Muta Temple - wooden temple in Zhangye City
Last Update: 17th October 2020
Originally built at the site of the Wanshou Temple in the Sui Dynasty (581 – 618), Muta Temple was aimed to preserve the relics of Sakyamuni according to relevant documentation. With a height of 32 meters, the existing temple was built in 1926. The wooden tower in the temple is in pavilion-style.
Muta Temple Fast Facts
- Chinese Name: Zhangye Mutasi (张掖木塔寺)
- Height: 32 x meters
- Things to do there: Photography, Buddhism, Architecture
- Who visits: Photographers, Architect, Buddhism Believers
- Time required: 1 – 3 x hours
What to expect at Muta Temple
Located at the heart of Zhangye – the Central Square, Muta Temple is decorated with wooden heads of the dragon with a bead in the mouth on each angle of the eavehangs. Every eavehang is fitted with a wind chime.
The main body of the tower is made of wood. The inner wall of the tower is built in hollow bricks. Each floor is fitted with doors, windows, and winding corridors. The window is engraved with the patterns of flowers, and the lintel is inlaid with the engraved-bricks banner. There is no nail or riveting in the whole tower. The tower is connected by bucket arches, pillars and beams. The top of the tower overlooks the whole city of Zhangye.
If interested, you can climb the tower where there are vertical ladders and the scripture library behind the tower.
Best time to visit Muta Temple
If you are planning to visit the façade of the temple for photography purpose, the best time to visit is during the sunset. If you’d like to visit its interior, the best time to visit is in the morning during the opening hours.
The best months to visit are from April to October.
How to get to Muta Temple
As Muta Temple stands close to Dafo Temple, therefore, you could get to Dafo temple first. And walk to Muta Temple.
- Rent a vehicle to the Central Square to visit the Muta Temple. This is the quickest and most direct option.
- Take Bus 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16 and Bus 23 to the Stop of Dafosi (大佛寺站) or the Stop of Nanchengxiangkuo (南城巷口站). Then, walk to Muta Temple.
Additional Muta Temple Travel Advice
- Opening hours: 08:00 – 17:00
- As at 17th October 2020, the entrance pricing to the temple is 25 CNY per person. For the latest pricing information, please contact us via email (info@wendyweitours.com)
- The ladder in the temple is very vertical.
- Please wear the sunscreen cream and sun glasses even in winter.
- Please take body lotion, lip balm, and hand cream as it is always dry in Zhangye.
Interested in visiting the Muta Temple on a Tour?
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including the Muta Temple, among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.