Ancient Guanyin Zen Temple in Xi'an: A Golden Legend Spanning a Thousand Years

Step into the foot of Zhongnan Mountain and encounter the millennium-old ginkgo tree personally planted by Emperor Taizong of Tang

📍Luohandong Village, Dongdajie Street, Chang'an District, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province

At the foot of Zhongnan Mountain in Xi'an lies a millennium-old temple founded during the Tang Dynasty's Zhenguan era—the Ancient Guanyin Zen Temple. Here, you can experience the serene Zen atmosphere of an ancient temple and see a ginkgo tree said to have been personally planted by Emperor Taizong Li Shimin over 1,400 years ago. Despite enduring more than 1,400 years of wind and rain, it remains lush and vibrant, bursting into a stunning golden brilliance every late autumn.

Echoes of a Thousand-Year-Old Temple

The Ancient Guanyin Zen Temple was established in the second year of the Tang Zhenguan period (628 AD), with a history of nearly 1,400 years. It is one of the famous millennium-old temples of Zhongnan Mountain. Historical records show that the temple was already quite large during the Tang Dynasty, complete with a mountain gate, main hall, bell and drum towers, and Yunshui dormitory, covering more than 300 acres and bustling with worshippers.

The temple’s most renowned feature is the thousand-year-old ginkgo tree, said to have been planted by Emperor Taizong Li Shimin himself. This ancient tree is listed in the national registry of protected ancient and famous trees. Every autumn, its golden glow attracts countless visitors eager to witness its splendor.

The Ancient Legend of Guanyin Divine Spring

Beneath the ginkgo tree lies the "Guanyin Divine Spring," whose water level remains constant regardless of rain or shine. The spring water is said to be clear, sweet, and inexhaustible, reputed to cure many ailments. In the past, locals from near and far came to collect water here, earning it the name "Guanyin Divine Spring."

The temple has endured many changes over the centuries. After liberation, it was converted into "Hongyan Middle School" until 1998, when Nun Longxing took the initiative to restore it. In 1999, with local government approval, it was reinstated as an official Buddhist site. Today, under the leadership of Master Wuxuan, this millennium-old temple is thriving and has become an important Buddhist cultural site in Xi'an.

Recommended Activities

🏛️ Ancient Tree Viewing: The thousand-year-old ginkgo tree is the temple’s highlight, especially from late October to early November, when golden ginkgo leaves cover the branches and gently fall, blanketing the ground in a poetic and picturesque scene.

🌊 Guanyin Divine Spring: Visit the divine spring beneath the ancient ginkgo tree and marvel at the natural wonder of its unchanging water level through all weather.

🧘‍ Zen Experience: The temple offers weekend Zen meditation sessions and hosts Buddhist ceremonies such as Chan Qi and Vajra Qi, allowing visitors to participate and experience the wisdom and power of Buddhism.

🍵 Vegetarian Food Tasting: Enjoy vegetarian meals within the temple, experiencing Buddhist vegetarian culture and the daily life of the monks.