural relic and is home to the Danfeng County Museum.
The warm temperate semi-humid monsoon climate features four distinct seasons, with rain and heat occurring in the same season, and distinct dry and wet seasons in the summer and winter. Avoid the cold winter and travel in spring, summer, and autumn.
The Flower Temple now houses a theater and a main hall, facing each other from north to south. The theater is the temple's most significant and essential building. Covered with intricate openwork carvings and patterned couplets, it is known as the Flower Theater. In contrast to the South Theater in Bozhou, Anhui, it is also known as the North Theater.
The Danfenghua Temple boasts exquisite openwork carvings, each depicting a unique and vivid image. The temple features landscapes, figures, carriages, ceremonial guards, pavilions, trees, flowers, plants, fish, insects, birds, and animals. The morning and evening sunlight, shining through the glazed tiles on the roof, creates a magnificent and splendid scene. To the north of the theater building lies the main hall, the Mingwang Hall, which houses statues of seven deities, including the Mingwang.
It is recommended to play for about 1 hour.
15 yuan/person
Open all day
Danfeng Flower Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Danfeng County, Shaanxi. It has long been a religious and cultural center, renowned for its architecture, spiritual significance, and connection to local traditions and festivals.
The temple is located in Danfeng County, Shaanxi Province. Visitors can reach it by taxi, private car, or local buses from the county center. Walking is possible within the temple grounds.
Opening hours are generally 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit due to pleasant weather and blooming flowers.
The entrance fee is typically around 50–70 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the temple entrance or via local online ticket platforms.
Booking is recommended during peak tourist seasons and festivals, ideally 1–2 days in advance.
1–2 hours are sufficient to explore the main halls, gardens, and pagodas.
Guided tours are available in Chinese; English tours may be arranged in advance. Audio guides are limited.
Enter through the main gate, visit the central halls, explore side courtyards and gardens, then finish at the pagoda areas for scenic views and photos.
Night visits are generally not permitted. Special cultural events may occasionally be held during festivals.
Weekdays are less crowded; weekends and national holidays attract more visitors.
Accessible for elderly and children, though some areas with steps may be challenging for disabled visitors.
Cash, Alipay, and WeChat Pay are commonly accepted for tickets and small purchases.
Local restaurants near the temple serve traditional Shaanxi cuisine, tea, and light refreshments.
Vegetarian options are widely available; vegan and halal options are more limited.
Several budget and mid-range hotels are available in Danfeng County, close to the temple.
Souvenir shops sell local handicrafts, religious items, postcards, and flower-themed memorabilia.
Taxi, private car, or local buses can take visitors to other nearby attractions or to the county center for further travel.
