Live Your Best Lives
At Datong Huayan Temple, visitors can explore the temple's ancient architecture, including the main hall and various smaller shrines. Take time to admire the intricate Buddhist artwork and sculptures, and walk around the peaceful temple grounds. For those interested in local culture, consider attending a Buddhist ceremony or meditation session.
Huayan Temple, located in Datong, Shanxi Province, was built in the seventh year of the Chongxi reign of the Liao Dynasty. It consists of the Upper and Lower Huayan Halls, both located within the same temple complex and connected by a moon gate. The Huayan Pagoda within the temple is the second largest pure wooden pagoda in China, second only to the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. The highlight of the Upper Huayan Temple is the Main Hall, the largest surviving Buddhist hall from the Liao and Jin dynasties in my country, retaining its original architectural style. The Lower Huayan Temple houses numerous Liao Dynasty statues, the most famous of which is the "Bodhisattva with Folded Palms and Bared Teeth," praised by Guo Moruo as the "Venus of the East." The temple's other buildings and statues are also invaluable cultural relics, making the entire Huayan Temple a treasure of ancient Chinese architecture and Buddhist culture.
Climate: Temperate continental semi-arid monsoon climate
Best time to travel: All seasons
Recommended places to visit: Bodhisattva with hands together and teeth bared, Huayan Pagoda
Recommended playing time: 2 hours
65.00 yuan
08:30~18:00 (summer) 08:30~17:00 (winter)
Datong Huayan Temple was built during the Liao Dynasty and is a major site of historical and religious importance. It houses valuable Buddhist relics and serves as a place of worship and meditation. The temple is a representation of the Buddhist influence in northern China and remains a significant destination for religious pilgrims and tourists alike.
Datong Huayan Temple is located in the city of Datong, Shanxi Province. It can be reached by taxi from the city center or by bus from major transport hubs. Walking is possible if you're staying nearby, but it’s a good idea to use local transport to avoid long distances.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the early morning or late afternoon when the weather is pleasant, and the temple is less crowded.
The entrance fee for the temple is approximately 40 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the temple or through local tourism agencies. It is recommended to buy tickets in person unless visiting during busy seasons.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance unless visiting during peak times such as public holidays or festivals. If visiting during busy seasons, booking tickets a day or two in advance is recommended.
Visitors typically need around 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore Datong Huayan Temple, allowing time to walk through the main halls, admire the artwork, and relax in the surrounding gardens.
Key highlights include the grand Main Hall, the statues of the Buddha, the beautiful wooden carvings, and the serene temple gardens. Don’t miss the smaller shrines surrounding the temple complex for a more intimate experience.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and some local guides may offer basic English tours. Audio guides are not commonly available, but the temple provides a serene environment for those wishing to explore independently.
The best photography spots are from the central courtyard, which offers a clear view of the temple’s architecture. The surrounding gardens also provide beautiful natural settings for photographs, especially in the morning light.
Start by exploring the main hall, then walk through the courtyards to the surrounding shrines. After visiting the central areas, spend some time in the garden or sit in the temple’s serene environment to meditate or reflect.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available at Datong Huayan Temple. However, evening visits offer a quiet, less crowded experience, which may be ideal for peaceful reflection.
The temple can get crowded on weekends and during public holidays. The least crowded times to visit are during weekdays in the early morning or late afternoon, especially outside of peak tourist seasons.
The temple has basic facilities, including toilets and small shops selling religious souvenirs. There are no large food outlets inside the temple, but there are vendors outside offering snacks and drinks.
The temple grounds are mostly accessible, but there are some steps and uneven surfaces that may be difficult for those with mobility challenges. Elderly and children should be mindful of these areas.
Cash is widely accepted, and mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are also available for purchases inside the temple. Credit cards may not be widely accepted at smaller vendors.
While there are no large restaurants inside the temple, nearby Datong offers a variety of local eateries serving Shanxi cuisine. You can find several restaurants and cafes that offer traditional dishes such as noodles and lamb skewers.
Vegetarian options are available in many of the local restaurants, especially those catering to Buddhist visitors. Halal food options are available in Datong city but are limited near the temple.
There are several hotels near the temple, including budget options and mid-range hotels such as the Datong Hotel and local guesthouses offering convenient access to the temple and other local attractions.
Nearby attractions include the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Nine-Dragon Screen, which are both easily accessible from Datong Huayan Temple. These can be combined into a full day trip from the city center.
There are small souvenir shops selling religious items, including Buddha statues, incense, and prayer beads. These make for meaningful and traditional souvenirs from the visit.
After visiting the temple, taxis and buses are available to continue the trip to other attractions in Datong, including the Yungang Grottoes and the city center. Trains to other parts of Shanxi Province are also accessible from Datong's train station.
