Famen Temple in Baoji

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Famen Temple (法门寺), also known as the “True Body Pagoda” (真身宝塔), is located in Famen Town (法门镇), Fufeng County (扶风县), Baoji City (宝鸡市), Shaanxi Province (陕西省). Known as a national key cultural heritage site, the temple is approximately 110 kilometers east of Xi’an (西安市) and 90 kilometers west of Baoji (宝鸡市). Famen Temple is situated on a 120-acre area and holds significant cultural and historical value. It is revered as one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in China due to the relics it houses, particularly the finger bone relic of Buddha Shakyamuni (释迦牟尼佛), making it a revered “royal temple.”

Historical Background

Famen Temple was first established during the Eastern Han Dynasty (东汉), around the late years of Emperor Huan’s reign, about 1,700 years ago. It was originally known as “Ayu Wang Temple” (阿育王寺), later renamed “Chengshi Daochang” (成实道场) during the Sui Dynasty (隋朝), and finally as Famen Temple during the Tang Dynasty (唐朝). Famen Temple is widely regarded as the “ancestor of the pagoda and temple of Guanzhong” (关中塔庙始祖), due to its significance in Buddhist history. The temple became famous for housing the sacred relics of Buddha’s finger bone.

Temple Structure and Layout

The temple consists of two main sections: the ancient architectural complex (唐代风格的旧址建筑群) and the newly constructed cultural tourism area (新建文化景区). The ancient section includes the Copper Buddha Hall (铜佛殿), the Mahavira Hall (大雄宝殿), and the True Body Pagoda (真身宝塔). The newly developed cultural area houses the Famen Pagoda (法门寺塔), the underground palace (地宫), the Ten Thousand Buddha Tower (合十舍利塔), and the Famen Temple Museum (法门寺博物馆).

Famen Temple’s underground palace is one of the largest discovered so far. Among the most important artifacts found in the underground palace are the Buddha’s finger bone relic, copper stupas, and various sacred Buddhist treasures, including the precious items stored in the Buddhist treasure hall (珍宝馆). These items are considered invaluable relics, making Famen Temple a place of great historical and spiritual significance.

Key Historical Events

Establishment and Early History

Famen Temple was originally constructed to house the Buddha’s relics in a wooden pagoda, which was four stories tall. The temple and its pagoda were repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries, especially during periods of war and political turmoil. The most significant destruction occurred during the Northern Wei Dynasty (北魏), where the pagoda was destroyed in the early 6th century.

Reconstruction during the Tang Dynasty

In 558 AD, Famen Temple was repaired and its reputation began to grow, becoming one of the Four Great Buddhist Temples in China. In 618 AD, during the Sui Dynasty (隋朝), the temple was officially renamed Famen Temple, and the pagoda was further reconstructed to house the sacred relics. During the Tang Dynasty, the temple continued to thrive, with numerous emperors personally visiting to pay tribute to the relics, symbolizing the temple’s importance.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Famen Temple became a royal temple, with emperors from the Tang Dynasty (唐朝) regularly paying respects to the relics housed within the pagoda. The Buddha’s relics were revered as symbols of divine protection and the temple became a central site for Buddhist worship. Emperors and officials made grand pilgrimages to the temple, where the relics were displayed for public viewing.

The temple’s role as a center for Buddhist devotion was immortalized in the historical records of the Tang Dynasty, which described the grandeur of the ceremonies held in honor of the relics. One of the most famous events was the grand procession to return the relics to the temple, which was accompanied by great fanfare, music, and prayers.

Later Years and Modern Restoration

Famen Temple suffered considerable damage during the Ming Dynasty (明朝) and Qing Dynasty (清朝), particularly due to earthquakes and wars. In 1569, an earthquake caused the wooden pagoda to collapse. In the late 16th century, local philanthropists funded a reconstruction project, resulting in the creation of a 13-story brick pagoda, which stands as the main structure today. The pagoda was further repaired in the 17th century, and by the Qing Dynasty, the temple had regained its prominence.

In the early 20th century, Famen Temple faced further challenges during the turbulent periods of the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945) and the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976). The temple underwent extensive repairs in the 1940s, following the donations of patriotic citizens, and again in the 1980s when the pagoda was fully reconstructed following its collapse during an earthquake.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Famen Temple has long been revered as a royal temple and a national treasure. The temple is most famous for housing the relic of Buddha’s finger bone, which is considered one of the holiest Buddhist relics. The relic is placed inside the pagoda and is a symbol of the Buddha’s true body (真身宝塔), offering protection and blessings to the nation. The site is also home to numerous other relics, including a wealth of sacred Buddhist artifacts discovered in the temple’s underground palace (地宫).

Throughout the Tang Dynasty, Famen Temple was central to the religious and political life of China, with numerous emperors personally involved in the temple’s upkeep and the ceremonies surrounding the Buddha’s relics. The temple’s prominence continued into the Song Dynasty (宋朝), when it became one of the most important Buddhist centers in the region.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours:
Famen Temple is open daily from 08:30 to 17:30.

Admission:
The adult ticket price is 100 RMB.

Location:
Famen Temple is located in Famen Town (法门镇), Fufeng County (扶风县), Baoji City (宝鸡市), Shaanxi Province (陕西省), China.

Recommended Duration:
Visitors typically spend 2 to 4 hours exploring the temple and its surrounding cultural sites.

Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit is from March to November, when the weather is mild and favorable for sightseeing.

Layout of the Temple

General Layout

Famen Temple follows a traditional design with the True Body Pagoda (真身宝塔) as its central axis. The main buildings are arranged with the pagoda at the center, flanked by the Mountain Gate (山门) and the Mahavira Hall (大雄宝殿). The western section of the temple complex houses the Famen Temple Museum (法门寺博物馆), which includes the Treasures Pavilion (珍宝阁) and several other exhibition halls.

To the south of the temple, through the Three Gates, Four Pillars, and Five-Story Archway (三门四柱五楼牌坊), visitors enter the Eastern Buddha Capital Great Buddha Palace (东方佛都大佛宫), a major addition built in 2009. This area features a variety of architectural styles, including a two-story entrance gate, twin seven-arched buildings for offices, and a central square with a Maitreya Buddha Statue (弥勒立佛) and a wishing pond.

The Great Buddha Palace, standing 53.7 meters tall, includes an exhibition of Buddha’s teachings, the journey of Xuanzang (玄奘), and stories of the Eastward Mission of the Buddhist Monks (鉴真东渡). Visitors can access a panoramic view from the platform atop the palace, offering a breathtaking vista of the surroundings.

Key Attractions at Famen Temple

The True Body Pagoda (真身宝塔)

The True Body Pagoda is named for housing the True Body Relic (真身舍利) of Buddha. The pagoda, originally a four-story wooden structure built during the Tang Dynasty (唐朝), was rebuilt in brick during the Ming Dynasty (明朝) after several destructions. In 1981, a portion of the pagoda collapsed, and the remaining half was left standing. Following archaeological excavations, the pagoda’s foundation was discovered, revealing a square structure with a side length of 26 meters, supported by four load-bearing pillars. The pagoda was reconstructed in 1988 to resemble its original form, standing at a height of 47 meters.

The Underground Palace (地宫)

Famen Temple’s underground palace, discovered in 1987, is the largest and most significant Buddhist pagoda underground tomb (佛塔地宫) ever found. It contains a wide array of artifacts, including the Buddha’s finger bone relic (佛祖指骨舍利) and other priceless cultural treasures, offering important insights into the political, economic, cultural, and religious aspects of the Tang Dynasty. The treasures found here have great significance in both Chinese and world cultural history, marking the peak of Tang Dynasty culture (唐文化).

Famen Temple Buddhist Academy (法门寺佛学院)

The Famen Temple Buddhist Academy is a prestigious institution for Han Chinese Buddhism (汉传佛教) in northwest China. Established in November 2004 under the leadership of Venerable Xuecheng (学诚法师), the academy aims to cultivate talented monks with both traditional Buddhist wisdom and modern educational skills. In 2010, it was officially approved as a bachelor’s degree-granting institution by the State Administration for Religious Affairs (国家宗教事务局).

Famen Temple Museum (法门寺博物馆)

The Famen Temple Museum, also known as the Treasures Pavilion (珍宝馆), exhibits over 160 relics from the temple’s underground palace, including ancient Buddhist artifacts and treasures. The museum is a key destination for those seeking to learn about Tang Dynasty (大唐) culture and Buddhist heritage, attracting millions of visitors each year from across the world. The museum’s exhibits highlight the Tang Dynasty’s royal treasures (大唐国宝), as well as the Buddhist artifacts discovered in the underground tomb.

The Hand Joining Relic Pagoda (合十舍利塔)

Constructed in 2004, the Hand Joining Relic Pagoda (合十舍利塔) stands at 148 meters tall, featuring a unique design shaped like two hands joined in prayer. The pagoda houses the world-renowned True Body Relic of Shakyamuni Buddha (释迦牟尼佛真身舍利). It is a monumental structure, with a total investment of over 50 billion RMB. The pagoda, completed in 2009, serves as a sacred site for Buddhist pilgrims and visitors.

Buddha Light Avenue (佛光大道)

The Buddha Light Avenue (佛光大道) stretches 1230 meters long and is 108 meters wide, symbolizing the path to enlightenment. The design of the avenue represents the Three Jewels of Buddhism (佛法僧), and its layout includes statues of the Bodhisattvas (菩萨) and Buddhist scripture pillars (经幢). The avenue is a spiritual journey, with the Maitreya Buddha Statue (弥勒立佛) and Wishing Pond (许愿池) acting as symbolic features along the way. The path symbolizes the Buddhist practice of overcoming suffering (看破烦恼), and the 108 beads on the prayer beads (佛珠) represent the removal of obstacles.

Architectural Features and Symbolism

The overall design of Famen Temple reflects traditional Buddhist temple layouts, with the True Body Pagoda at the center, surrounded by the Mountain Gate (山门), Mahavira Hall (大雄宝殿), and other significant structures. The layout follows the classical “Pagoda-Temple” (塔庙制) structure, where the pagoda and halls are arranged along a central axis.

The Buddha Light Avenue, with its Bodhisattvas (菩萨) and Buddhist scriptures, leads to the Hand Joining Relic Pagoda (合十舍利塔), symbolizing the ascent to spiritual enlightenment. The pathway’s 108 symbols are meant to signify the journey of cleansing one’s thoughts and attaining peace through Buddhism.

Cultural Activities at Famen Temple

Festivals and Events

Famen Temple hosts a variety of cultural and religious events throughout the year. Some of the most notable festivals and activities include:

New Year’s Day (元旦): New Year’s Blessing Journey

Laba Festival (腊八节): Laba Festival Ordination Ceremony

Chinese New Year (春节): New Year Blessing Cultural Festival

Arbor Day (植树节): Large-scale Tree Planting and Environmental Protection Activities

Tomb Sweeping Day (清明节): Disaster Removal and Blessing Ceremony

Buddha Bathing Festival (浴佛节): Large-scale Pilgrimage, Buddha Offering, and Buddha Bathing Ceremony

International Labor Day (国际劳动节): Labor Day Themed Activities

China Baoji International Famen Temple Cultural Tourism Festival (中国宝鸡国际法门寺文化旅游节): Held from May 9th

Children’s Day (六一儿童节): Children’s Day Themed Activities

National Day (国庆节): National Day Cultural Arts Week

International Relations and Cultural Exchanges

Over the years, Famen Temple has maintained strong academic and friendly ties with Buddhist communities in Taiwan (台湾), Hong Kong (香港), and South Korea (韩国). Between 1994 and 2005, the Buddha’s Finger Bone Relic (佛指舍利) was displayed in Thailand (泰国), Hong Kong (香港), South Korea (韩国), and Taiwan (台湾), generating significant public interest and media attention, including coverage by Phoenix TV, Asia TV, Ta Kung Pao, and Wen Hui Bao. These exhibitions sparked a renewed interest in tourism to Famen Temple.

Additionally, the Famen Temple Museum (法门寺博物馆) has actively participated in exhibitions abroad, spreading the cultural significance of Chinese Buddhism while increasing its global influence.

Famen Temple Tea Culture International Academic Symposium

The Famen Temple Tea Culture International Academic Symposium (法门寺茶文化国际学术研讨会) is held every four years. The first symposium was organized in November 1994, focusing on the Tang Dynasty Tea Culture (唐代茶文化). The second symposium in 1998 expanded on the study of Tang tea culture and the historical research of tea implements used at Famen Temple. The third symposium in 2004, held in Baoji and Yangling, discussed Chinese Buddhist tea culture, tea science, tea ceremonies, and the tea implements of the Tang court. The fourth symposium in 2012 addressed the relationship between Tang tea culture and Buddhism.

International Famen Temple History and Culture Academic Symposium

Famen Temple (法门寺) hosted the First International Famen Temple History and Culture Academic Symposium (首届国际法门寺历史文化学术研讨会) in 1990, in collaboration with the Shaanxi Social Science Federation (陕西社科联). Over a hundred experts and scholars from both China and abroad attended, leading to the formation of the Famen Temple Cultural Research Association (法门寺文化研究会). Since then, numerous symposia have been held to further explore the history and cultural significance of Famen Temple.

Folk Activities

On December 31, 2009, Famen Temple hosted its first New Year Cultural Festival (佛指圣域 万福法门), following the success of previous events like the Buddha Offering Ceremony (安奉大典) and Buddhist Cultural Art Exhibitions. The festival has since become a major cultural event, showcasing the temple’s role as a global Buddhist cultural exchange platform.

In 2024, during the National Day (国庆节) holiday, Famen Temple will organize a series of cultural activities, including performances such as the “Zhoufeng Drum Dance” (周风鼓舞), “Hello, Motherland” (祖国你好), “Celestial Zen Music” (天籁禅音), and “Spring Rhythm” (响扇·春之韵), all staged along the temple’s grand avenues.

Development and Protection of Famen Temple

Site Development

Construction of Famen Temple’s cultural and tourism infrastructure began in March 2007. The Qujiang New Area Administrative Committee (曲江新区管委会) led the project, in collaboration with the Baoji City People’s Government (宝鸡市人民政府). The development covers a total area of 12.5 square kilometers, with plans to divide the area into the Eastern Buddhist Cultural Exhibition Zone (东区佛文化展示区) and the Western Comprehensive Service Zone (西区综合服务区). This development project is part of the Shaanxi Province’s (陕西省) larger initiative to establish the area as a “World Buddhist Capital” (世界佛都), promoting tourism as the second major cultural symbol of Shaanxi, following the Terracotta Army (兵马俑).

Conservation Efforts

In March 2002, China and Germany established the first Silk Conservation Laboratory in China (中国第一座丝绸保护实验室) in collaboration with Famen Temple to protect the temple’s royal silk relics. The project has been a significant step in the preservation of silk cultural artifacts (丝绸文物), which had been a longstanding challenge in the field of archaeology. By 2007, experts from Famen Temple Museum (法门寺博物馆) and Germany successfully solved the preservation issues related to silk relics (丝绸文物修复).

In 2021, the “Underground Palace Treasures – Famen Temple Tang Dynasty Court Relics Exhibition” (地宫宝藏——法门寺唐代宫廷文物精粹展) opened at the Changsha Museum (湖南长沙博物馆). This was the first large-scale, high-profile exhibition of the artifacts from Famen Temple’s underground palace since their discovery in 1987. The exhibition presented 57 sets of relics and was divided into three main sections: “Ancient Monastery, Endless Underground Palace” (千年古刹，悠悠地宫), “Esoteric Buddhist Sanctuary, Sacred Realm of Buddhism” (密教道场，佛家圣境), and “Offering Rare Treasures, Praying for Blessings” (奉珍献宝，礼佛祈福).

Cultural Significance

Films and Documentaries

On March 29, 2009, a documentary titled “Famen Temple” (法门寺) aired, which explores the rich historical background of one of China’s most legendary temples. The documentary unveils the Buddhist relics, focusing particularly on the Buddha’s Finger Bone Relic (佛祖指骨舍利) and its journey to China. It also delves into the discovery of the underground palace (地宫) at Famen Temple, revealing the profound cultural legacy of the Tang Dynasty (唐代).

Academic Research

In November 1994, the Famen Temple Museum (法门寺博物馆) hosted the First International Tea Culture Symposium (法门寺茶文化国际学术研讨会). This marked the beginning of a series of academic explorations into Tang Dynasty tea culture (唐代茶文化). As of 2020, the symposium has been held five times, becoming an essential platform for tea culture scholars both from China and abroad.

Famous Monks

Master Huigong (惠恭大师): A prominent monk from the Tang Dynasty who reached the highest level of Buddhist practice and is believed to have self-immolated to produce relics (舍利).

Master Fashuang (法爽和尚): A monk from the Jin Dynasty who offered a lighted lamp as a form of tribute to the Famen Temple. He later self-immolated in 1208.

Master Liangqing (良卿法师): Born in 1895 in Yanshi (偃师), Henan Province (河南省), Master Liangqing served at the Baima Temple (白马寺) in Luoyang (洛阳).

Master Chengguan (澄观法师): Born in 1916 in Dandong (丹东), Liaoning Province (辽宁省), Master Chengguan is known for his contributions to Chinese Buddhist culture.

Master Jingyi (净一法师): Born in 1922 in Suqian (宿迁), Jiangsu Province (江苏省), Master Jingyi became a key figure in Chinese Buddhism after taking monastic vows at age 19.

Key Events

20th Anniversary of Famen Temple Museum: In November 2008, the Famen Temple Museum (法门寺博物馆) held an academic seminar to commemorate its 20th anniversary. Scholars from across China participated in discussions surrounding the historical and archaeological findings at the temple.

27th World Fellowship of Buddhists Conference (第27届世界佛教徒联谊会): Held from October 16–19, 2014, in Baoji (宝鸡), this marked the first time the conference was held in mainland China. The theme was “Buddhism and Public Welfare”.

Honors

National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit: In May 2006, the Famen Temple site was included in the sixth batch of national key cultural relics under state protection.

Top 100 Scenic Spots of the Magic Northwest: In April 2018, Famen Temple was nominated as one of the “100 Scenic Spots in the Magic Northwest” (神奇西北100景).

Relics and Discoveries

The Buddha’s Relic

In May 1987, the underground palace (地宫) of Famen Temple was opened, revealing the Buddha’s Finger Bone Relic (佛指舍利), the only known true body relic of Sakyamuni Buddha (释迦牟尼佛). The relic is highly revered in Buddhism, making Famen Temple a central Buddhist pilgrimage site.

The Eighth Treasure Case (八重宝函)

The Eighth Treasure Case (八重宝函) is a multi-layered treasure box that houses precious Buddhist relics. It consists of eight distinct layers, with the outermost layer made of sandalwood and silver, and the innermost layer containing a golden tower (金塔). This elaborate artifact is one of the temple’s most revered treasures.

Gold and Silver Artifacts

The underground palace also contains over 120 gold and silver artifacts, many of which were created specifically for the purpose of offering the Buddha’s relics to the emperor. Notable items include tea sets (茶具), such as tea bowls and grinders, which resemble those used in Japanese tea ceremonies (日本茶道), showing the connection between Chinese and Japanese tea culture.

Incense Burners

Archaeologists discovered nine incense burners in the underground palace, including a golden incense ball (鎏金银熏球), which is the largest known incense ball from the Tang Dynasty (唐代). The design of the incense ball was sophisticated, utilizing a balancing mechanism that is similar to the principles of modern gyroscopes.

Glassware

The underground palace contained over 20 pieces of glassware (琉璃器), made from precious glass that was influenced by Islamic designs. These rare items were used for religious ceremonies and were highly prized.

Ceramics

Among the most significant finds were secret color ceramics (秘色瓷) from the Tang Dynasty, such as a secret-colored water bottle (秘色八棱净水瓶). The discovery of these ceramics resolved long-standing questions about the production and classification of this unique ceramic style.

Silk Textiles

Over 700 pieces of silk textiles (丝织品) were found in the underground palace, including embroidered items like Empress Wu Zetian’s (武则天) silk dress (绣裙), which is one of the most famous relics from the Tang Dynasty.

Buddhist Scriptures

The Buddhist scriptures (佛经) found in the underground palace, including the “Mahāparinirvāṇa Sūtra” (大般涅槃经), offer a glimpse into the religious practices during the Tang Dynasty, especially under the reign of Empress Wu Zetian (武则天).

Tourism Information

Entrance Fee

Adult Ticket: ¥100 (人民币100元)

Transportation

From Baoji to Famen Temple:

• High-Speed Bus: Departing from Baoji Long-Distance Bus Station (宝鸡长途汽车站) to Fufeng Bus Station (扶风汽车站). Buses run every 15 minutes, with a journey time of 90 minutes (ticket price ¥22).

• From Fufeng Bus Station to Famen Temple: 10-minute ride, ticket price ¥3.

From Xi’an to Famen Temple:

• Shengtang Journey: Departs from the West Gate of the Grand Tang Paradise (大唐芙蓉园西门), with buses running from 8:00–11:00. Returns from 14:30–16:00.

• Public Bus Line 2: From Xi’an Railway Station (西安火车站) to Famen Temple (daily three departures from 7:00–10:00, return from 13:00–16:00).

• City West Bus Station: Departing from Xi’an City West Bus Station (西安城西客运站) to Famen Temple with departures at 8:45, 11:00, and 16:00.