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Visitors to Shikong Big Buddha Temple can explore the grand Buddha statue and its surrounding gardens, which offer a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. It's a great place for photography, meditation, and learning about Buddhist culture. You can also enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding area from the temple's elevated position.
The grottoes, carved into the gravel beneath the steep cliff face, comprise 13 caves, divided into three clusters: upper, middle, and lower, known as the "Three Temples." The upper and lower temples are now fully developed. The upper temple is particularly noteworthy for its three-story pavilion-style main hall, side halls, meditation chambers, and dining rooms. The Dafo Temple Grottoes, situated to the north of the Shenggeli Desert, were once buried by sandstorms. Later, specialized technicians excavated and cleared the Shikong Dafo Temple, which had been buried for nearly a century. This has brought back to light a precious relic from the Lingzhou Road, a Tang Dynasty Silk Road. A poem praises the Shikong Temple: "Peaks rise in exquisite relief from the rocky sky. Who has built a monastery amidst the emerald clouds? A monk, sitting quietly with a lamp on an idle evening, gazes upon a distant, glimmering red on the clear mountain."
Suitable for all seasons;
It has a semi-arid climate with the characteristics of typical continental monsoon climate and desert climate, with late spring, early autumn, short hot summer, long cold winter, strong winds, abundant sand, drought and little rain.
It is recommended to play for 1-3 hours;
From west to east, the caves of Dafo Temple are Flame Light Cave, Ten Thousand Buddha Cave, Stone Guanyin Cave, Laojun Cave, Sanqing Cave, Jade Emperor Cave, Wuliang Cave, Jiujian Beamless Cave, God of Wealth Cave, Medicine King Cave, Niangniang Cave, Dragon King Cave, and Sleeping Buddha Cave.
free
All day
The Shikong Big Buddha Temple is a significant Buddhist site in Ningxia, known for its enormous Buddha statue, which represents peace and enlightenment. The temple serves as a place of worship and a cultural landmark, attracting visitors seeking spiritual solace and insight into Buddhist traditions.
The Shikong Big Buddha Temple is located in the Shikong area of Ningxia, China. It can be reached by taxi or private car from the nearby city center. Public transport options may be limited, and walking is recommended once you're close to the site.
The temple is open daily, typically from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, especially during weekdays or off-peak seasons.
The entrance fee is usually a small charge, typically around 20-30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. It is not common to buy tickets online.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not required. However, it may be advisable to book for special events or if you're visiting during peak tourist seasons.
Visitors will need approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the temple, including time to appreciate the Buddha statue, wander the gardens, and visit the surrounding areas.
The main highlight of the temple is the towering Big Buddha statue, which is a sight to behold. The surrounding gardens and peaceful environment also offer a serene experience for reflection and photography.
Guided tours may be available at the temple, typically in Mandarin. Audio guides in English may not be readily available, so it’s recommended to check in advance or bring a local guide if needed.
The best photography spots are near the Buddha statue and from the higher grounds of the temple, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding valley and landscape. The tranquil garden areas also provide excellent opportunities for peaceful shots.
Start by visiting the main Buddha statue, then take time to explore the surrounding gardens. Afterward, you can visit any smaller shrines or temples within the grounds. A walk around the perimeter of the temple grounds offers a peaceful atmosphere and good views.
Night visits and light shows are not available at the Shikong Big Buddha Temple. Special tours may be arranged for groups, but it's generally a daytime attraction.
The temple is generally not very crowded, except during weekends or public holidays. Weekdays, especially in the morning, tend to be less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience.
Basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas are available on-site. There are no large restaurants or cafes, but small food stalls may offer snacks. It's advisable to bring your own water if you're planning to explore the site for a longer period.
The temple is accessible for elderly visitors and children, though some areas may involve walking on uneven paths. It may not be fully accessible for visitors with mobility challenges due to the terrain.
Cash is generally preferred, and mobile payments such as Alipay or WeChat Pay are often accepted. Credit cards may not be widely accepted at the temple, so it’s best to carry some cash for small purchases.
There are no major restaurants or cafes directly within the temple grounds, but small local eateries offering traditional Chinese dishes are available in the surrounding area.
Vegetarian options are available, particularly in the local eateries near the temple. Halal food options may be limited but can be found in nearby areas or in Ningxia city centers.
Hotels and guesthouses are available in nearby Ningxia city, located about 30-40 minutes by taxi from the temple. There are budget and mid-range options available for overnight stays.
Nearby attractions include the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Museum, the Western Xia Tombs, and Sand Lake, all of which are accessible by car or public transport from the temple.
Small souvenir shops near the temple offer Buddhist-themed items such as incense, prayer beads, and small statues. Local crafts and cultural items are also available for purchase.
After visiting the Shikong Big Buddha Temple, the best transportation options are taxis or buses to nearby attractions or back to Ningxia city. From there, you can take buses, trains, or flights to other destinations within the region.
