The Daxingshan Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in China. It was built during the Western Jin Dynasty (265-316). During the Sui and Tang dynasties, Buddhism prevailed widely in Changan, Xian tours Xian City's earlier name. Many Indian monks stayed there to translate the sutras and spread the Buddhist doctrines. Over time, the Daxingshan Temple became one of three temples especially used for translating sutras. The other two are Cien Temple and Jianfu Temple.

Many Indian monks like Na Lian Qi Li Ye She, Zhe Na Jue Duo and Da Me Ji Duo translated Buddhist scriptures and passed on the teachings of the Buddhist 'Mizong'sect here after they came to Changan at different times. As a result this temple became the birth place of China's Mizong sect.

The present-day Daxingshan Temple Xian tourist attractions is the result of large-scale restorations in 1955 and 1983. After its reconstruction in 1956 it was used by Community of Lamaist monks until the Cultural Revolution (1966-76). Today it houses the Xian Buddhist Association.

Inside the temple, Qing-style architecture is found predominant which includes Mountain Gate, Devajara Hall (Hall of the Heavenly Kings), Mahavira Hall (Daxiongbaodian), Bell and Drum Towers, Kwan-yin Palace and many other halls in which Buddhist followers can pray.

As one enters the Mountain Gate, the Bell and Drum towers can be seen on either side. A wood-carved Maitreva statue from the Song Dynasty stands in the middle of the Devajara Hall, with four Heavenly Kings flanking it. On walking into the Kwan-yin Palace, a sandalwood-made, thousand-hand Kwan-yin statue is sure to surprise you! During some of the Buddhist festivals, the temple is crowded with believers.

The Daxingshan temple is situated in the suburbs south of Xian. The Temple and its surroundings today have been developed into a park temple and are open to tourists and visitors.

tags: travel to Xian | China tourism