[2025 Huayin Attraction] Travel Guide for Xiyue Temple (Updated Jan)

| Shaanxi Forbidden City. Weinan Xiyue Temple is located at the foot of Mount Hua. It is a large and magnificent temple. It was built in the Han Dynasty and has been repaired and expanded over many dynasties. It is a treasure of ancient architectural art. The temple has a strict layout, with red walls and yellow tiles, and is solemn and majestic. The pavilions, towers, halls, and corridors are arranged in an orderly manner, bearing a profound historical and cultural heritage. The ancient cypress trees are towering, and the stone tablets are numerous. Every corner seems to tell the glory and stories of the past. Its exquisite architectural craftsmanship and unique cultural connotation blend with each other. It is not only an important place for worshiping the god of Mount Hua, but also a great place for people to appreciate the charm of ancient architecture and feel the vicissitudes of history. It shines with a unique light in the long river of time. For transportation, you can take a bus from Weinan or Mount Hua Scenic Area. The tour route can start from Haoling Gate, and then visit the Wufeng Tower, Lingxing Gate, and other buildings along the central axis to feel the grandeur of ancient architecture. Then go to the Stele Gallery to appreciate many precious stone tablets. Then stroll to the Imperial Garden to enjoy the garden scenery. Local specialties such as mutton paomo and Weinan time buns are recommended. Note: Learn about the opening hours in advance, respect the ancient relics during the tour, and do not touch or climb them at will. Appreciate the thousand-year charm of Xiyue Temple with a civilized tour.

Address: Southeast end of Yuemiao Street, Huayin City, Weinan City, Shaanxi Province. Not far from Huashan North Station, the ticket to Mount Hua includes this place. It is large in scale and has many cultural relics inside, which are worth seeing. With an ancient appearance of more than a thousand years and a historical accumulation of more than a thousand years, there are ancient cypresses over a thousand years old, countless authentic stone tablets, ancient buildings, and ancient city walls, just like an ancient city with all five internal organs. Because there are few people here, it is relatively well-preserved. Unfortunately, the maintenance and repair are slightly poor, which makes many historical sites damaged to varying degrees. It is highly recommended for friends who climb Mount Hua to come to this place, especially those who like cultural landscapes.

Located at the east end of Huayin City, Shaanxi Province, Xiyue Temple is dedicated to the God of War of Mount Hua, Jin Tianwang, and is a sacred site of the Quanzhen School of Taoism. Xiyue Temple was first built during the Western Han Dynasty and was then called Jiling Palace. It was moved to its current location during the Eastern Han Dynasty and later renamed Xiyue Temple. It was an important place for emperors of all dynasties to worship the God of Mount Hua. During the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, it was renovated in the architectural style of the Forbidden City in Beijing, so it is also known as the "Little Forbidden City of Shaanxi." At the same time, Xiyue Temple is also the largest existing ancient royal palace garden complex in the Ming and Qing styles in Northwest China. It is magnificent in scale and rigorous in layout, making it the largest temple among the Five Sacred Mountains, and is known as the "First Temple of the Five Sacred Mountains." The architectural style of Xiyue Temple is an outer city with an inner enclosure and a symmetrical central axis. It preserves attractions such as Jincheng Gate, Lingxing Gate, Stone Archway, Haoling Hall, Stele Tower, Imperial Study, and Wanghe Tower.

Xiyue Temple is located in Huayin City, Weinan, Shaanxi Province. It is a sacred site of the mainstream Quanzhen sect of Taoism, dedicated to the deity Jin Tianwang of Mount Hua, and is praised as the 'First Temple of the Five Sacred Mountains' and the 'Little Forbidden City of Shaanxi.' Xiyue Temple was originally built during the Han Dynasty and was initially named Jiling Palace. It was later relocated to its current site and renamed Xiyue Temple. It has been an important place for emperors of various dynasties to worship the deity of Mount Hua. The layout and grandeur of the temple imitate the Forbidden City in Beijing, hence the nickname 'Little Forbidden City of Shaanxi.' The architectural style of Xiyue Temple embodies the essence of ancient Chinese architecture and holds significant historical and cultural value.

| "Yuelian Lingshu". Huayin Shaanxi Forbidden City Xiyue Temple | "Yuelian Lingshu" Xiyue Temple is a temple dedicated to the Huashan God, the Great Emperor of Xiyue. It is located on Yuemiao Street, 5 kilometers north of Huashan. The temple was first built in the era of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, and later became a place where emperors of all dynasties worshiped the God of Mount Huashan. In the first year of Yuanguang of the Western Han Dynasty (134 BC), Jiling Palace was built at Huangfuyukou. During the Eastern Han Dynasty, it was moved to its current location and was later renamed Xiyue Temple. The layout and momentum are similar to those of the Forbidden City in Beijing, so it is known as the "Shaanxi Forbidden City". Xiyue Temple faces south, with the temple gate facing Mount Huashan. The entire building complex is divided into six spaces from front to back. On the central axis from north to south, there are Haoling Gate, Wufeng Tower, Lingxing Gate, Jincheng Gate, Haoling Hall, Bedroom, Imperial Library, and Wanshou Pavilion. . The first space is in front of Wufeng Tower, which is the entrance; the second space is the courtyard behind Wufeng Tower, which was once known as the small forest of steles in Shaanxi; the third space is the courtyard between Lingxing Gate and Jincheng Gate. , the main buildings in the fourth space include Haoling Hall (main hall), etc.; the main buildings in the fifth space include the Imperial Study Room, etc.; the main buildings in the sixth space include Wanshou Pavilion, Youyuefang, Wanghe Tower, etc. The entire building presents a pattern of low in front and high in back. These six spaces complement each other, coordinate and contrast, forming an indivisible whole. The Wufeng Tower is built on a high platform, more than 20 meters high. When you climb the tower to look at Mount Huashan, you can clearly see the five peaks. The main hall, Haoling Hall, is a glazed tiled single-eaves resting top, located on a broad "convex" shaped platform. It is 7 rooms wide and 5 rooms deep. It is surrounded by cloisters and is magnificent. Emperors of all dynasties often lived here to worship Mount Huashan. . Hanging in the hall are plaques inscribed by Kangxi, Daoguang and Cixi such as "Jintian Zhaoduan" and "Xianyun". The entire courtyard is full of lush trees and rugged rocks, making it full of garden interest.

I stayed in Huayin County last night, which was the last stop on my journey home. Huayin County is located at the foot of Mount Hua, 120 kilometers away from the ancient capital Xi'an, and is known as the 'key route of Shaanxi and the thoroughfare of eight provinces.' The terrain of Huayin County is high in the south and low in the north, with picturesque mountains and rivers. It was historically said to be 'the most scenic in Guanzhong region due to its mountain and river landscapes.' 'Established as a town in the Spring and Autumn period, and as a county during the Warring States period,' Huayin County was one of the first counties established in China, with a history of over 2300 years. In December 1990, it was approved by the State Council to revoke the county and establish a city. Now, Huayin County should be called Huayin City. To me, a foreigner, it doesn't matter whether it's a county or a city, or what it's called. What I care about is its history, culture, and scenic spots. Speaking of scenic spots, of course, it refers to Mount Hua. Mount Hua, historically known as 'Xiyue' and elegantly called 'Taihua Mountain,' is one of the Five Great Mountains of China, located within the territory of Huayin City. It connects to the Qinling Mountains in the south and overlooks the Yellow River and Wei River in the north. Since ancient times, it has been known as 'the most precipitous mountain under heaven.' I was just passing by this time and didn't have time to climb the mountain, but I hope to visit it specifically in the future. In terms of historical and cultural aspects, the ancient Xiyue Temple is a representative. Xiyue Temple is a sacred site of the mainstream Quanzhen School of Taoism. In the first year of Yuanguang of the Western Han Dynasty (134 BC), the Jiling Palace was built at the mouth of Huangfu Valley. It was relocated to its current location during the Eastern Han Dynasty, later renamed Xiyue Temple, and became an important site for emperors to worship the god of Mount Hua. The temple complex is grand, and there are many inscriptions within it. The existing inscriptions include the 'Huayue Temple Stele' from the Later Zhou Dynasty, the 'Tang Xuanzong's Imperial Inscription of Mount Hua Stele' re-engraved in the Ming Dynasty, the 'Mount Hua Reclining Map' engraved in the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, with poems and paintings of Mount Hua by famous Tang and Song personalities such as Wang Wei, Li Bai, Du Fu, and Chen Tuan attached at the beginning of the map, as well as the stone plaque inscribed with 'Yue Lian Ling Shu' by Emperor Qianlong, all of which are of immense value. Experts and scholars with a profound background in ancient culture and familiar with inscriptions and steles can come and take a look. Well, it's time to say goodbye to Huayin. Once I pass the Hangu Pass ahead, I will be back in my hometown in Henan, and my heart is already racing home.

🏯🏯The first time I stepped into Xiyue Temple, I was shocked by its grandeur! This is a temple dedicated to the god of Mount Hua, the Western Great Emperor, located on Yue Temple Street, 5 kilometers north of Mount Hua. Did you know? This temple was originally built during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, and later it became the sacred place where emperors of successive dynasties worshipped the god of Mount Hua! 😮😮 🎉🎉The layout and grandeur of Xiyue Temple are just like the Forbidden City in Beijing, so it is affectionately known as the 'Shaanxi Imperial Palace'. The temple, facing south with its back to the north, has its gate directly facing Mount Hua, as if you can feel the sacred aura coming towards you. 🌄🌄 🏰🏰The architectural complex is divided into six spaces, and walking through it is truly magnificent. The Hao Ling Gate, Wu Feng Tower, Ling Xing Gate, Jin Cheng Gate, Hao Ling Hall, the Sleeping Palace, the Imperial Book Tower, and the Longevity Pavilion—each space has its unique charm. Especially the Wu Feng Tower, which is more than 20 meters high; climbing up and looking at Mount Hua, with the five peaks in clear view, is simply exhilarating! 😍😍 🏛️🏛️The main hall, Hao Ling Hall, is even more majestic, with glazed tiles and a single-eave hip-and-gable roof, situated on a broad 'convex'-shaped platform. It is seven bays wide and five bays deep, surrounded by corridors. Emperors of past dynasties often stayed here when they worshipped Mount Hua. The plaques inscribed by Kangxi, Daoguang, and Cixi hanging inside the hall further add to the historical significance. 📜📜 🌳🌳The entire courtyard is filled with lush trees and rugged rocks, full of the charm of a garden. Strolling through it, it's as if you can hear the echoes of history and feel the solemnity and sanctity. 🍃🍃 💖💖If you also love history and culture, then you must come to Xiyue Temple! The beauty here is definitely worth experiencing for yourself! 💖💖

Xiyue Temple, located in Huayin City, Shaanxi Province, has a history that can be traced back to the Han Dynasty. It is a sacred site of the mainstream Quanzhen School of Taoism and one of the important Taoist temples of Mount Hua. Emperors throughout the dynasties would come here to worship the god of Mount Hua. Unfortunately, while the visitors to Mount Hua are numerous, very few make their way to Xiyue Temple. When you step into Xiyue Temple, the solemn and majestic complex of buildings almost makes you feel as if you have visited the Forbidden City itself. Transportation: Drive from Xi'an, directly navigate to Xiyue Temple Ticket: 15 yuan for a single ticket, but if you buy the Mount Hua package ticket, it already includes the Xiyue Temple ticket so there's no need to purchase another one If you like taking portraits, wearing Hanfu would be a good choice

'Xiyue Temple' is the first gate to enter Huashan, a place where emperors or imperial ministers worshipped the mountain gods. It was first built in the early years of Emperor Wu of Han (134 BC) and has been around for more than 2100 years. Xiyue Temple faces north and south, confronts the Lotus Peak of Huashan, covers an area of 215 acres, and is 5 kilometers away from the gate of Huashan. Xiyue Temple has a grand royal architectural style, with high walls, deep courtyards, painted beams and carved buildings, and solemn halls. Although it is not the Forbidden City in Beijing, it has the same majestic momentum as the Forbidden City. Emperors such as Tang Xuanzong, Song Zhenzong, and Emperor Kangxi have visited Xiyue Temple and held grand ceremonies. 'The awe-inspiring power is close at hand, the Lotus Peak, the vicissitudes of life, the Xiyue Temple.'

The "Little Forbidden City" around Xi'an, with beautiful photo opportunities, don't squeeze into Guangren Temple anymore. The Xiyue Temple at the foot of Mount Hua in the west is known as the "Little Forbidden City of Shaanxi". It is a relatively niche tourist spot! It was established in the Han Dynasty and has always been a key place for emperors to worship the god of Mount Hua. The Xiyue Temple covers a large area and is a palace-style ancient building in the Ming and Qing architectural styles, very grand and majestic. Here you can overlook the main peak of Mount Hua, which shines under the blue sky and white clouds. There are not many tourists, so it's quite quiet and leisurely. Taking photos in Ming-style or cheongsam and other national styles will be very outstanding~ Strongly recommend to friends who like to take pictures of red walls. Enter from the main gate, visit each hall, and then return from the right city wall, the scenery is absolutely beautiful! You can overlook the entire panorama of the Xiyue Temple~ The ticket price is 15 yuan, and the student ticket is 7.5 yuan. If you buy a package ticket with Mount Hua, you can get a free ticket~ Recommended play time: 2-3 hours. Opening hours: 8:00-18:00 Self-driving: Navigate to "Huashan Xiyue Temple", about 130 kilometers from Xi'an, it takes 1.5 hours. High-speed rail: Xi'an North--Huashan North, you can arrive in 30 minutes!