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At the Niu Shou Mountain Temple Complex, visitors can explore the serene temple grounds, visit various halls dedicated to Buddhist teachings, and admire the traditional architecture. The surrounding nature offers great hiking opportunities, and the peaceful environment is perfect for meditation or quiet reflection.
The ancient temple complex of Niu Shou Mountain is named after its two main peaks, Xiao Xitian (Little Western Heaven) and Da Xitian (Great Western Heaven), which stand tall to the north and south, resembling the head of an ox. First constructed before the Tang Dynasty, it is divided into two parts: the "West Temple" and the "East Temple." The East Temple complex features temples scattered among cliffs and valleys, while the West Temple complex, nestled against the mountain and facing the river, is built according to the mountain's contours. It comprises 26 temples, including the Wanfo Pavilion, the Pure Land Temple, and the Guanyin Hall . Every year on the 15th day of the third lunar month, a temple fair is held, with temples of all sizes filled with lingering incense, monks gathering, and tourists and pilgrims bustling in the bustling atmosphere. "Comparable in grandeur to the renowned mountains of Jiuhua, Putuo, Emei, and Wutai," it is a renowned temple complex in northern Ningxia. It is the largest ancient temple complex in Ningxia.
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;
Famous attractions: East Temple is centered around the Golden Temple Pagoda, and includes Dahongan Temple, Sleeping Buddha Cave, Baoan Temple, and Guanyin Hall. To the west, there are also the Three Buddha Hall, Western Mirror, Beamless Hall, and Sun Palace.
10 yuan
All day
The Niu Shou Mountain Temple Complex, also known as Niu Shou Mountain Buddhist Temple, is an important religious site in Ningxia. It has been a center for Buddhist practice for centuries, housing multiple temples and stupas. The complex is significant for its historical ties to Buddhist culture and its role as a place of pilgrimage.
The Niu Shou Mountain Temple Complex is located in Ningxia, approximately 30 kilometers from the city of Yinchuan. Visitors can take a taxi or drive from Yinchuan to the temple, as public transport options are limited. The journey typically takes about 40-45 minutes by car.
The temple is open year-round, typically from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant, avoiding the peak summer heat and winter cold.
The entrance fee is around ¥30 to ¥50, and tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance. There is no online ticket system available, so visitors will need to buy tickets on-site.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, as the site does not typically experience overwhelming crowds. However, during Chinese public holidays, booking a few days in advance may be advisable to avoid long queues.
You will need around 2 to 3 hours to explore the temple complex fully. This includes visiting the main halls, walking through the surrounding gardens, and spending time at various meditation spots.
Key highlights include the main hall, the Buddhist statues and relics, and the surrounding peaceful gardens. Don't miss the viewing platforms offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the surrounding natural beauty.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and local guides provide insight into the history and significance of the temple. Audio guides are not available in other languages at this time, so it's recommended to join a guided tour if you need in-depth information.
Photography is excellent from the surrounding hills and the elevated temple platforms, where you can capture the temple's architecture against the backdrop of the mountain landscape. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best lighting conditions for photos.
Begin your visit at the main entrance, then proceed to the central hall, followed by a stroll through the temple grounds. Visit the smaller halls dedicated to different Buddhist teachings and stop by the garden areas for relaxation. If you are interested in photography, take time to explore the higher vantage points towards the end of your visit.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Niu Shou Mountain Temple Complex. The site is primarily a daytime attraction, with visits during the day offering the best experience.
The temple complex is relatively peaceful, with fewer crowds than other tourist sites in Ningxia. The least crowded times to visit are during weekdays, especially in the mornings and outside of public holiday periods.
Basic facilities, including toilets, water stations, and rest areas, are available at the site. There are small shops selling local Buddhist-related souvenirs and snacks, but no large restaurants inside the temple complex.
The main areas of the temple complex are accessible to elderly visitors and children. However, certain higher areas and narrow paths might pose challenges for those with mobility issues. It's best to consult with the staff if you require assistance or accessibility options.
Cash is generally required for ticket purchases and small transactions at the souvenir shops. Mobile payments (like Alipay or WeChat Pay) are widely accepted, but credit cards may not be as commonly used at smaller vendors.
There are no large restaurants inside the temple complex, but there are small local eateries nearby offering traditional Ningxia cuisine. Visitors can also travel to Yinchuan for a wider variety of dining options.
Given the region's Muslim population, there are halal food options available in nearby eateries. Vegetarian options are also common at local restaurants, including vegetable dishes and noodles.
There are a few guesthouses and budget hotels near the temple complex. For more comfortable accommodations, travelers can stay in Yinchuan, where there are various mid-range to high-end hotels available.
Nearby attractions include the Western Xia Tombs, the Nanguan Mosque, and the Yinchuan Museum. These can easily be visited in combination with a trip to the Niu Shou Mountain Temple Complex in a day.
There are small souvenir shops near the temple selling Buddhist artifacts, statues, prayer beads, and local handicrafts. Popular souvenirs include religious items such as incense and small Buddha statues.
After visiting, taxis or private cars are the most convenient transportation options to continue the trip. Yinchuan is approximately 40 minutes away by car, where you can catch trains or buses for further travel.
