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Visit the Big Buddha statue located within Hongshan Park, a key highlight of the site. You can also explore the surrounding park, enjoy the serene lake, and take in the peaceful atmosphere. The park offers nice walking trails, and you can visit the surrounding temples, which add to the cultural experience. Additionally, the panoramic view from the park's higher points is ideal for photography.
The Hongshan Park Big Buddha Temple is located in Hongshan Park in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Covering an area of approximately 30,000 square meters, the temple faces east and west, and its architectural style largely mirrors that of Han Buddhist temples in mainland China. It is the largest Han Buddhist temple in Northwest China, featuring the Main Hall, the Hall of Five Hundred Arhats, the Hall of Thousand-Armed Guanyin, the Hall of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, the Bell and Drum Tower, and side rooms. The main buildings of the Big Buddha Temple are the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Main Hall, the Hall of Guanyin, and the Hall of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. The original temple, built during the Qing Dynasty, was later destroyed. The existing temple was rebuilt on its original scale during the expansion of Hongshan Park.
Temperate continental climate, summer
Main Hall, Hall of Five Hundred Arhats, and Hall of Thousand-Armed Guanyin, 1-3 hours
free
Summer (approximately early May to early October) 7:00-23:00
Winter (approximately early October to late April) 8:00-21:00
The Big Buddha Temple in Hongshan Park is a significant cultural and religious site in Urumqi, Xinjiang. It is home to a large Buddha statue and is a popular place for both locals and tourists to engage in peaceful reflection. The temple and park also provide insight into the Buddhist culture of the region, with scenic walking paths and spiritual landmarks.
The Big Buddha Temple is located in Hongshan Park, in Urumqi, Xinjiang. The most convenient way to get there is by taxi or private car. Public buses are also available, and walking is an option if you're staying nearby. The park is not far from the city center, so transportation is fairly easy to arrange.
The Big Buddha Temple and Hongshan Park are open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon, when the weather is cooler and the park is less crowded. Spring and autumn are ideal seasons due to pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.
The entrance to Hongshan Park is free, but there may be a small fee for specific areas within the park or for accessing the temple. Tickets can be purchased onsite at the entrance, and online purchasing is typically not required.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary. You can purchase tickets on the day of your visit at the entrance. However, during peak tourist seasons or holidays, it's a good idea to arrive early to avoid long lines.
To explore the Big Buddha Temple and surrounding Hongshan Park, 2-3 hours are typically enough. If you wish to walk through the park, explore the temples, and enjoy the lake area, you may want to allocate more time.
The main highlight is the Big Buddha statue itself, a towering figure that dominates the temple area. The surrounding park offers serene lake views, tranquil walking paths, and Buddhist shrines. The elevated platforms in the park also offer great views of the city.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some local tour operators may offer English-speaking guides. Audio guides may also be available, though they are primarily in Chinese. It's best to check availability upon arrival.
The best photography spots are around the Big Buddha statue, the panoramic viewpoints at higher areas of the park, and by the tranquil lake within the park. The Buddha itself offers a dramatic subject for photos, especially with the surrounding landscape in the background.
Start by visiting the Big Buddha statue, then take a walk around the temple and explore the surrounding park. Afterward, head towards the lake for a peaceful stroll and enjoy the nature around you. Finish your visit with a climb to one of the elevated viewpoints for a panoramic view of the area.
The park is not typically open for night visits or light shows. However, special events or tours may be arranged during holidays or festivals. It's advisable to check for special events at the time of your visit.
The park can get crowded on weekends and during public holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. Visiting outside of the peak tourist seasons also helps avoid crowds.
The park has basic facilities such as toilets, water fountains, and rest areas. There are also small food stalls around the park selling snacks and drinks. For more substantial meals, you may need to visit nearby restaurants.
The Big Buddha Temple and Hongshan Park are generally accessible for elderly, children, and disabled visitors. The main paths are smooth, but some areas may have uneven terrain. Wheelchairs may be required for access to more remote sections of the park.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used throughout the park. Credit cards may not be accepted in all areas, so it’s recommended to have mobile payment options or cash on hand.
There are small snack bars and tea stalls within the park. For more dining options, you can head to nearby restaurants in the Urumqi city center, offering a range of Chinese and regional cuisine.
Vegetarian and halal food options are available at some of the nearby restaurants, especially in the city center. The park’s food options are limited, but there are places to find snacks and drinks.
Several hotels are located near Hongshan Park and the Big Buddha Temple, ranging from budget to mid-range options. For more luxurious stays, you can find top hotels in Urumqi city center, about 20-30 minutes by car from the park.
Nearby attractions include the Xinjiang Regional Museum, the Urumqi People's Park, and the Tianshan Mountains. These sites are easily reachable from the Big Buddha Temple and make for a good day trip itinerary in Urumqi.
There are souvenir shops near the entrance of the park, offering traditional Xinjiang crafts, including hand-woven textiles, traditional clothing, and locally made artifacts. You can also find small Buddha statues and prayer beads.
After visiting, you can take a taxi or use public transport to explore more of Urumqi. The city has an extensive bus network, and taxis are readily available. For those heading to other attractions, a private car may be the most convenient option.
