Xingjiao Temple

Introducing Xian Xingjiao Temple
Xingjiao Temple was built in 669 to preserve the sariras of Xuanzang, a famous Tang Dynasty monk and translator, whose 17-year journey to bring Buddhist scriptures from India to China became immortalized as part of The Journey to the West tales. Xuanzang is the most eminent figure in the history of Buddhism dissemination. Xingjiao Temple was formally known as Datang Huguo Xingjiao Temple (or Tang Dynasty Nation-Protection Religion-Enhancing Temple). The temple was repeatedly rebuilt following the Tang Dynasty. In fact, the temple was reduced to ruins during the reign of Emperor Tongzhi of Qing Dynasty due to war, with the exception of the three pagodas of Xingjiao Temple. The temple showcased Buddhism's development after its arrival in Chang'an via the Silk Roads and its influence on Korean Peninsula. The three Xingjiao Temple Pagodas buried the three patriarchs of Chinese Yogacara Buddhist School (Consciousness-only School or Weishi School), and the Xingjiao Temple is an important site of the Chinese Yogacara School in Buddhism and holds a great position in the history of Buddhism dissemination. The three pagodas of Xingjiao Temple were listed as UNESCO World Heritages Sites under "Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor" in 2014.

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Xian Xingjiao Temple Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Xing Jiao Si 兴教寺
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 to 2 hours
• Type: World Heritage Site, Buddhism
• Opening Hours: 08:00-17:00
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: Xingjiaosi, Tuqu Township, Changan District, Xian

What to expect at Xian Xingjiao Temple
The Xingjiao Temple consists of three courtyards, central courtyard, east courtyard and west courtyard. Mountain Gate (temple entrance), Bell and Drum Towers and Mahavira Hall are located in the central courtyard. East Courtyard is where Buddhist scriptures are preserved. The West Courtyard of Xingjiao Temple is called the “Ci'en pagoda Courtyard” with three pagodas—the Xuanzang Pagoda, the Kuiji Pagoda and the Yuance Pagoda where three patriarchs of the Chinese Yogacara Buddhist School were buried. Among the three pagodas, Xuanzang pagoda sits in the center, and that of his disciples on two sides.

 

Xuanzang Pagoda
The Xuanzang Pagoda was built in 669 during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). The square pagoda with five floors faces the south. It is 21 meters high with a 5.2m side length of its ground floor. The underlying north wall is embedded with an inscription describing the birth, conversion, ordainment of Xuanzang and his sutras seeking journey and translation work. The inscription can be traced back to the year 839, the fourth year of the Kaicheng period of Tang Dynasty.

Kuiji Pagoda
The Kuiji Pagoda was built in 682 during the Tang Dynasty. The pagoda is square shaped with three floors. With a height of 6.76 meters and a 2.4m side length of its ground floor, the pagoda also has inscriptions on its north and south walls. Monk Kuiji (632-682), disciple of Xuanzang, was buried in the Kuiji Pagoda. As the righthand man for Xuanzang, Kuiji was familiar with the Buddhism scriptures and made many notes and interpretations of the scriptures translated by Xuanzang.

Yuance Pagoda
The 7.1m high Yuance Pagoda was built in 1115 during the Song Dynasty with the same shape like that of Kuiji Pagoda. An inscription about the building the pagoda to keep eminent monk Yuance’ sariras can be found on the northern wall of ground floor, and another one on the second floor, named “Inscription of Ce Shi (meaning Master Yuance) Pagoda”. According to historical records, Yuance, the disciple of Xuanzang, was descendent of the King of Silla on the Korean Peninsula and also a known master of the Chinese Yogacara School of Buddhism, his pagoda and inscriptions reflect the development of Buddhism in Central China and influence on Korean Peninsula.

 

How to get to Xian Xingjiao Temple
• Xingjiao Temple is located 20km away from downtown Xian.
• Bus 917 stops at Xingjiao Temple
• Rent a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Xian to the Xingjiao Temple.