Temple of Flourishing Teaching Xian

Xian, the capital city of the Shaanxi Province pulsates with a whole range of palaces, tombs, mausoleums and temples, which serve as prominent and popular tourist attractions. The Temple of Flourishing Teaching, Xian is one of the famous temples in Xian.

This temple holds a special mention in the Chinese history. It forms one of the ancient courtyards of the Ci'en sect, which is one of the Buddhist religious orders of the Hans. Xuanzang, the founder of the Ci'en sect rested in this place and transformed a number of scriptures.

Positioned on the Shaoling Plateau at a distance of about 20 kilometers south east of the Xian city, the Temple of Flourishing Teaching, Xian is one of the Eight Great Temples of ancient Fanchuan. It is Emperor Suzong of the Tang Dynasty who wrote Xing Jiao on the stupa implying that Buddhism would prosper by inculcating Xuanzang's preaching and accomplishments.

The Temple of Flourishing Teaching, Xian consists of three courtyards – Front Courtyard, East Courtyard and West Courtyard. In the Front Courtyard, the structures include Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Mountain Gate, Preach Hall and Devarjara Hall. The Devajara Hall is lavishly decorated by a bronze statue of Sakyamuni in the middle part and a rich image of white jade in front of it. The East Courtyard features an attic and double floors comprising of Buddhist scriptures. The West Courtyard is where the stupa lies. Here you will see a main dagoba of Xuanzang and two smaller ones of his two adherents.

Ever since the Tang Dynasty, the Temple of Flourishing Teaching, Xian excelled as a famous tourist place and also emerged as a pilgrimage. If you are an ardent follower of Buddhism or have great faith in Xuanzang, this is a must-visit place for you. The entrance fee charged at this temple is CNY 10.

Some other frequently visited and popular temples in Xian are Temple of the Eight Immortals, Green Dragon Temple, Xiangji Temple, Daxingshan Temple and Straw Hut Temple.