Xiangzimiao Taoist Temple

Baxianan Temple (Eight Immortal Temple) is the best known Taoist temple in Xian. While inside the South gate of City Wall there is another Taoist temple – Xiangzimiao Taoist Temple. Spending a morning or an afternoon to visit it after your Terracotta Warrior Tour or City Sightseeing Tour you may fall on love with the tranquil environment and old-fashion of the temple.

The temple was built in the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and welcomed its heyday in the Yuan and Ming Dynasties (127101644). It is said Xiangzimiao was the former residence of Xiangzi Han, one of the Eight Immortals in the Chinese Taoism. There are tens of Xiangzimaio Temples in China, and the one in Xian was the cloister of Xiangzi Han. Hence in traditional Chinese culture, Xianzimaio Temple in Xian is regarded as the seedbed of Xiangzi Culture, a school of Chinese Taoist culture.

The remaining layout of Xianzimiao Temple was designed in the Ming Dynasty. From the late Ming Dynasty till early Republic of China Xiangzimiao Temple was quite prosperous. In the following years the halls of the temple was either occupied or destroyed. The back yard of the temple was used by government in the Republic of China. After establishment of New China, the back yard was used by local sanitation department. Till Feb 2015 the sanitation department moved out the temple.

In 1990, some people advised repair Xiangzi Temple. After 10 years preparation, with political support of government and monetary support of Baxianan Temple, the repairing work of Xiangzi Temple was carried out on May 1st 2005.  The repairing work remained the original look of Xiangzi Temple and adopted the traditional brick-and-timber architectural structure, so to better present architectural style of traditional Chinese temple building.

Tips for visiting:

Entrance fee: Free

Opening time: All day

Address: No 37 South Guangji Street, Beilin District, Xian.

Public bus: Xiangzimiao Namen Stop of Bus 713, 6, 11, 12, 23, 26, 29, 31, 35, 36, 40, 46, 800, 910.