
Famen Temple is located in Famen Town, about 10 kilometers north of Fufeng County, Baoji City. It was built in the Eastern Han Dynasty. It is a famous Buddhist temple with a long history and a rare treasure trove of cultural relics. It is known as the "ancestor of pagodas and temples in Guanzhong."
According to legend, in order to promote Buddhism, King Ashoka of India distributed the Buddha's relics to various places. Pagodas were built to enshrine them wherever the relics were found. Famen Temple is one of them, and it is the largest one. Because it houses the finger bone relics of Sakyamuni Buddha, it has become a Buddhist holy place admired by the whole country.
Recommended visit time: 1-2 hours
Peak season: 120 yuan (March 1 to November 30 every year)
90 yuan in the off-season (December 1st to February 29th of the following year)
March 1st - November 30th 08:30-19:00
December 1st - February 28th of the following year, 09:00-18:00
Famen Temple, located in Baoji, Shaanxi, is a historic Buddhist temple dating back over 1,700 years. It is famous for housing the Precious Finger Relic of the Buddha, making it one of China’s most important pilgrimage sites.
Famen Temple is located in Fufeng County, Baoji City, Shaanxi Province. Visitors can reach it by taxi or bus from Baoji city center. High-speed trains to Baoji are also an option, followed by local transport.
The temple is generally open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit due to mild weather and fewer crowds.
Entrance fees are approximately 50-80 CNY, depending on the season and exhibitions. Tickets can be purchased on-site or via official online platforms.
Booking in advance is recommended during peak holidays and weekends. A few days prior is usually sufficient.
Plan to spend 2-3 hours to fully explore the temple, museum, and gardens.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and some tours may offer English explanations. Audio guides may also be available on request.
Start at the main entrance, visit the main hall, then proceed to the museum and relic chamber, followed by the pagodas and gardens.
Night visits are generally not available. Special Buddhist ceremonies may occur during festivals.
The temple can get crowded during holidays, especially Chinese New Year and Buddha’s Birthday. Weekdays and non-festival periods are least crowded.
Facilities include public restrooms, small restaurants and snack stalls, rest areas, and souvenir shops.
Most areas are accessible, though some stairways and uneven surfaces may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors.
Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat) are widely accepted. Cash is also usable at smaller vendors.
Small local restaurants and snack vendors are available near the temple entrance. Baoji city offers more diverse dining options.
Vegetarian options are available at temple canteens. Halal food is limited; inquire in Baoji city for options.
Accommodations include guesthouses near the temple and hotels in Baoji city, around 30 minutes by car.
Nearby attractions include Baoji’s Famen Pagoda Cultural Park and Zhouyuan Museum, which can be combined in a day trip.
Souvenir shops sell Buddhist-themed items such as prayer beads, statues, calligraphy, and postcards.
Visitors can take taxis, local buses, or private cars to Baoji city center or to nearby tourist sites. High-speed trains are available from Baoji to other cities in Shaanxi.