
Xianglu Temple is located at the summit of Xianglu Peak, 200 meters east of Jiaxian County. In front of the peak stands a massive rock, 5 meters in diameter and over 20 meters high, 2 meters away from the main peak. Its shape resembles a tall incense burner, hence the temple's name. The "Xianglu Evening Glow," one of the eight scenic spots in Jiaxian County, is known as "Xianglu Evening Glow."
Xianglu Temple is situated on a precipitous terrain, with the Incense Burner Rock rising high into the air and the Broken Bridge astonishingly perilous. Standing atop it, one feels as if soaring into the sky. Looking down, one gazes upon the surging Yellow River, surging down from east to west. The Jialin Yellow River Bridge, spanning east and west, resembles a dragon lying on the waves. At sunset, the afterglow casts the lonely pavilion's shadow on the Yellow River's current, creating a picturesque scene. Locals call it "Little Penglai," a fairyland.
Warm temperate continental semi-arid monsoon climate;
Suitable for spring and autumn
20 yuan/person
8:00-16:00
Xianglu Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Yulin, Shaanxi. It has served as a spiritual center for the region for centuries and is known for its architectural beauty, ancient statues, and cultural heritage, reflecting the local religious and historical traditions.
The temple is located near Yulin city center. Visitors can reach it by taxi or local bus, followed by a short walk to the temple entrance.
The temple is typically open from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer quieter experiences and softer lighting for photography.
Entrance is usually free or requires a small fee paid at the gate. Tickets can be purchased on-site; online booking may not be widely available.
Advance booking is generally not necessary, except during major festivals or holidays.
1–2 hours are typically sufficient to explore the temple grounds, halls, and gardens.
Guided tours are sometimes available in Chinese. English-language guides may be limited, so hiring a local guide or joining a tour group is recommended for non-Chinese speakers.
Enter through the main gate, visit the main hall, explore side halls and pagodas, walk through gardens, and end at scenic spots for photography.
Night visits and light shows are not common. Special tours may be available during major Buddhist festivals.
Weekdays are less crowded. Avoid visiting during major holidays or religious festivals to experience a quieter visit.
Basic facilities include restrooms, small food stalls nearby, drinking water, and souvenir shops at the entrance.
The temple has steps and uneven paths. Elderly and children should exercise caution; wheelchair access may be limited.
Cash is widely accepted. Mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are generally accepted; credit cards may not be widely used.
Several local restaurants and cafes are near the temple entrance, offering Shaanxi cuisine and snacks.
Vegetarian options are available at temple stalls and nearby restaurants. Halal options may require traveling to the city center.
Guesthouses and mid-range hotels in Yulin city are within 10–20 minutes by car from Xianglu Temple.
Nearby attractions include Gaojiabao Ancient City and Red Rock Gorge, which can be combined in a day trip.
Souvenir shops sell religious items, postcards, local handicrafts, and small Buddha statues.
Taxis and local buses can return visitors to Yulin city center. From there, trains and long-distance buses connect to other Shaanxi destinations.