Stories from Xiangji Ancient Temple

Ancient pagodas, beautiful Chinese ground orchids, lazy sunbathing cats, and bell and drum towers under blue skies and white clouds blend with the chanting of Buddhist rituals, creating an exceptionally serene and unique atmosphere. This is Xiangji Ancient Temple, the root of the Lotus Sect.
The Lotus Sect is the 'Pure Land Buddhism' (Jingtu Zong), one of China's 'Eight Buddhist Schools.' Xiangji Temple is precisely the ancestral temple of the Lotus Sect, one of the famous Eight Temples of Fanchuan during the Tang Dynasty, and is now a national key cultural relics protection unit.
During the An Lushan Rebellion, the significant Battle of Xiangji Temple took place here. Li Chu, son of Emperor Suzong of Tang, and Guo Ziyi gathered 150,000 troops. When they reached Xiangji Temple south of Chang'an, they encountered 100,000 rebel soldiers. After two hours of fierce fighting, they defeated the rebels, recaptured Chang'an, recovered lost territories, and achieved a decisive victory in the An Lushan Rebellion. This greatly boosted morale, and the Tang army shifted from a strategically passive position to an active one, laying the foundation for the complete elimination of the rebels.‌
Amidst the faint chanting, one passes through the time gate of history, engraving the phrase 'never forget your original intention' from the stone tablet onto your heart once more, remembering a period of pleasant sunshine and a journey filled with joy.

📍Detailed Address:
Xiangji Temple Village, Chang'an District, Xi'an City;

🚉Transportation Guide:
Relatively remote, accessible by subway then bus;

🌟Highlights:
Ancient temple architecture, Pure Land Buddhism stories, classic temple chanting, the Chinese ground orchid (a rare Buddhist sacred flower in the north), and several cute cats.

📝Tips:
It's relatively close to the Shaanxi Archaeological Museum; it's recommended to visit both together.

Post by SerendipitousEtherealWhimsy | Jun 27, 2025