Famen Temple
Famen Temple, located in Fufeng County, Baoji City, Shaanxi Province, is one of China’s most revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Founded in 165 CE during the Eastern Han Dynasty, it gained prominence in the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE) as the royal temple for imperial ceremonies. The temple is globally renowned for housing the Sacred Relic of the Buddha’s Finger Bone, one of four surviving sarira (relics) attributed to Gautama Buddha. In 1987, archaeologists uncovered an underground palace containing over 2,000 Tang Dynasty artifacts, including the relic housed in a gold-plated coffin. Designated a national AAAAA-level scenic area in 2014, Famen Temple blends historical grandeur with spiritual significance.
Historical Overview
The temple was established during the Han Dynasty to promote Buddhism but reached its zenith under Emperor Tang Gaozong, who expanded it to honor his mother. In 845 CE, it survived the Great Anti-Buddhist Persecution, emerging as a symbol of religious resilience. The 1987 excavation of its underground palace revealed a treasure trove of Tang Dynasty ritual objects, sparking global interest. Recent developments include the 2009 completion of the Famen Temple Cultural Scenic Area and the 2023 launch of digital exhibits showcasing 3D-scanned artifacts.
Structural Layout
The temple complex is organized around three core zones:
- Sacred Relic Zone: Features the Main Hall (Dacheng Dian), where the Buddha’s finger bone relic is enshrined, and the Underground Palace Exhibit.
- Cultural Display Zone: Includes the Famen Temple Museum, showcasing Tang Dynasty goldware, jade, and silk artifacts.
- Monastic Living Zone: Comprises the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, and residential quarters for monks.
Key landmarks include the True Relic Pagoda and the Tang-Style Courtyard.
Major Attractions
- Sacred Relic of the Buddha’s Finger Bone: Displayed in a climate-controlled shrine, accessible during daily ceremonies.
- Underground Palace Replica: A full-scale reconstruction of the 1987-discovered chamber, with original stone inscriptions.
- Famen Temple Museum: Exhibits over 2,000 Tang Dynasty artifacts, including a 1.2kg gold-plated silver incense burner.
- True Relic Pagoda: A 13-story Ming Dynasty pagoda offering panoramic views.
- Tang-Style Cultural Street: Traditional shops selling Buddhist crafts and local snacks.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (2 hours):
Main Entrance → Sacred Relic Hall → Underground Palace Exhibit → Famen Temple Museum → True Relic Pagoda
Highlights: Core relics and museum highlights. - Cultural Route (3–4 hours):
Add the Tang-Style Courtyard, Bell Tower, and Cultural Street.
Highlights: Tang Dynasty architecture and local crafts. - Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
Include morning relic ceremonies, museum tours, and a vegetarian lunch at the monastery.
Ticket Purchase
- Admission: ¥120 (peak season, March–November); ¥90 (off-season). Free for children under 1.4m.
- Combo Tickets: ¥180 includes admission and a guided tour.
- Online Booking: Available via Trip.com or the official WeChat account (ID: Famen2025).
Transportation
- By High-Speed Rail: Xi’an North Station to Famen Temple Station (1 hour), then free shuttle bus.
- By Bus: Xi’an City Sports Field Station to Famen Temple (2.5 hours, ¥45).
- By Taxi: ¥300–¥350 from Xi’an city center.
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Season: April–October (mild weather, outdoor exhibits accessible).
- Avoid: Chinese New Year (crowded) and summer afternoons (heat).
- Essentials: Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees), bring a jacket for air-conditioned museums.
- Prohibited: Flash photography on relics, incense burning outside designated areas.
- Local Dish: Try “Famen Vegetarian Noodles” with mushroom broth at the temple café.
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Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
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May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
