Qinglong Temple Ruins Scenic Area
Xi’an Qinglong Temple Ruins Scenic Area, located in the southeastern suburbs of Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, is a Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE) Buddhist heritage site renowned for its historical and architectural significance. Founded in 711 CE during Emperor Ruizong’s reign, the temple served as a pivotal center for Buddhist learning and cultural exchange, attracting scholars and monks from Japan and Korea. Covering 300 acres, the ruins feature stone pagodas, inscribed stelae, and foundation remains of over 100 halls, reflecting the grandeur of Tang-era monastic architecture. Designated a national cultural relic protection unit in 1996, the site now integrates historical exploration with seasonal festivals, such as its famed cherry blossom celebrations.
Historical Overview
The temple was established in 711 CE to promote Buddhism under imperial patronage. It flourished during the Kaiyuan Era (713–741 CE) under Emperor Xuanzong, becoming a hub for translating Buddhist sutras and hosting Japanese monks like Kūkai and Saichō, who later founded Japan’s Shingon and Tendai sects. The temple declined after the Tang Dynasty’s fall but was partially restored in 1556 during the Ming Dynasty. In 1973, a major excavation uncovered its foundation and artifacts, leading to its development as a cultural park. Recent discoveries include a 1,300-year-old ginkgo tree and a Tang Dynasty astronomical calendar carved into stone.
Structural Layout
The ruins are organized along a central axis with three primary zones:
- Sakyamuni Hall Zone: The temple’s core, featuring the remains of the Main Hall and a 9th-century stone pagoda inscribed with Buddhist scriptures.
- Monastic Complex: Includes meditation chambers, scripture libraries, and a bell tower with a 3-ton Tang Dynasty bronze bell.
- Cultural Relic Zone: Showcases over 200 stone carvings, including a “Heart Sutra” stele and a Ming Dynasty restoration inscription.
Key landmarks include the “Cherry Blossom Avenue” and the “Tang Culture Exhibition Hall.”
Major Attractions
- Sakyamuni Hall Ruins: The largest surviving structure, with exposed foundation walls and reconstructions of Tang-era pillars.
- Qinglong Temple Pagoda: A 15-meter stone pagoda offering panoramic views of the ruins.
- Cherry Blossom Festival: Annual April event with hanfu (traditional dress) parades and nighttime lantern displays.
- Tang Culture Exhibition: Interactive displays on Tang Dynasty music, calligraphy, and tea ceremonies.
- Stone Inscription Garden: Features 8th-century Buddhist texts and poetic verses by Tang scholars.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (2 hours):
Main Entrance → Sakyamuni Hall Ruins → Stone Pagoda → Cherry Blossom Avenue → Tang Culture Exhibition Hall
Highlights: Core ruins and cultural exhibits. - Cultural Route (3–4 hours):
Add the Monastic Complex, Bell Tower, and Stone Inscription Garden.
Highlights: Buddhist history and Tang-era arts. - Festival Route (Full Day):
Combine the Cherry Blossom Festival activities with guided tours of excavation sites and workshops on calligraphy.
Ticket Purchase
- Admission: ¥40 (peak season, March–November); ¥20 (off-season). Free for children under 1.4m, disabled visitors, and seniors over 70.
- Combo Tickets: ¥60 includes admission and a guided tour.
- Online Booking: Available via Trip.com or the official WeChat account (ID: QinglongTemple2025).
Transportation
- By Subway: Line 3 to Qinglongsi Station (Exit A), 5-minute walk.
- By Bus: Routes 25, 48, or 269 to Qinglong Temple Stop.
- By Taxi: ¥30–¥40 from Xi’an city center.
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Season: April (cherry blossoms) and October (autumn foliage).
- Avoid: Midday summer heat; visit mornings for photography.
- Essentials: Wear sturdy shoes for uneven ruins, bring sunscreen, and a portable stool for festivals.
- Prohibited: Climbing on relics, using flash photography on carvings.
- Local Dish: Try “Tang-Style Vegetarian Dumplings” at the temple’s café.
Contact Us
What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
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
Date of
Experience:
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
