Famen Temple Buddhist Cultural Area, Baoji

Famen Temple Buddhist Cultural Area, Baoji

(宝鸡市法门寺佛文化景区 bǎo jī fǎ mén sì fó wén huà jǐng qū)

The world-renowned Famen Temple, famous for its Buddha finger relics, in Fufeng county, Baoji city, Shaanxi province, was constructed at the original site of the old Famen Temple, covering an area of 1,300 mu (86.67 hectares). The temple was designed by world renowned architect Li Zuyuan, who is responsible for the Taipei 101 tower. The Cultural Area offers visitors a full picture of the achievements of Buddhist culture in philosophy, politics and art.

Dating back to the late Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), the temple has a history of more than 1,800 years, having been originally called Ayuwang (Asoka) temple, one of the 19 temples in China to hold the Buddha's remains. The temple saw its best days in the Tang Dynasty before it was nearly destroyed during the war. Having been kept in darkness for 1,113 years, four Buddha finger relics along with 2,499 pieces of Buddha royal treasures from the Tang Dynasty were unearthed in 1987, when the temple returned to the age of prosperity.

Covering an area of 31.48 square meters, the Famen underground palace discovered in 1987 is by far the oldest, largest and the tallest under ground pagoda in the world, containing a historical record tracing the Buddhist culture and religion back in history, as well as a magnificent representation of the glorious age during the Tang Dynasty.

Scenic Spot Level: AAAAA

Ideal Sightseeing Season: Suitable for all seasons

Opening Hours: 8: 30 -- 18: 00

Ticket Price: 100 yuan ($14.38) during the peak season (March 1 to Nov 30)

90 yuan during the low season (Dec 1 to the last day of February)

Free Tickets:

① Children below 1.2 meters (must be accompanied by parents);

② Active servicemen, disabled persons, disabled revolutionary servicemen, Buddhists, lay Buddhists on Buddhist holy days with valid certificate;

③ Those aged 65 or above with valid certificate (must be accompanied by family members).

Half Price:

① Minors aged 6 to 18;

② Full-time university bachelor or junior degrees with registered student ID card.

③ Children with heights between 1.2 and 1.4 meters.

Tour Guide Service: 30 to 60 yuan

Address: Famen town, Fufeng county, Baoji city, Shaanxi province

Website: http://www.fmsjq.com/(Chinese)

               http://www.fmsjq.com/(English)

Online Booking: http://zfcs.fmsjq.com/gw/saleProduct/buyProduct.do?productId=254

Note:

1. Visitors should obey Buddhism etiquette.

2. Don’t take too many joss sticks and candles, three are enough.