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Visitors should explore the serene temple grounds, meditate in the tranquil surroundings, and admire the traditional Buddhist architecture. Walking around the lush gardens and attending the temple’s daily prayers or rituals are also highly recommended.
The Wan'an Zen Temple Grottoes Scenic Area, also known as the Thousand Buddha Caves and the Ten Thousand Buddha Temple, is located in Yu Village, Shuanglong Town, 47 kilometers west of Huangling County. Huangling County, nestled on the loess plateau in the middle reaches of the Yellow River, lies in central Shaanxi Province, south of Yan'an City. It borders Luochuan County to the east, Yijun County to the south, Zhengning County in Gansu Province to the west, and Fu County to the north. Known as the "Southern Gate of Northern Shaanxi," it is the burial site of Emperor Huangdi, the ancestor of the Chinese nation, and a strategic location for Shaanxi Province's economic development.
The Wan'an Zen Temple Scenic Area is listed in the sixth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units by the State Council. In 2014, the scenic area successfully applied for National 3A Tourist Attraction designation. Within the scenic area, attractions include the Thousand Buddha Grottoes, Yaowang Cave, Patriarch Temple, Niangniang Temple, God of Wealth Temple, Dragon King Temple, and Samsara Valley. The temple's history dates back to the Kaiyuan period of the Tang Dynasty. Chinese Buddhism has developed into three indigenous Buddhist sects in China: Tiantai, Huayan, and Zen. The core tenet of Zen is "not to establish words, but to point directly to the human heart, to see the nature and attain Buddhahood." Zen emphasizes quiet contemplation and sudden enlightenment, requiring practitioners to deeply comprehend the mysteries and subtle truths within all things.
Zen Buddhism advocates that spiritual practice does not necessarily require the study of scriptures or monastic life; secular activities can continue normally. Zen Buddhism believes that Zen is neither a thought nor a philosophy, but rather a spiritual realm that transcends thought and philosophy. Zen Buddhism believes that language and words constrain thought, and therefore rejects written language. Zen Buddhism believes that true enlightenment can only be achieved by separating oneself from language or by confronting it, avoiding any abstract arguments and relying on personal experience.
Wan'an Temple, located in Shuanglong Town, Huangling County, Shaanxi Province, enjoys a warm temperate continental monsoon climate. It is a sixth-batch National Key Cultural Relics Protection Site. In 2014, Wan'an Temple successfully applied for National 3A Scenic Area designation, making it a perfect place to visit in all seasons.
Thousand Buddha Grottoes, Medicine King Cave, God of Wealth Temple, Dragon King Temple, Samsara Valley, etc.
It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours
22 yuan/person
8:30-17:30
Wan'an Zen Temple is a Buddhist temple with a deep historical connection to Zen practices. It is renowned for its peaceful ambiance and spiritual significance, often attracting monks and meditation practitioners from all over China.
The temple is located in Yan'an, Shaanxi Province. It can be reached by taxi or bus from the Yan'an city center. It's a short walk from the nearest bus stop once you arrive in the area.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are early in the morning or late afternoon when the temple is quieter and offers a more peaceful atmosphere.
The entrance to Wan'an Zen Temple is free, but donations are encouraged. Tickets are not required, and entry is granted at any time during the opening hours.
Booking tickets in advance is not required, as the temple operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
It typically takes about 1-2 hours to explore the temple grounds, including time for meditation or quiet reflection. More time can be spent if attending a special ceremony or prayer session.
The main highlights include the Zen garden, the main hall where the Buddha statue is enshrined, and the peaceful prayer halls. The surrounding nature and meditation spaces are also significant attractions.
Guided tours in Mandarin are available upon request. Audio guides may be available in Chinese, but English-language guides are limited.
The best photography spots are near the main hall, where the serene architecture contrasts beautifully with the surrounding landscape. The Zen garden also offers great angles for nature photography.
Start by exploring the Zen garden, then visit the main hall, and end with a walk around the temple grounds. If you wish, attend one of the prayer sessions, which offer insight into the temple's spiritual life.
Night visits or light shows are not available, but the temple offers a tranquil atmosphere perfect for early morning or sunset visits.
The temple can be peaceful, but weekends and public holidays can attract more visitors. Weekdays, especially mornings, are the least crowded times.
Basic facilities like toilets and water are available on-site. There are no extensive food options, but some local snack vendors may be found nearby.
The temple is generally accessible, though there may be some uneven terrain and stairs. Elderly and disabled visitors may need assistance in certain areas.
Cash is preferred for donations, but mobile payment methods like WeChat Pay and Alipay are also accepted.
There are small local eateries nearby serving traditional Shaanxi food, including noodle dishes and dumplings. No cafes or restaurants are located within the temple itself.
Vegetarian food options are available at nearby eateries, but halal food may not be widely offered in this area.
There are a few hotels and guesthouses in Yan'an city center that offer a range of accommodations from budget to mid-range. Staying in the city center provides easy access to the temple and other attractions.
Nearby attractions include the Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Hall, the Zaoyuan Revolution Site, and the Yan'an Pagoda. These can easily be visited as part of a day trip.
There are a few souvenir shops near the temple offering Buddhist-related items like incense, prayer beads, and small statues of the Buddha.
After visiting the temple, taxis or local buses are the best options to continue your trip around Yan'an or to other nearby attractions. Rental cars can also be arranged if desired.
