Xichan Temple

Introducing Xichan Temple
Covering an area of more than 40 square kilometers, the Xichan Temple, which was built in 867 AD during the Tang Dynasty, is located due west of Fuzhou City, just beyond Fuzhou University. Xichan Temple enjoys the longest history among the five Fuzhou Buddhist temples. In 1983, the China State Council designated it as the National Key Buddhist Temple in the Han Nationality Districts.

Xichan Temple Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Xichansi 西禅寺
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 2 to 3 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Buddhism, Architecture
• Opening Hours: 07:00-18:00
• Entrance Fee: ¥20
• Address: No. 455 Gongye Road, Gulou District, Fuzhou, Fujian Province

What to expect at Xichan Temple

The Xichan Temple boasts a collection of jade statues of the Buddha brought from Myanmar displayed in the Jade Buddha Hall. Sitting by the hills of Yi Mountain, legend has it that it was the place where a man called Wang Ba cultivated himself according to religious doctrine and joined the immortal. The seated Buddha is 2.95 meters tall, while the reclining one measures 3.7 meters in length.

Xichan Temple is one of the 5 ancient Temples built around the city of Fuzhou and its current name, which literally means "West Temple", indicates its location. However, the Temple came under several different names through the centuries, some of them being Qingchan Temple, Yanshou Temple and Changqin Temple.

Besides ancient and modern structures the Temple is also famous for its many and beautiful litchi trees. You need to give this place at least 2-3 hours to get a glimpse of its 36 Halls, Pagodas and Temples. But if you do have more time, half a day would be the proper amount of time to walk around the whole complex and unlock its secrets.

How to get to Xichan Temple
• Take bus 14, 27, 33, 38, 39, 64, 74, 91, 96, 97, 112, 113, 123, 128, 165, 307, 317 or Tourist Line 2 and get off at Xichansi Station.

Additional travel advice on Xichan Temple
• Please keep quiet in the temple.
• Please dress and behave appropriately in the temple.