Huangze Temple in Guangyuan

Huangze Temple (皇泽寺) is located at the foot of Wulong Mountain (乌龙山) on the west bank of the Jialing River (嘉陵江) in Lizhou District, Guangyuan City (广元市利州区). It is a national 4A-level scenic area and one of the first National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units in China. As the only temple in China dedicated to commemorating Empress Wu Zetian (武则天), Huangze Temple has exceptional historical significance. Originally built in the late Northern Wei Dynasty, the temple was renamed “Huangze” (皇泽) by Wu Zetian after she became emperor, meaning “imperial grace reaching her hometown.” The temple preserves precious cliff carvings and Buddhist sculptures dating from the Northern Wei to Tang Dynasties, making it an important site for studying ancient Chinese Buddhist art and the history of China’s only female emperor.

The adult ticket is 50 RMB; a combined ticket for Huangze Temple + Qianfo Cliff (千佛崖) is 80 RMB. From March to October, the opening hours are 08:00–19:00, with admission stopping at 18:00. From November to February of the following year, opening hours are 08:30–17:30, with admission stopping at 17:00.

Best Time to Visit

Seasonal Recommendations

March to May: The weather is mild, the mountain vegetation is fresh green, and the soft light is ideal for viewing the details of the stone carvings.

June to August: The shaded mountain environment provides a cool summer escape.

September to November: The autumn weather is clear, with excellent visibility and ideal lighting conditions for photography.

December to February: Visitor numbers are lower, creating a peaceful and quiet atmosphere around the ancient temple.

Best Visiting Hours

The period from 09:00 to 11:00 in the morning offers the best lighting for appreciating the cliff sculptures and stone carvings. In the evening, visitors can climb Wangjiang Tower (望江楼) to enjoy sunset views over the Jialing River. A complete visit usually takes around 2–2.5 hours.

Transportation Guide

By car: Navigate to Huangze Temple (皇泽寺). A paid parking area is available near the North Gate, and the drive from Guangyuan downtown takes about 10 minutes.

By public transport: A taxi from Guangyuan Railway Station (广元站) takes around 10 minutes. Visitors can also take bus routes No. 1 or No. 13 and get off at Huangze Temple Station (皇泽寺站).

Huangze Temple can be combined with Qianfo Cliff (千佛崖) and Zhaohua Ancient City (昭化古城) to create a one-day Guangyuan cultural heritage route.

✨ Core Attractions

Zetian Hall and Wu Zetian Portrait Sculpture (则天殿 / 武后真容石刻)

Zetian Hall is the highlight of Huangze Temple and houses its most important cultural relic: a rare stone carving portrait of Empress Wu Zetian in her later years. Unlike traditional imperial images, the sculpture depicts Wu Zetian wearing Buddhist nun-style clothing and is carved from sandstone. Nearby, the Guangzheng Stele (广政碑) records historical information about Wu Zetian’s life and her connection with her hometown. The hall also preserves inscriptions and commemorative writings by famous figures including Guo Moruo (郭沫若) and Soong Ching Ling (宋庆龄).

Hall of Two Saints (二圣殿)

The Hall of Two Saints commemorates the period when Emperor Gaozong of Tang (唐高宗) and Wu Zetian jointly governed the empire, known as “Two Saints Facing the Court” (二圣临朝). The hall displays bronze statues of the two rulers, along with sculptures of important officials from the Wu Zhou period, including Di Renjie (狄仁杰).

Cliff Buddhist Sculpture Caves (摩崖石窟造像群)

The temple contains a total of 1,203 Buddhist statues, spanning the Northern Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, and Tang Dynasties. These cliff carvings represent some of the most important Buddhist artistic heritage in northern Sichuan.

The Great Buddha Cave (大佛窟 / 大佛楼) features a huge standing statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. The Central Pillar Cave (中心柱窟) is a rare example of a Northern Wei central-pillar style cave in Sichuan. The Heart Sutra Cave (写心经洞) preserves historical inscriptions and carvings from different periods, reflecting the evolution of Buddhist art and calligraphy in the region.

Wu Family Ancestral Temple (武氏家庙)

The Wu Family Ancestral Temple was built to commemorate the Wu family lineage and provides visitors with a deeper understanding of the family background and historical environment that shaped Wu Zetian’s early life.

Wangjiang Tower Viewing Platform (望江楼观景台)

Standing at Wangjiang Tower, visitors can overlook the broad Jialing River, Guangyuan urban area, and surrounding mountain landscapes. It is one of the best places in the temple area to enjoy panoramic river views.

Empress Culture Exhibition Hall (女皇文化陈列馆)

The exhibition hall introduces the social development, historical events, cultural achievements, and important relics from the era of Wu Zetian, helping visitors understand the political and cultural background of her reign.

Accommodation and Local Food

Visitors can choose accommodation in Lizhou District, Guangyuan City (广元市利州区). Local specialties include Guangyuan Cold Noodles (广元凉面) and Jianmen Tofu (剑门豆腐). There are no large restaurants inside the scenic area, so visitors are recommended to bring drinking water.

Travel Tips

1. The cliff carvings and Wu Zetian portrait sculpture are national-level protected cultural relics. Do not touch, knock on, or damage the sculptures, and do not use flash photography.
2. The temple is built along the hillside, with gentle slopes and steps in some areas. Wear comfortable flat shoes suitable for walking.
3. Paid professional guides can be reserved in advance for a deeper explanation of the Buddhist caves, stone carvings, and Wu Zetian’s history.
4. Discount tickets and free admission policies require identity document verification. Bring valid identification when visiting.
5. Some areas of the caves are relatively dark. A mobile phone flashlight can be used to better observe the details of the sculptures.