It is overland tour to Mt. Wudangshan in Hubei province from Xian. Hubei province is located in mid China connecting many provinces in China by convenient transportation of railway, cruise, and flights......
Xichan Temple in Fuzhou
Xichan Temple is one of the five major Zen monasteries in Fuzhou and a nationally 
protected key Buddhist temple. Located on Gongye Road in Gulou District, at the foot of Yishan Mountain and near Fuzhou University, the temple is renowned for its rich history, magnificent architecture, and profound influence on Buddhism throughout Southeast Asia.
protected key Buddhist temple. Located on Gongye Road in Gulou District, at the foot of Yishan Mountain and near Fuzhou University, the temple is renowned for its rich history, magnificent architecture, and profound influence on Buddhism throughout Southeast Asia.
According to local legend, during the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the alchemist Wang Ba lived on this site, where he refined medicinal elixirs and transformed stones into healing remedies. During times of famine, he exchanged his medicines and gold for rice to help the poor. After attaining immortality, a temple was built in his honor, laying the foundation for what would later become Xichan Temple.
The present temple was originally established during the Tang Dynasty and has undergone cycles of prosperity and restoration throughout the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties. In ancient Fuzhou, major Zen monasteries were built in each of the city's four suburbs. Because this monastery stood in the western suburb, it became popularly known as "Xichan," meaning "West Zen Temple."
Today, Xichan Temple covers more than 60,000 square meters. The temple complex follows a traditional layout, featuring the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Mahavira Hall, the Dharma Hall, and the Sutra Repository along its central axis. Meditation halls, dining halls, Buddha-recitation halls, Mingyuan Pavilion, Chongde Hall, and a tranquil pond for releasing animals are arranged on both sides, creating a peaceful and harmonious environment.
The magnificent Mahavira Hall is particularly noteworthy. Built in the traditional Chinese timber-frame style with double-eaved roofs, it preserves stone Buddha platforms and column bases dating back to the Tang and Song dynasties. The temple also treasures numerous historical relics, including an ancient well from the Tang Dynasty, inscribed stone tablets, the pagoda tomb of Master Huiling, two centuries-old Song Dynasty lychee trees, Yuan Dynasty drum-shaped stones, and several ancient pagodas.
Beyond its architectural and historical significance, Xichan Temple has played an important role in spreading Buddhist culture throughout Southeast Asia. Many renowned temples in Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam trace their origins to Xichan and continue to maintain close ties with the monastery. Every year, monks and pilgrims from around the world visit the temple, making it an important center for cultural and religious exchange between Fuzhou and Southeast Asia.
A visit to Xichan Temple offers not only a journey into Buddhist history and architecture but also a chance to experience the serenity and spiritual heritage that have shaped Fuzhou for centuries.
More Attractions
-
Wuyi Mountain area is often called the number one scenic wonder in Southeast China. An anci...... -
The island, which is just under two kilometers square, is a five-minute ferry ride from Xia...... -
Tulous structure, decoration and building technologies are rarely seen worldwide. Tulou, or......
Recommended Tours
8 Days New Sichuan Tours of Jiuzhaigou,Leshan, Emeishan, Dujiangyan and Chengdu
Classic Sichuan tours cover all of the highlights of Sichuan from culture to nature, including classic Chengdu tours, Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong bullet train tours, Emeishan Mountain and Leshan Giant Bud......
The Most Beautiful Sichuan Plateau Tours
Tours to the most beautiful Sichuan Plateau on Tibetan plateau of Western Sichuan, including Kham Tibetan of Ganzi prefecture and Amduo Tibetans of Nagwa prefecture with all highlights as Jiuzhaigou, D......
3 Days Jiuzhaigou Valley Train Tours
Classic three days Jiuzhaigou tours of bullet train riding, save budget from Jiuzhaigou air tours, easier and comfortable than traditional bus tours. ......
Jiuzhaigou Private Tours By Train/Air/Car
Provide private tours to Jiuzhaigou valley for tourist both by flights or overland bus tours, and just tell your need, and we will tailor-made a private package for your tour to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglon......
2 Days Leshan Giant Buddha and Emei Mountain Tours
Classic two days tours to west Chengdu, where Leshan Giant Buddha and Mt Emeishan are both world class top tour destinations, and also visit a local old town. ......
