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Visit the main temple hall to see the beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. Walk around the peaceful grounds, meditate in the tranquil environment, and admire the scenic views from the temple’s elevated position.
Xilu Temple is located within the Zipeng Mountain Scenic Area in Hefei, Anhui Province, a national 4A-level scenic spot known for its "Nine Lotuses Blooming in the Buddhist Land, Five Dragons Clustered on Zipeng Mountain." Legend has it that Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva journeyed here before journeying to Mount Jiuhua, leading to its nickname, "Northern Jiuhua." During the Three Kingdoms period, Li Dian built a temple on the mountaintop to commemorate his seventh-generation ancestor, the renowned Han Dynasty general Li Ling. Therefore, Xilu Temple is also known as the "Li Ling Temple." Because the temple is located southwest of the ancient Luzhou Prefecture (present-day Hefei), it was given the imperial name "Xilu Temple" during the Tang Dynasty. Since then, it has undergone numerous ups and downs due to wars. In the eighth year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty, local believers raised funds to build the Xuanwu Hall; in the early Qing Dynasty, Jingcheng raised funds to build the Main Hall; during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, Jianrong Zhigong lived here, renovated the Buddhist temple, and founded the monastery, becoming a founding master; during the reign of Emperor Xianfeng, the temple was destroyed by war; later, Yuan Hongmo, the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom's Hangzhou commander, felt the impermanence of the world, assessed the situation, abandoned the city and returned to his hometown to become a monk, with the Dharma name Tongyuan. He rebuilt the Xilu Temple and the Hefei Mingjiao Temple, becoming a founding master of the revival.
In the 1950s, most of the 500-acre Xilu Temple was occupied by a state-owned forest farm. In the 1960s, the core part of the temple was occupied by a microwave station, which was demolished during the Cultural Revolution.
In October 2005, Master Jiexin assumed the position of abbot. Adhering to the principles of "promoting Buddhism through culture, cultivating monks through education, benefiting society through charity, and purifying the mind through spiritual practice," the temple was specially designed by the Southern Institute of the China Landscape Architecture Planning and Design Research Center. The main features of the temple are "mountain surrounded by trees, imitating Tang Dynasty architecture," with four major functional areas.
With a subtropical monsoon climate, the temple fair on the 19th day of the second lunar month often attracts 20,000 to 30,000 pilgrims and tourists, making it an unprecedented event. It is a great place to travel in spring and come here to worship Buddha and pray for good luck for the year.
It is recommended to visit the Great Buddha Hall, the rear hall, the official hall, the Shan Hall, the Guanyin Hall, the two-story Bagua Pavilion, the Bell and Drum Tower, the Sutra Library, the Tonggong Pagoda, and the Lake Viewing Tower.
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Xilu Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple in Hefei, Anhui, renowned for its historical importance and serene atmosphere. It has been a center for Buddhist worship and study for centuries, serving as a spiritual retreat for locals and visitors alike.
The temple is located in Hefei, Anhui. It can be reached by taxi or local bus. It's a short drive from the city center, and walking is also an option for those nearby.
Xilu Temple is open year-round. The best times to visit are early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
The entrance fee is relatively low, typically around 20-30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the temple. It’s not necessary to book tickets in advance.
Booking tickets in advance is not required, as the temple does not have high visitor traffic during most seasons.
It will take about 1-2 hours to fully explore the temple grounds, including time for prayer and meditation. You may want to spend more time if you enjoy the peaceful environment.
The must-see highlights include the main temple hall, the pagoda, the Buddhist statues, and the beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding the temple.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may not be available, but the temple staff often provide insightful explanations if requested.
The best viewpoints are from the upper levels of the pagoda, offering views of the temple complex and surrounding natural beauty. The temple's garden also provides excellent photography opportunities.
Start by exploring the temple hall, then walk around the grounds, visit the pagoda, and end with a peaceful walk through the gardens. If possible, participate in a meditation session.
Night visits are not typically available, and there are no light shows at the temple. However, the temple offers a serene experience during the day, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
The temple can get busy during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays, particularly early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Basic facilities like toilets and rest areas are available. There are no large restaurants or food vendors within the temple grounds, but visitors can bring their own snacks or visit nearby eateries.
The temple is relatively accessible for elderly and children, though some areas may require walking on uneven terrain. Disabled visitors may find access to certain parts of the temple difficult.
Cash is preferred for purchasing tickets and small items at the temple. Mobile payments are not widely accepted on-site, so it’s best to carry cash.
There are no restaurants within the temple grounds, but there are small local eateries in the nearby area serving traditional Anhui cuisine.
Vegetarian options are available at nearby restaurants, and some may also offer halal food. It’s advisable to check the menu beforehand if you have dietary restrictions.
There are several hotels in Hefei, ranging from budget to mid-range. Some hotels near the city center are a short taxi ride away from the temple.
Nearby attractions include Swan Lake, Baohe Park, and the Anhui Provincial Museum. These can be easily combined for a full day trip in Hefei.
There are no souvenir shops directly inside the temple, but local shops around Hefei sell Buddhist-themed souvenirs, including statues, incense, and prayer beads.
Taxi or public transportation (buses) are the most convenient options to continue your trip after visiting the temple. If you plan to visit other attractions in Hefei, it’s recommended to use a taxi for efficiency.
