Daci'en Temple

Daci'en Temple is a Buddhist complex in Xi'an with multiple halls, traditional pagodas, and structures arranged within spacious gardens that display classical Chinese features. The site includes the Mahavira Hall, a library for Buddhist texts, and nine pagodas that hold remains of former temple abbots.

The temple was founded in 648 when Prince Li Zhi built it to honor his mother, Empress Zhangsun. The complex was later rebuilt in 1466 and has shaped the city's religious life since then.

The temple remains a place where Buddhist worshippers come to pray and meditate within its traditional spaces. The layout and decoration show how Buddhism in this region developed its own character, blending with local practices over time.

The temple sits in central Xi'an and is easy to reach; many visitors arrive in the morning when the air is fresher and the grounds are less crowded. Wearing comfortable shoes is wise since there are stairs to the pagodas and paths through the gardens.

The temple holds twenty palm leaf manuscripts that the monk Xuanzang brought back from India, documenting his legendary pilgrimage. These texts are the historical foundation for the novel Journey to the West, which has captivated readers for centuries.