Xuanzang Hometown

Historical Overview

Xuanzang (596–664 CE), born Chen Yi, hailed from a scholarly family in Chenhe Village, Henan Province. His father, Chen Hui, served as a magistrate, instilling in him a love for learning. After the collapse of the Sui Dynasty (618 CE), Xuanzang entered monastic life at Jingtu Temple in Luoyang, later traveling to Chang’an (Xi’an) to deepen his Buddhist studies. Dissatisfied with discrepancies in Chinese translations of sutras, he vowed to retrieve original texts from India. From 629–645 CE, he traversed over 25,000 km across Central Asia, visiting 110 kingdoms and 28 Buddhist sites, including Nalanda University. His return with 657 sutras and 150 relics revolutionized Chinese Buddhism, leading to the Tang Dynasty’s "Golden Age of Translation." The ancestral compound in Chen Village was restored in 2003, preserving his family’s legacy and honoring his contributions to global cultural exchange.

Structural Layout

The site follows a traditional northern Chinese courtyard layout with three main sections:

1. Ancestral Hall Area: The central courtyard houses the reconstructed Xuanzang Ancestral Hall, displaying portraits, genealogical records, and artifacts from his family.
2. Memorial & Exhibition Zone: Includes the Xuanzang Memorial Museum, featuring sculptures, manuscripts, and maps of his pilgrimage route, and a multimedia hall screening documentaries on his life.
3. Cultural & Pilgrimage Space: A serene garden with a lotus pond, bamboo groves, and a replica of the Journey to the West mural, alongside a meditation pavilion for visitors.
   Key structures include the Main Gate, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, and the "Pilgrim’s Path," a stone-paved trail symbolizing his journey west.

Major Attractions

1. Xuanzang Ancestral Hall: A restored Ming-style hall with original stone tablets inscribed with his family’s history and a life-size bronze statue of the monk.
2. Memorial Museum: Exhibits include replicas of the sutras he translated, a 1:10 scale model of Nalanda University, and his travel diary (Great Tang Records on the Western Regions).
3. Pilgrim’s Path: A 300-meter trail lined with 18 stone carvings depicting key moments from his journey, ending at a prayer wheel pavilion.
4. Lotus Garden: A tranquil space with 108 lotus ponds, symbolizing the 108 defilements in Buddhism, and a pavilion housing a 5-ton jade Buddha statue.
5. Sutra Translation Hall: A replica of his Tang Dynasty workshop, showcasing tools for manuscript copying and translations, with interactive screens demonstrating ancient writing techniques.
6. Cultural Performance Stage: Regular shows featuring traditional Henan opera adaptations of Journey to the West and Buddhist chants.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Route (1.5–2 hours):
   Main Gate → Ancestral Hall → Memorial Museum → Pilgrim’s Path → Lotus Garden → Exit via Cultural Performance Stage.
   Highlights: Core exhibits and serene garden spaces.

2. In-Depth Route (3–4 hours):
   Main Gate → Ancestral Hall → Memorial Museum → Sutra Translation Hall → Pilgrim’s Path → Lotus Garden → Cultural Performance Stage → Bell Tower → Drum Tower.
   Highlights: Additional interactive exhibits and architectural details.

3. Pilgrimage Route (Full Day):
   Early morning meditation session → Ancestral Hall → Memorial Museum → Sutra Translation Hall → Pilgrim’s Path (with guided commentary) → Lotus Garden → Lunch at vegetarian restaurant → Cultural Performance Stage → Bell Tower → Drum Tower → Evening tea ceremony.
   Highlights: Immersive cultural and spiritual experience.

Ticket Purchase

• Online: Book via the official WeChat mini-program (Xuanzang’s Hometown) or Ctrip up to 7 days in advance.
• On-Site: Tickets available at the Main Gate ticket office (limited daily quota).
• Prices:
  • Peak Season (April–October): ¥50 (adults), ¥25 (students/seniors).
  • Off-Season (November–March): ¥30 (adults), ¥15 (students/seniors).
  • Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.
• Combo Tickets: Includes entry to nearby Longmen Grottoes (¥120 peak season, ¥90 off-season).

Transportation

• By Subway:
  Line 2: Guanlin Station (Exit C), transfer to Bus Yanshi 102 to Chen Village Stop (20-minute ride).
• By Bus:
  Routes 81, 83, or 99 from Luoyang Railway Station to Yanshi Bus Terminal, then transfer to a local taxi (¥15, 10-minute ride).
• By Taxi: Direct from Luoyang city center (¥60–80, 40-minute ride).
• Departure: Exit via the South Gate for buses to Longmen Grottoes or Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum.

Best Time & Tips

• Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–2 PM; visit early (8:30 AM opening) or late (after 3 PM).
• Crowds: Weekends and public holidays are busiest; weekdays offer a quieter experience.
• Weather: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are ideal for outdoor exploration.
• Essentials:
  • Wear comfortable shoes (the site involves walking on uneven stone paths).
  • Bring sunscreen and a hat in summer; the garden offers limited shade.
  • Photography allowed (no flash in the Memorial Museum).
  • Prohibited items: Large bags, drones, and incense sticks (outside designated areas).
  • Guided tours in English available at 10 AM and 2 PM (¥50/person, reserve online).