Xining Nanchan Temple - the oldest Han Buddhism temple in Qinghai Province
Last Update: 17th October 2020
Xining Nanchan Temple is one of the well-preserved old buildings in Xining. Nanchan Temple is also called Nanshan Temple. It is located in the north foot of Fenghuang Mountain in the southwest of Xining City. The temple was originally built in the North Song Dynasty (997 – 1065).
Xining Nanchan Temple Fast Facts
- Chinese Name: Xining Nanchansi (西宁南禅寺)
- Area: 6,000 square meters
- Things to do there: Photography, Architecture, Buddhism
- Who visits: Photographers, Architecture Learners, Buddhist Believers
- Time required: 2 – 3 x hours
Xining Nanchan Temple is centered on Guandi Temple. It is an important temple for religious activities of Han Buddhism believers in the local and surrounding areas. It is also the history of Qinghai Province.
The temple features five courtyards and 86 rooms. The main buildings include the Daxiong Hall, the Thousand Buddha Hall, the Jade Buddha Hall, the Triple Saints’ Hall, the Weituo Hall, the Maitreya Temple, and the Ksitigarbha Hall.
At the halls, you will find the reliefs of the Four Heavenly Kings, wood carvings and colored paintings on the Buddhism. The buildings are exquisitely decorated.
The best time to visit Xining Nanchan Temple is in the morning during the opening hours.
The best months to visit are from April to October.
There are a few buses passing by the temple. Therefore, there are a few options.
- Rent a vehicle to the temple. This is the quickest and most direct option.
- Take Bus 16, 21, 103 and Bus 105 to the Stop of Nanshan Temple (南山寺站).
- Opening hours: 09:00 – 17:00
- Admission fee: free
- There are always many Buddhism believers on the lunar 1st and 15th of every month in the temple.
- Many tourists always visit the temple at weekends or during the holidays.
- Please keep quiet in the temple.
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including Xining Nanchang Temple, among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.