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The Sima Qian Shrine and Tomb is located on a hill southeast of Zhichuan Town, ten kilometers south of Hancheng City. It was built to commemorate Sima Qian, a famous historian and writer in China . It is nearly 1,700 years old.
Climbing to the top, you can look out to the surging Yellow River in the east, the towering Liangshan Mountain in the west, the ancient Wei Great Wall in the south, and the Zhishui River in the north.
Though modest in scale, the Sima Qian Shrine's grandeur, like Sima Qian's personality, writings, and career, stands out from the crowd. Built into the hillside, it defies the constraints of traditional Chinese architectural layouts. Its towering, imposing presence blends seamlessly with its surroundings. Bordered by the Yellow River to the east and Liangshan Mountain to the west, with the Zhishui River flowing past the tomb, the shrine, with its grandeur and breathtaking scenery, is a crowning attraction among Hancheng's scenic spots.
The ancestral hall currently houses four exhibition rooms. The first room features an exhibition on Sima Qian's life. The second room features Sima Qian's stories. The third room displays 39 epitaphs. The fourth room features famous quotes from the "Records of the Grand Historian" and 53 calligraphy works by famous figures. In these rooms, visitors can learn about Sima Qian's life and his magnum opus in a rich historical atmosphere.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 2-3 hours
80 yuan/person
8:00-18:00
Sima Qian Temple is dedicated to the renowned historian Sima Qian, who is considered the father of Chinese historiography. The temple honors his contributions to Chinese history and culture, particularly his monumental work, the "Records of the Grand Historian." The temple serves as a cultural and historical landmark in Huayin.
Sima Qian Temple is located in Huayin, Shaanxi Province, near the base of Mount Huashan. Visitors can reach the temple by taxi or bus from the Huayin city center. It's also possible to walk to the temple from the surrounding areas, but transportation by taxi is the most convenient option.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the early morning or late afternoon when it's less crowded, especially on weekdays or during off-peak seasons.
The entrance fee to Sima Qian Temple is around ¥20. Tickets can be purchased at the temple entrance, and online booking is not typically available.
There is no need to book tickets in advance for general visits. However, during festivals or peak seasons, it may be advisable to arrive early to avoid large crowds.
It takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to fully explore the temple and its surrounding areas. For those interested in the history and inscriptions, additional time may be needed to appreciate the cultural significance.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. English-speaking guides may be limited, and audio guides are not commonly provided.
Start by visiting the main hall and learning about Sima Qian’s legacy. Next, explore the inscriptions and stone carvings. Finally, take a walk through the temple grounds and gardens to enjoy the serene environment.
Night visits or light shows are not offered at Sima Qian Temple. Special tours or events are typically centered around festivals or cultural celebrations.
The temple can become crowded during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times are weekday mornings, especially outside of the summer tourist season.
The temple has basic facilities such as toilets and water stations. Small shops near the entrance sell religious items and souvenirs. There are no large restaurants or food stalls within the temple grounds.
The temple is generally accessible to elderly visitors and children, though some areas may have stairs or uneven paths. It is advisable for disabled visitors to check accessibility options before visiting, as the temple is located in a mountainous area.
Cash is accepted at the temple, and mobile payment options like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used. Credit cards may not be accepted inside the temple.
There are no restaurants or cafes inside the temple. However, several local eateries are located nearby, offering traditional Shaanxi cuisine, such as noodles and dumplings.
Vegetarian food options are available at nearby restaurants. Some local eateries may also offer halal food, as the region has a significant Muslim population.
There are small souvenir shops near the temple selling religious items such as prayer beads, incense, and Buddha statues, as well as traditional Shaanxi crafts.
Visitors can take a taxi or bus from the temple to explore other parts of Huayin or Xi'an. Public transportation is easily accessible for continuing the journey.
