Huayan Temple, Xi'an, Shaanxi
This is not one of the 142 Key Temples. However, it was once a temple of great significance, and is a convenient stop on the way to Xingjiao Temple, which is one of the 142.
Huayan Temple was built in 803 and is considered the "cradle" of the Huayan School, one of the eight schools of Chinese Buddhism.
It was originally built on two levels, with the main temple below and the "ta yuan" (pagoda compound) on a plateau above; according to local informants, the lower level was destroyed in the 1950s to make way for a public school.
What remains is the former ta yuan, and some modern buildings that have been built around it. The ta yuan once had five pagodas dedicated to the founders of the Huayan School. Two of those remain: the pagodas of Dushun, founder of the School; and Chengguan, the Fourth Patriarch of the School. Even these are in danger of sliding down the hill, as much of the temple did back in the late 18th century.
Though there is very little here, the temple is evocative: two ancient pagodas overlooking a river valley. the newer buildings around it detract little from the sense of antiquity. Allow 20-30 minutes, unless you want to stare at the pagodas for a while.
Huayan Temple was built in 803 and is considered the "cradle" of the Huayan School, one of the eight schools of Chinese Buddhism.
It was originally built on two levels, with the main temple below and the "ta yuan" (pagoda compound) on a plateau above; according to local informants, the lower level was destroyed in the 1950s to make way for a public school.
What remains is the former ta yuan, and some modern buildings that have been built around it. The ta yuan once had five pagodas dedicated to the founders of the Huayan School. Two of those remain: the pagodas of Dushun, founder of the School; and Chengguan, the Fourth Patriarch of the School. Even these are in danger of sliding down the hill, as much of the temple did back in the late 18th century.
Though there is very little here, the temple is evocative: two ancient pagodas overlooking a river valley. the newer buildings around it detract little from the sense of antiquity. Allow 20-30 minutes, unless you want to stare at the pagodas for a while.
NAME:
- Huayan Si (华严寺, 華嚴寺) "Avatamsaka (Flower Garland, the name of a Buddhist scripture) Temple"
LOCATION:
- Chang'an Qu,Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province. Phone (029) 8599 0014,8528 0014
- 陕西省西安市长安区华严寺
- Latitude: 34.137312, Longitude: 108.967209 (see MAPS below)
- The temple is located on a bluff over a public school on Fanchuan Road. From the Xi'an Bell Tower, take (for example) bus K600 (15 Stops) to Wei Qu North Bus Station (韦曲北站); there, change to bus 917 (9 Stops) to Chang'an Shifan (长安师范). The elementary school is easy to spot on the north side of the road; walk to its west (left) side and follow the dirt track up to the temple, which can be seen behind the school from near the bus stop.
FEATURES:
- Pagoda of Dushun, founder of the Huayan School
- Pagoda of Chengguan, the Fourth Patriarch of the Huayan School
- Several new, small halls with newly-cast statues
VISITED:
- 10/14/2010. (Click the date to read about the visit)
REFERENCES:
- Wooden Fish Project page (record of a visit and on-site interviews in August 2009)
- Detailed information (Chinese, with pictures)
- Huayan School (Wikipedia)
PHOTOS:
Hover over the picture and press "Play" to run a slide show, or choose a thumbnail to view a single picture.
Hover over the picture and press "Play" to run a slide show, or choose a thumbnail to view a single picture.
MAPS:
View Huayan Si, Xi'an in a larger map |
Print this JPEG to show to taxi drivers, bus personnel, or others who can help you find the temple.