Famen Temple

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Spot Introduction

Famen Temple, founded in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, is renowned for enshrining the true finger bone relic of Buddha Sakyamuni. Known as the “Royal Temple,” it is one of the eight Buddhist holy lands in China. The temple complex boasts a grand scale and rigorous layout, embodying the essence of ancient Chinese architectural art. The temple treasures a vast collection of precious artifacts, including Tang Dynasty gold and silver vessels, glazed ceramics, silk fabrics, and more, among which the Buddha’s finger relic stands as the most invaluable.

Tracing its history back to the Huan Emperor period of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Famen Temple has withstood over 1,700 years of history. It reached its peak during the Tang Dynasty, becoming a royal temple where the underground palace was opened every 30 years to welcome and enshrine the Buddha’s finger relic in Chang’an City. In 1987, the discovery of the Famen Temple’s underground palace unveiled 2,499 precious Tang Dynasty artifacts, including the Buddha’s finger relic, shocking the world.

Centered around the True Body Pagoda, the temple buildings adopt the traditional Chinese symmetrical layout. Structures like the Main Hall and the Sutra Depository exude an aura of grandeur with exquisite carvings, exhibiting the architectural style of the prosperous Tang period. The temple also preserves numerous valuable Buddhist artworks, such as Tang Dynasty wall paintings and stone inscriptions, possessing exceptional artistic merit.

Famen Temple serves not only as a Buddhist holy site but also as a significant venue for studying Tang Dynasty history and culture. Having weathered thousands of years, the temple witnesses the dissemination and development of Buddhism in China, embodying profound historical, artistic, and religious values. Every year, it attracts tens of thousands of believers and tourists who come to pay their respects and experience the profound Buddhist culture. In 2004, the Famen Temple Cultural Scenic Area was listed in the Preliminary Directory of World Cultural Heritage, further elevating its international influence.

Must-visit Attractions

  1. Famen Temple Tower

    • The Real Body Pagoda
    • Underground Palace Treasures
    • Suggested visiting time: 90 minutes

  2. Buddha’s Finger Relic Shrine

    • Buddha’s Finger Relic
    • Tang Dynasty National Treasures
    • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes

  3. Famen Temple Museum

    • Cultural Relic Exhibition
    • Buddhist Art
    • Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes

  4. Main Hall

    • Buddhist Architecture
    • Religious Activities
    • Suggested visiting time: 30 minutes

Visiting Suggestions

  1. Best Touring Route

    • Famen Temple Tower → Underground Palace → Museum → Main Hall
    • Visit according to the order of worship

  2. Visiting Time Arrangement

    • Enter the temple in the morning
    • Avoid holidays
    • Allow sufficient time

  3. Practical Tips

    • Dress appropriately
    • Keep quiet
    • Respect beliefs

Transportation Guide

  • High-speed train: From Xi’an North Station to Famen Temple Station
  • Bus: Special line to Famen Temple
  • Self-drive: 2 hours’ drive from Xi’an
  • Tourist bus: Available from major stations in Xi’an
  1. Famen Vegetarian Meals
  2. Fushui Water Basin Mutton
  3. Farmhouse Cuisine
  4. Shaanxi Snacks

Special Reminders

  1. No smoking
  2. Dress neatly
  3. No photography
  4. Keep silent
  5. Respect beliefs
  6. Vegetarian food preferred
  7. Suitable for cultural tours
  8. Bring an umbrella for sun protection.