Pujiu Temple

Pujiu Temple

Pujiu Temple is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and a cultural heritage site.

Located at the golden triangle where Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Henan provinces meet along the Yellow River, Pujiu Temple is a world-renowned tourist destination and a sacred site of love. It is a Buddhist monastery situated on the Emei Plateau in Yongji City, in the southwestern corner of Shanxi Province. The temple sits on high ground with a broad view — to the south lies the majestic Zhongtiao Mountain, lush and green like a natural barrier, facing the “Wangu Temple,” known as the foremost Zen forest of Zhongtiao. To the west, you can gaze upon the surging Yellow River, as white as a silver ribbon. Also nearby are one of China’s four great towers, the “Guanque Tower,” and the national treasure “Tang Kaiyuan Iron Oxen.” This ancient temple has long become a famous destination for both sightseeing and love, as it is the setting of the classic Chinese dramatic masterpiece “Romance of the Western Chamber,” which features a touching love story.

Pujiu Temple boasts a grand scale and unique architectural style. The entire temple complex is divided into three axes. Structures such as the mountain gate, the Grand Bell Tower, the Pagoda Courtyard, corridors, the Grand Buddha Hall, the Heavenly King Hall, the Bodhisattva Cave, the Amitabha Hall, the Arhat Hall, the Ten Kings Hall, the Scripture Depository, monks’ quarters, and the Deadwood Hall are laid out in an orderly fashion. There are also fascinating attractions such as the back garden, Frog-Beating Stone, Tang-style street, pontoon bridge, art gallery, and Guanque Tower exhibition hall. Buildings closely related to the story of “Romance of the Western Chamber,” such as “Zhang Sheng’s Western Study,” “Pear Blossom Deep Court,” and “Scholar’s Studio,” are interspersed throughout. The most coveted and admired by visitors is the “Pear Blossom Deep Court,” where legend says the Lady Prime Minister, Cui Yingying, and her maid Hongniang once lived. Scenes from the story such as “A Stunning Encounter,” “Invitation to Banquet,” “Refusal of Marriage,” and “Hongniang’s Interrogation” all took place here. The Echoing Wall of Yingying Pagoda in the temple leaves visitors in awe with its mysterious and amusing acoustic effects. Known for its unique structure, exquisite craftsmanship, and distinct echo effect, it is celebrated worldwide. Yingying Pagoda, together with the Echoing Wall of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, Baolun Temple Pagoda in Henan, and the “Stone Harp” of Dafo Temple in Tongnan County, Sichuan, are known as China’s Four Great Echoing Architectures. Alongside the Swinging Tower in Shan State, Myanmar, the Music Tower in Szolnok, Hungary, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, scholars have named it one of the World’s Six Great Wonder Towers.

To enrich the cultural experience, since September 2006, historical grand theatrical performances have been introduced. Pujiu Temple welcomes domestic and international guests with the charm of the Western Chamber and warm hospitality. May all lovers in the world be blessed with harmonious unions.

Address: Xixiang Village, Puzhou Town

Best Time to Visit: All year round

Opening Hours: (Peak season) 08:00–18:00; (Off-peak season) 08:30–17:30

Ticket Price: 70 RMB per person

Transportation: By car – From Taiyuan, take the Daguang Expressway toward Yuncheng. After exiting at Yuncheng, transfer to the Fengfeng Expressway and head toward Yongji. Exit at Yongji West (about 4 li from the scenic area, with signs leading to the temple along the way).

Travel Tips: 1. Inquiry phone: 0359–8485264; 2. The scenic area has two parking lots — front and back. The front entrance requires climbing 108 steps; the back entrance allows direct vehicle access; 3. Cultural performance times in the scenic area: “Kao Hong” performance at 10:00–10:30 AM and 3:00–3:30 PM; 4. From September to October each year, Pujiu Temple hosts the “World Lovers’ Month” event, featuring collective wedding photos, honeymoon garden tours, floating red candle boats for couples, throwing embroidered balls, and folk art performances.

Address: Emei Plateau, Yongji County, Yuncheng City

Type: Temple

Rating: AAAA

Recommended Visiting Time: About 2 hours

Phone: 0359-8485263

Official Website: http://www.pujiusi.com.cn/

Opening Hours:

8:00-18:00