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Xiyue Temple is a temple dedicated to the Huashan God, the Great Emperor of Xiyue. It is located in Yuemiao Town, 1.5 kilometers east of Huayin County. The temple was first built during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty and later became a place for emperors of all dynasties to worship the Huashan God.
The Xiyue Temple sits north and faces south, with its gate facing Mount Hua. Along its central axis, running from north to south, lie the Haoling Gate, the Five Phoenix Tower, the Lingxing Gate, the Jincheng Gate, the Haoling Hall, the Imperial Palace, the Imperial Library, and the Wanshou Pavilion. The entire structure is low in front and high in the back. The Xiyue Temple is magnificent. The Five Phoenix Tower, built on a high platform, rises over 20 meters. From the tower, one can clearly see the five peaks of Mount Hua.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 1-3 hours
Peak season (March-November): 30 yuan
Off-season (December to February) 15 yuan
You can visit for free with your Huashan ticket on the day, which is valid for 2 days
9:00~17:30
Xiyue Temple, also called the Temple of the Western Peak, is one of the oldest and most important Taoist temples in China. It was historically used to honor the god of Mount Hua and for imperial rituals. The temple reflects traditional Chinese religious architecture and holds cultural significance for Taoist practices and ceremonies.
Xiyue Temple is located in Huayin city, Shaanxi Province, at the base of Mount Hua. Visitors can reach it by taxi or local bus from Huayin Railway Station or from Xi’an city. Walking paths connect the temple with nearby scenic areas of Huashan.
The temple is generally open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Booking in advance is recommended during weekends or public holidays, ideally 1–2 days ahead.
1–2 hours is sufficient to explore the main temple buildings and courtyards. More time may be needed if including nearby Mount Hua trails.
Guided tours in Chinese and limited English are available. Audio guides may be offered in Chinese; English audio guides are less common.
Start from the main entrance, explore the central halls, visit the side shrines, walk through the courtyards, and finish at the viewpoint overlooking Mount Hua. This provides a full experience of the temple layout and scenery.
Night visits are generally not allowed. Special ceremonial events may occur during Taoist festivals but are rare for general tourists.
The temple is less crowded on weekdays, especially outside national holidays. Morning visits are generally quieter.
Facilities include restrooms, small snack stalls, water fountains, benches, and a souvenir shop near the entrance.
The temple is mostly accessible with gentle paths, but some steps may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. Children can visit safely under supervision.
Both cash and mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat) are accepted at ticket counters and shops.
Small local restaurants and tea houses are located near the temple entrance and along nearby streets in Huayin city.
Vegetarian options are commonly available in temple restaurants. Halal food can be found in Huayin town.
Huayin city offers guesthouses and hotels ranging from budget to mid-range within 10–15 minutes by taxi from the temple.
Souvenirs include postcards, Taoist charms, miniature temple models, and traditional Chinese handicrafts.
Taxis or local buses to Huayin city center or Huashan Railway Station; high-speed trains from Huayin can connect to Xi’an or other cities in Shaanxi.
