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Daxingshan Temple, located on Xingshan Temple West Street in Xiaozhai, about 2.5 kilometers south of Xi'an, dates back over 1,600 years and is one of the oldest existing Buddhist temples in Xi'an. During the Kaihuang reign of Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty, Xi'an was expanded to become Daxing City. The temple occupied a section of Jingshanfang within the city walls. The name Daxing, derived from the city's name ( Daxing ) , and the fang's name ( Shan ) , gave it the name Daxingshan Temple, which remains to this day.
During the Sui and Tang dynasties, Buddhism flourished in Chang'an. Indian monks who came to Chang'an to preach and study translated Buddhist scriptures and taught Tantric Buddhism within the temple. As a result, Daxingshan Temple became one of the three major translation centers for Buddhist scriptures in Chang'an at the time, becoming the birthplace of Tantric Buddhism in China and a memorable site in the history of Sino-Indian cultural exchange.
The existing temple buildings are arranged in a straight line along the central axis in the south-north direction, namely the Hall of Heavenly Kings, which houses Maitreya Buddha, and the Main Hall. Daxingshan Temple is an ancient temple with Chinese and foreign influence, and is listed as a key cultural relic protection unit in Shaanxi Province.
The four seasons are suitable, and the temperature is comfortable in spring and autumn, which is the best time to travel.
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Daxingshan Temple is one of the oldest and most significant Buddhist temples in Xi'an, dating back to the Tang dynasty. It was once a royal temple and an important center for Buddhist teachings and practices during the Tang period. The temple’s historical role in the spread of Buddhism in China makes it a site of cultural and religious importance.
Daxingshan Temple is located in the southern part of Xi'an. It is accessible by taxi or public bus from the city center. You can also walk from nearby attractions such as the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which is about a 20-minute walk away.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is early in the morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler and the temple is less crowded.
The entrance fee to Daxingshan Temple is around ¥20. Tickets can be purchased at the temple entrance. It is generally not available for online booking.
There is no need to book tickets in advance, as the temple is not typically crowded, but it’s a good idea to arrive early during peak tourist seasons.
It usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the temple, including the gardens, main halls, and surrounding areas.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and audio guides are offered in both Chinese and English. You can rent audio guides at the entrance for a small fee.
Start at the main entrance, then visit the Daxingshan Hall, followed by the smaller shrines and pagodas. Walk through the gardens and courtyards, and end with a quiet moment in one of the peaceful areas of the temple.
Currently, there are no night visits or light shows available at Daxingshan Temple. It is best visited during daylight hours for optimal experience.
The temple is relatively less crowded compared to other major attractions in Xi'an. Weekdays, especially in the morning, tend to be less crowded.
The temple has basic facilities such as toilets and water fountains. There are small shops near the entrance selling Buddhist-themed souvenirs and offerings. Rest areas are available for visitors to relax.
Daxingshan Temple is accessible for children and elderly visitors, though some areas with steps might be difficult for disabled visitors. It is recommended to check accessibility with the temple staff upon arrival.
Cash is accepted, and mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are also commonly used at the temple.
There are several small local restaurants around the temple area, offering traditional Xi'an cuisine like noodles and lamb skewers. Nearby, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda also has various dining options.
Yes, vegetarian options are available at local restaurants, and halal food is widely available in the Muslim Quarter of Xi'an, which is not far from the temple.
There are small souvenir shops near the entrance selling Buddhist items, such as incense, statues, and prayer beads. Traditional Xi'an handicrafts are also available.
Taxis and buses are the best options for continuing your trip after visiting the temple. Public transport from the temple will take you to popular sites like the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Ancient City Wall.
