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The Cangjie Temple, located in Shiguan Town, Baishui County, Weinan City, was built to commemorate Cangjie, the ancestor of Chinese characters . Flanked by Huanglong Mountain to the north and the Luo River to the south, the temple's founding date is unknown, but according to the Cangjie Temple Stele, the temple had already reached considerable size by the fifth year of the Yanxi reign of the Eastern Han Dynasty ( 162 AD ) , boasting a history of over 1,800 years.
The Cangjie Temple, facing south and situated north, is surrounded by high, thick earthen walls, displaying a complete layout. The existing buildings within the temple date back to the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, and are richly decorated with a strong local flavor. Flanking the main building are the East and West Theater Buildings, the Bell and Drum Tower, and the East and West Wings, totaling 70 rooms.
The temple grounds are lush and towering with ancient cypresses, including 48 over a thousand years old . These trees are considered one of the three largest ancient temple cypress clusters in China, along with the Yellow Emperor's Mausoleum in Qiaoshan and the Confucius Temple in Qufu, Shandong. Near the main gate stands a cypress known as the " Thief-Shocking Cypress ." Legend has it that once, when a thief attempted to break in, this cypress suddenly emitted a strange sound and sprayed sparks, scaring the thief away.
There are 18 ancient steles preserved in the temple , among which the "Cangjie Temple Stele", "Cangsheng Bird Trace Writing Stele", "Guangwu General Stele", "Song Da Cang Gong Stele" and so on are all precious objects in the history of Chinese calligraphy.
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Cangjie Temple, located in Huayin, Shaanxi, is a place dedicated to Cangjie, the legendary inventor of Chinese characters. The temple holds significant cultural and historical value, as it represents Chinese linguistic heritage. It is a site of worship and reverence for those interested in Chinese history and language.
Cangjie Temple is located in Huayin, Shaanxi Province, near the foot of the Hua Mountains. The best way to reach the temple is by taxi or private car from Huayin city center, which is about 20 minutes away. Public transport options may be limited, so private transportation is recommended.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon when the weather is pleasant, and the temple is less crowded.
The entrance fee to Cangjie Temple is generally free, although some areas or special exhibitions may charge a small fee. Tickets can be purchased on-site if needed, as online booking is not available for the temple.
Advance booking is not necessary for visiting the temple. You can simply purchase tickets on-site if required.
You can fully explore the temple in approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on how much time you spend admiring the architecture and reflecting on the surroundings.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and they can provide deeper insights into the history and significance of the temple. Audio guides may be available for some visitors, but it's advisable to check in advance.
Start by entering through the main gate and visit the hall where Cangjie’s statue is located. Afterward, stroll through the courtyards and surrounding gardens, and take time to enjoy the scenic views of the nearby mountains.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Cangjie Temple. The temple is generally only open during the daytime.
The temple is relatively peaceful compared to other tourist attractions. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning on weekdays or during non-holiday seasons.
Basic facilities such as toilets are available. There are no food or water vendors within the temple, so it’s advisable to bring your own snacks and water. Rest areas are available for visitors to relax.
The temple's pathways are relatively flat, making it accessible to elderly and children, but some areas may require walking on uneven terrain. There may be limited accessibility for disabled visitors, so it's best to check with the temple staff before visiting.
Cash is accepted at the temple, and mobile payment options such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are also available. It’s advisable to have a small amount of cash for any donations or purchases.
There are no restaurants or cafes directly at Cangjie Temple. However, there are local eateries in Huayin city where you can enjoy traditional Shaanxi cuisine after your visit.
Vegetarian food options are available at some local restaurants, but halal food may be limited in the area. It’s recommended to check with local restaurants for specific dietary preferences.
There are several hotels in Huayin, ranging from budget to mid-range. For a more comfortable stay, you can consider booking accommodations in Xi'an, which is about an hour's drive from the temple.
There are no souvenir shops at Cangjie Temple. However, in nearby towns, you can find local handicrafts such as paper cuttings, tea sets, and small decorative items.
After visiting the temple, you can take a taxi or private car back to Huayin city for further transportation options. Huayin is well-connected to Xi'an by bus and train for onward travel.
