Wolong Temple - a stone wall with a doorway and steps leading up to it
1 / 10

Wolong Temple

3.9
·13 reviews·Xi'An, China

A Han Dynasty Buddhist temple in Xi'an, housing an ancient Guanyin painting and offering a serene escape from crowds.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early Mornings

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Wolong Temple - a stone wall with a doorway and steps leading up to it

Wolong Temple

Best Time

Early Mornings

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A Han Dynasty Buddhist temple in Xi'an, housing an ancient Guanyin painting and offering a serene escape from crowds.

3.9
(13 reviews)

"A LITERAL gem, this beautiful temple is off the beaten path with no crowds!"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Photo Opportunities

Visit during off-peak hours for crowd-free photos.

☕ Nearby Cafe

Don't miss the charming cafe at the bottom of the hill.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Guanyin Painting

Guanyin Painting

Main Hall

Marvel at the ancient Guanyin painting, a masterpiece attributed to the legendary artist Wu Daozi.

Reddit
Han Dynasty Architecture

Han Dynasty Architecture

Temple Grounds

Experience the enduring legacy of Han Dynasty architecture, a testament to ancient craftsmanship.

Reddit
Restored Main Halls

Restored Main Halls

Daeungbojeon

Explore the beautifully restored main halls, showcasing the temple's resilience and cultural importance.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for Serenity

While Wolong Temple is less crowded than many Japanese temples, visiting during off-peak hours ensures a more peaceful experience. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best chance for quiet contemplation and unobstructed photos. TikTok

Historical Significance

Founded in the Han Dynasty, Wolong Temple is one of China's oldest Buddhist sites. Its history spans multiple dynasties, offering a deep dive into religious and architectural evolution. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early Mornings
Why
Peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

a LITERAL gem 💎 This beautiful temple is off the beaten path with no crowds!! It’s about a 30-40 minute drive from Kyoto Station and well worth it imo! One of the ONLY temples I visited in Japan that wasn’t overcrowded with tourists, making it amazing for photos and videos too. Highly recommend the lil cafe at the bottom of the hill too. It was so beautiful and unique. Wish I got to translate the...
@itshelenmelon
15.1K likes • 161.1K views

📸 Photo Opportunities

Visit during off-peak hours for crowd-free photos. TikTok

☕ Nearby Cafe

Don't miss the charming cafe at the bottom of the hill. TikTok

reddit.com

New Deva Kings, Wolong Temple, Xi'an, Shaanxi

reddit.com

Which buildings / structures in Xi'an are truly ancient (as opposed to reconstructions)?

🙏 Historical Depth

Appreciate the temple's rich history spanning centuries. Reddit

No content available

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Photo Opportunities

Visit during off-peak hours for crowd-free photos. TikTok

☕ Nearby Cafe

Don't miss the charming cafe at the bottom of the hill. TikTok

🙏 Historical Depth

Appreciate the temple's rich history spanning centuries. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.9
(13 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Wolong Temple to be a good temple with a rich history, offering a peaceful experience away from crowds. While some main halls have been restored, the ancient foundations and the Guanyin painting are highlights. Some reviews suggest it's not 'very good,' possibly due to expectations or specific aspects of the visit.

"good temple"

La Jola

"Wolong Temple (Beilin District, Xi'an City, China) was founded in 168, the first year of the Jianning era of the Han Dynasty, and was the first Buddhist temple in Shaanxi Province when it was built in 1856. It was called Bogyung Temple during the Sui Dynasty and Guanyin Temple during the Tang Dynasty. It became Wolong Temple after Emperor Taizong of Song granted a plaque. Almost all of the main halls were destroyed during the Communist Revolution, but the main halls, including the Daeungbojeon, were restored about 40 years ago, and today, you can feel the Buddhist culture and history of Xi'an. Xinggyo Temple, along with Wolong Temple, is a temple that represents Xi'an and is located 20km southeast of Xi'an. It is famous for the pagoda that houses the remains of Monk Xuanzang, and Xinggyo was granted a plaque by Emperor Suzong, the son of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang. It is divided into the central garden, the eastern garden, and the western garden, and the three Ziyin pagodas in the western garden are famous. The central pagoda is to Xuanzang, and the pagodas on the left and right are tomb pagodas to his disciples Guiqi and Woncheuk. Dongwon is called Janggyeongwon and is known to contain printed Buddhist scriptures."

GUILKOO CHOI

"You have to go. Our ancestors all came to this temple."

扛妹子不换肩

What People Like

Historical significance
Peaceful atmosphere
Ancient architecture

What People Dislike

Restored sections

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Wolong Temple is located about a 30-40 minute drive from Kyoto Station.TikTok For Xi'an, it's a bit further afield. Public transport options might be limited, so consider a taxi or ride-sharing service for convenience. Reddit

Information on public transport to Wolong Temple in Xi'an is scarce. It's advisable to check local transport apps or inquire at your accommodation for the most up-to-date routes. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Information regarding ticket prices for Wolong Temple is not readily available. It's recommended to check official sources or inquire upon arrival. Reddit

Specific opening hours for Wolong Temple are not widely published. It's best to plan your visit during daylight hours to fully experience the temple. Reddit

While some main halls were destroyed and restored about 40 years ago, the temple's foundations date back to the Han Dynasty, making it a site with significant original historical elements. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Take your time to soak in the atmosphere, admire the ancient architecture, and appreciate the historical significance of this ancient site. Reddit

As with most temples, dress respectfully, speak softly, and be mindful of ongoing religious practices. Reddit

Yes, Wolong Temple offers excellent photo opportunities, especially during less crowded times. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There is a highly recommended cafe located at the bottom of the hill near Wolong Temple. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Wolong Temple offers a unique opportunity for families to introduce children to ancient history and Buddhist culture in a less overwhelming environment. The temple's historical significance, dating back to the Han Dynasty, can be a fascinating lesson for young minds. Reddit

While specific child-friendly amenities might be limited, the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to see ancient architecture can be engaging. Consider focusing on the stories behind the temple and the Guanyin painting to capture their imagination. The nearby cafe also provides a nice break for families. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Wolong Temple presents a wonderful opportunity to capture serene and historically rich scenes without the usual throngs of tourists. The temple's architecture, particularly the restored main halls and any remaining original structures, offers compelling subjects. TikTok

Visiting during the early morning or late afternoon can provide beautiful natural light, enhancing the mood and detail of your shots. The less crowded nature of the temple, as noted by visitors, allows for more freedom to compose your photographs and capture the essence of this ancient site. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

Wolong Temple boasts an impressive lineage, with its origins tracing back to the Han Dynasty in 168 AD. It holds the distinction of being the first Buddhist temple in Shaanxi Province. Over centuries, it has been known by various names, including Bogyung Temple during the Sui Dynasty and Guanyin Temple during the Tang Dynasty, before being granted its current name, Wolong Temple, by Emperor Taizong of Song. Reddit

The temple's resilience is remarkable. While many of its main halls were tragically destroyed during the Communist Revolution, they have since been meticulously restored approximately 40 years ago. This restoration allows visitors to still feel the profound Buddhist culture and history that permeates Xi'an. Reddit

Wolong Temple is often mentioned alongside Xinggyo Temple as a representative temple of Xi'an. Xinggyo Temple, located southeast of the city, is famous for the pagoda housing the remains of Monk Xuanzang. The historical connections and shared significance between these temples offer a richer understanding of Buddhism's impact on the region. Reddit

The Artistry of Wu Daozi

One of the most significant treasures housed within Wolong Temple is a painting of Guanyin, attributed to the renowned artist Wu Daozi. Wu Daozi, often hailed as the 'Sage of Painting' in China, was a master of his craft during the Tang Dynasty, known for his dynamic brushwork and lifelike depictions. Reddit

While the exact details and condition of the painting within Wolong Temple may vary, its presence signifies the temple's historical importance as a repository of significant religious art. Experiencing this artwork offers a direct connection to the artistic heritage and spiritual devotion of past eras. Reddit

You may also like