Taiyuan Longhua Temple

Taiyuan Longhua Temple

Taiyuan Longhua Temple is a national AAA-level tourist attraction and a cultural tourism site.

Longhua Temple is located in Nantun Village, Taiyuan City. Established during the Northern Qi Dynasty, this over 1,500-year-old ancient temple was once a renowned Buddhist site in the history of Jinyang and an important center for the spread of Maitreya belief in the Taiyuan area during the Northern Dynasties. The temple has undergone several name changes throughout history, falling into disuse and being restored multiple times. According to the Yongle-era "Taiyuan Annals · Temples and Monasteries" section under "Taiyuan County" in the Yongle Encyclopedia: “Longhua Temple is located in Nantun Village, north of the county, where an ancient brick pagoda stands. There is a Song Dynasty stele whose inscriptions have peeled off, and the temple is now in ruins.” Historical documents from the Ming Dynasty's Jiajing era and the Qing Dynasty's Daoguang era also contain records of Longhua Temple. The current Longhua Temple covers an area of about 13,000 square meters, with a built-up area of approximately 5,400 square meters. Facing south and situated on a north-south axis, the temple features grand and spacious architecture with flying eaves and brilliant colors. The central axis structures include the Maitreya Hall (also the mountain gate), with bell and drum towers on both sides; the first courtyard houses the main hall, the Mahavira Hall, which is seven bays wide and four bays deep, featuring a single-eave hip-and-gable roof and surrounded by a Han white marble balustraded terrace; the second courtyard’s central hall is the Maitreya Hall, five bays wide and four bays deep, with a hip-and-gable roof and a Han white marble terrace; the east and west side halls include the Wenchang Hall, Taizai Temple, Sangharama Hall, Miaoyi Hall, Zhenwu Hall, and Yaoshi Hall, among others. Additionally, the west courtyard includes the abbot’s quarters, monks' dormitories, and a guest hall; the east courtyard features a garden, memorial archways, and rockeries. The newly rebuilt Longhua Temple is bright and magnificent, standing on the west bank of the Fen River. Against the backdrop of the modern architectural style of the Changfeng Business District, it even more brilliantly reflects the ancient glory of Shanxi civilization. It not only recreates the Buddhist historical landscape of Jinyang, the ancient capital of the Northern Dynasties, but also provides Taiyuan residents with a new cultural space for meditation, sightseeing, leisure, and elegant gatherings.

Scenic Area Address: Mid-section of Anju Street, Nantun Village, Wanbailin District, Taiyuan City

Best Travel Time: All year round

Opening Hours: Winter: 08:00–17:00; Summer: 08:00–18:00

Ticket Information: Ticket: 1 RMB, to be directly dropped into the donation box at the visitor center, used for free incense, environmental maintenance, and order upkeep.

Transportation Information: City buses that can reach the site include routes 27, 58, 308, 310, 618, 619, 804, 848, 856, 858, and 905.

Travel Tips: Incense is provided free of charge at the scenic area; smoking is not allowed — it is a non-smoking area; loud noises, pointing and discussing, wandering freely, or touching temple property are prohibited inside the temple; photography is not allowed in the main hall. Inquiry phone: 0351—5611719.

Source: Shanxi Provincial Tourism Development Commission