Xinchang Great Buddha Temple in Shaoxing

Hidden among the mountains of Nanming Mountain in Xinchang, Shaoxing, Great Buddha Temple (大佛寺) is an ancient Buddhist sanctuary where history, sculpture and mountain scenery come together.

The temple may not look imposing from the outside, but it holds an extraordinary place in Chinese Buddhist history. It is regarded as one of the places where Buddhism first spread southward into Zhejiang, and its most famous treasure is a monumental stone-carved Maitreya Buddha completed more than 200 years before the Leshan Giant Buddha.

The site is sometimes described as the “Dunhuang of Yue”, thanks to its remarkable collection of Buddhist cave art.

If you want to experience an ancient Chinese Buddhist site where monumental sculpture meets peaceful mountain scenery, Great Buddha Temple is a fascinating place to visit. Stand beneath the gaze of the “First Giant Buddha of Jiangnan,” walk among 1,075 stone Buddhist statues at Thousand-Buddha Rock, and encounter a 37-meter reclining Buddha hidden among the cliffs.

Behind these monumental sculptures lies a remarkable story of faith: three generations of Buddhist masters and 30 years of painstaking work went into creating the giant Buddha.

Three Generations, Thirty Years: The Making of a Giant Buddha

The history of Great Buddha Temple begins in the early Yonghe period of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, around 345 AD.

According to tradition, the monk Tanguang (昙光) traveled to the foot of Shicheng Mountain and was captivated by its ancient trees, towering cliffs and secluded valleys. He cleared a path through the wilderness and began practicing Buddhism inside a mountain cave, establishing Yinyue Temple (隐岳寺), the predecessor of today's Great Buddha Temple

But it was the creation of the giant stone Maitreya Buddha that eventually made the temple famous throughout China.

During the Yongming period of the Southern Qi Dynasty, the monk Senghu (僧护) saw the enormous cliff to the north of the temple. Local stories described mysterious sounds and strange lights appearing around the cliff, inspiring him to carve a Buddhist image directly into the rock.

The cliff, however, was extremely hard, and progress was painfully slow.

When Senghu died, only the rough outline of the Buddha's head had been completed.

His disciple Sengshu (僧淑) continued the project, but construction eventually stopped when funds ran out. The work was finally resumed when the eminent monk Sengyou (僧祐) received financial support from the Prince of Jian'an.

In 516 AD, during the Tianjian period of the Liang Dynasty, the Maitreya Buddha was finally completed.

Thirty years had passed. Three generations of monks had devoted much of their lives to the same monumental project.

The achievement deeply impressed the Southern Dynasties writer Liu Xie (刘勰), who wrote the Record of the Maitreya Stele at Shicheng Temple in Shanyin County, praising the sculpture as an extraordinary treasure and a monumental achievement.

This was more than carving a statue into a cliff. It was a 30-year act of faith that continued from one generation to the next.

The First Giant Buddha of Jiangnan: 200 Years Older Than the Leshan Giant Buddha

The spiritual heart of Great Buddha Temple is its magnificent stone-carved Maitreya Buddha.

The statue stands approximately 16.3 meters high, including a 1.91-meter Buddha throne. The Buddha's body is about 13.74 meters high, while the head measures approximately 4.87 meters. Its ears are around 2.7 meters long, and the distance between the knees is approximately 10.16 meters.

The statue was completed more than 200 years before the Leshan Giant Buddha, making it one of the earliest surviving monumental Buddhist rock sculptures in southern China.

Its artistic sophistication is just as impressive as its age.

Ancient sculptors made two particularly clever adjustments to ensure that the Buddha looked natural from below.

First, they slightly enlarged the head to compensate for the visual distortion created when people looked upward from the base.

Second, instead of simply carving conventional pupils, they created deep recesses for the eyes. From different viewing positions below, the Buddha's gaze appears to meet the visitor's eyes.

Wherever you stand inside the hall, the Buddha seems to be looking directly at you. That sense of being watched by a compassionate figure who has stood here for more than 1,500 years is something no photograph can fully reproduce.

The Buddha's face has a distinctive Southern Dynasties aesthetic: a refined bone structure, broad forehead, high nose bridge, long narrow eyes, full jaw and thin lips. The elongated ears reach toward the shoulders, while the naturally flowing folds of the robe add movement to the massive stone figure.

The result combines the solemnity of Central and Western Asian Buddhist sculpture with the elegant, restrained aesthetic of Jiangnan.

Thousand-Buddha Rock and the Reclining Buddha: A Double Wonder of Cave Art

The giant Maitreya Buddha is only the beginning.

Thousand-Buddha Rock

Next to the giant Buddha is Thousand-Buddha Zen Monastery (千佛禅院), also known as Thousand-Buddha Rock (千佛岩).

The surrounding cliffs are covered with an astonishing 1,075 stone Buddhist statues, creating a dense and atmospheric collection of cave sculptures.

Because of its artistic and historical importance, the site is often called the “Dunhuang of Jiangnan” and, together with the giant Buddha, is protected as a National Key Cultural Relic.

Walking into the area, visitors find themselves surrounded by hundreds of Buddhist figures carved into the rock.

The sensation is completely different from seeing a single monumental statue—the entire cliff seems to be watching over you.

The 37-Meter Reclining Buddha

Inside Shuanglin Grottoes (双林石窟) lies another extraordinary sculpture: a 37-meter-long reclining Buddha, described as the largest reclining Buddha in Asia.

The contrast is striking.

The giant Maitreya Buddha sits upright in solemn meditation, while the enormous reclining Buddha rests peacefully against the rock.

Together, the two monumental figures present two very different expressions of Buddhist sculpture—from monumental presence to serene stillness.

Prajna Valley and Ten-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda

Great Buddha Temple is not simply a collection of caves and statues. Its surrounding mountain landscape provides another reason to explore the area slowly.

Prajna Valley

Prajna Valley (般若谷) is one of the most photogenic corners of the scenic area.

Walk through a quiet mountain tunnel and suddenly emerge into a landscape of Danxia rock formations, mirror-like pools and cascading waterfalls.

A seven-tier waterfall drops through the rocks, while Buddhist reliefs are hidden along the surrounding cliffs.

With red rock, green vegetation, reflective water and Buddhist carvings appearing within the same frame, it is easy to understand why this is considered one of the best photography locations in the scenic area.

Ten-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda

Standing among the mountains, the Ten-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda (万佛宝塔) provides a panoramic view over the temple complex and the surrounding valley.

Another unusual attraction nearby is the Petrified Wood Forest.

These fossilized tree remains date back approximately 150 million years and were created when ancient wood gradually became silicified through geological processes.

Other historic sites within the temple complex include:

• Release Pond and Nine-Bend Bridge
• Pagoda of Monk Tanguang's Relics
• Dharma Pagoda of Master Zhiyi
• Zhuzi Pavilion

Each adds another layer to the long history of this mountain sanctuary.

Travel Tips for Great Buddha Temple

Best Time to Visit

Great Buddha Temple can be visited throughout the year, but autumn is particularly beautiful.

• October: Cooler temperatures, autumn foliage and pleasant hiking conditions.
• March–April: Mountain flowers begin to bloom.
• Late winter to early spring: Ancient plum blossoms create a quieter seasonal landscape.
• Early Morning: Arriving between 6:00–9:00 AM is highly recommended for cooler temperatures, fewer visitors and beautiful morning light on the historic buildings.

Opening Hours

May 1–September 30: 6:00 AM–5:30 PM
October 1–April 30: 6:00 AM–5:00 PM

Last admission is at 4:30 PM.

Entrance Fee

• Adult: RMB 80
• Online advance booking: approximately RMB 70
• Students and visitors aged 60–69: RMB 40
• Children under 1.2 m: Free
• Visitors aged 70+: Free
• Military personnel and visitors with disabilities: Free
• Entry before 7:00 AM: Free
• Shaoxing residents: Free on non-holiday days

Recommended Duration

Allow around 3–5 hours.

The scenic area is relatively large, so it is better to leave enough time to explore the caves, temples, mountain paths and viewpoints without rushing.

How to Get to Great Buddha Temple

By High-Speed Train + Taxi or Bus

The most convenient option for visitors arriving by train is to travel to Shengzhou Xinchang Railway Station.

From the station, a taxi takes approximately 15–20 minutes and costs around RMB 20–30.

Alternatively, take Bus No. 22, G4 or 8 to Dafo City Station. The journey takes around 30 minutes and costs approximately RMB 2.

By Car

Search for “Great Buddha Temple Scenic Area Parking Lot” in your navigation app.

Approximate driving times:

• Hangzhou: around 2 hours
• Ningbo: around 2 hours
• Shanghai: around 3 hours

Parking costs approximately RMB 20 per visit.

During peak periods, arriving before 9:00 AM is recommended.

Getting Around the Scenic Area

Shuttle buses or sightseeing trains cost around RMB 5–10 one way or approximately RMB 20 for a round trip.

They can save energy on the section between the entrance and Buddha Heart Square.

For visitors who prefer walking, the route is generally manageable, with the main area approximately 15 minutes on foot from the entrance.

Recommended Walking Route

For a route that minimizes backtracking:

Entrance → Buddha Heart Square → Great Buddha Temple Gate → Release Pond and Nine-Bend Bridge → Jiangnan’s First Giant Buddha → Thousand-Buddha Zen Monastery → Shuanglin Grottoes → Prajna Valley → Qiguang Pure Courtyard → Ten-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda → Petrified Wood Forest → Exit

At Buddha Heart Square, look for the stone engraved with the character “佛” (Buddha) in the handwriting of the renowned Buddhist master Master Hongyi.

The route then gradually moves from the historic temple buildings into the caves and mountain scenery before reaching the panoramic viewpoint around the pagoda.

Best Photography Spots

• Prajna Valley: Danxia rocks, reflective pools and the seven-tier waterfall create some of the most dramatic compositions.
• Ten-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda: One of the best viewpoints for photographing the entire temple complex.
• “Buddha” Stone at Buddha Heart Square: A classic entrance-area photo spot.
• Giant Maitreya Buddha: A low-angle composition emphasizes the statue's scale and peaceful expression. Please do not use flash inside the hall.
• Recommended Clothing: Simple colors, modern Chinese-style outfits or Hanfu complement the atmosphere of the ancient temple.

Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes. There are numerous steps, slopes and uneven sections.
• Dress appropriately when visiting the temples. Avoid overly revealing clothing.
• Inside temple halls, keep your voice down, avoid photographing Buddha statues where prohibited, and do not step on the thresholds.
• From March 23, 2026, the Shicheng Square area is undergoing renovation. The temporary entrance has been moved to the former exit area near Baiyun Shanzhuang. The construction is expected to last approximately one year, so follow the latest signs and on-site directions.
• If you also plan to visit Nineteen Peaks (十九峰), a combined ticket can offer better value, but allow enough time and energy for both attractions.

What to Eat in Xinchang

After exploring Great Buddha Temple, try some of Xinchang's local specialties.

Inside the scenic area, Buddha Heart Vegetarian Noodles are a popular choice. The clear, savory broth and simple flavors make them a refreshing meal after several hours of sightseeing.

In Xinchang town, you can try a much wider range of local dishes:

• Xinchang Stir-Fried Rice Cakes: Usually prepared with preserved vegetables and winter bamboo shoots.
• Taro Dumplings: Chewy dumplings filled with fresh bamboo shoots.
• Steamed Soup Buns: Often served with fermented tofu sauce as a dipping condiment.
• Guolato: A traditional local specialty with a distinctive texture.
• Fermented Tofu Mini Wontons: A local snack combining delicate wontons with the strong flavor of Shaoxing-style fermented tofu.

Together, these dishes offer the kind of hearty, comforting flavors typical of eastern Zhejiang.

Explore More Around Xinchang

Xinchang is located in one of the most important sections of the Tang Poetry Road of Eastern Zhejiang, a historic cultural route associated with generations of Chinese poets.

There is a popular local saying that “half of the complete Tang poetry can be found in Xinchang,” reflecting the extraordinary number of poets who traveled through the region.

If you have more time, consider combining Dafo Temple with:

• Nineteen Peaks (穿岩十九峰): Dramatic Danxia mountains and a popular filming location for Chinese wuxia and fantasy productions.
• Tiānmǔ Mountain (天姥山): Closely associated with Li Bai and his famous dream journey.
• Wozhou Lake (沃洲湖): A peaceful lake area known for local fish dishes.
• Xiayanbei (下岩贝): A mountain village known for spectacular sea-of-cloud views.
• South Street Food Area: A convenient place to explore local Xinchang cuisine after sightseeing.

Why Visit Great Buddha Temple?

From the first mountain cave established by the monk Tanguang during the Eastern Jin Dynasty to the monumental Maitreya Buddha completed by three generations of monks over 30 years, Great Buddha Temple has preserved more than 1,600 years of Buddhist history.

From the 1,075 statues of Thousand-Buddha Rock, known as the “Dunhuang of Jiangnan,” to the peaceful 37-meter reclining Buddha, the site brings together monumental sculpture, cave art, mountain scenery and the cultural memory of eastern Zhejiang.

Great Buddha Temple is not simply a place to see an ancient Buddha. It is a place to understand how faith, craftsmanship and time can become part of the landscape itself.

If you are looking for a destination in Jiangnan where you can experience ancient Buddhist art, dramatic mountain scenery and a quieter side of Shaoxing, Great Buddha Temple is well worth the journey.

Here, the Buddha is a testament to three generations of devotion, the mountains preserve the footsteps of ancient poets, and you stand beneath the compassionate gaze of one of China's oldest monumental Buddhist sculptures.