The Famen Cultural Scenic Area, officially named "Famen Temple Cultural Scenic Area", is located in Famen Town, Fufeng County, Baoji City, Shaanxi Province, approximately 110 km east of Xi'an and 90 km west of Baoji city center. As a National 5A-level Tourist Attraction, it's a comprehensive cultural tourism destination centered around Famen Temple's Buddhist culture, integrating Buddhist experiences, historical sightseeing, and art appreciation. Covering about 1300 mu (86.7 hectares), its core area consists of Mountain Gate Square, Buddha's Light Avenue, Famen Temple complex, the Hands-in-Prayer Pagoda, and related cultural facilities. The 148-meter-tall Hands-in-Prayer Pagoda (76,000 sqm floor area) is the landmark structure, designed in the symbolic Buddhist gesture of "anjali mudra" with magnificent grandeur.
History and Culture
Famen Temple was originally built in the late Eastern Han Dynasty (circa 1st century AD) as "King Ashoka Temple", one of China's earliest Buddhist temples after Buddhism's introduction, honored as "The Ancestor of Pagoda Temples in Guanzhong". According to records, Indian Emperor Ashoka divided Sakyamuni Buddha's finger bone relic among 84,000 stupas worldwide, with 19 in China - Famen Temple being the fifth site, evolving from relic pagoda to sacred temple complex.
The Tang Dynasty marked Famen's golden age, when emperors revered it as "National Guardian True Body Pagoda". Emperors including Taizong, Gaozong, and Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty conducted six grand ceremonies to receive and return the Buddha's relic, hosting magnificent Buddhist assemblies. Consequently, Famen Temple became the paramount imperial site for royal blessings and state ceremonies. The 1987 underground palace excavation astonished the world, unearthing Sakyamuni's finger bone relic and thousands of Tang royal treasures including secret-color porcelain, gold/silverware, and silks - hailed as "The World's Ninth Wonder", showcasing Tang craftsmanship and Buddhist culture's zenith.
Main Attractions
Hands-in-Prayer Pagoda
The 148-meter pagoda designed by Taiwanese architect C.Y. Lee features hollowed palms enshrining the relic, with Thousand-Buddha Hall and Relic Hall inside. During major Buddhist events or weekends, the relic ascends for public veneration - an architectural and artistic marvel.
Famen Temple Complex
The core Buddhist architecture includes Ming Dynasty brick pagoda (47m, 13 octagonal tiers with scripture carvings), bell/drum towers, and Mahavira Hall. The 1987 relics were discovered here, with replicas displayed in the onsite museum.
Buddha's Light Avenue
This 1,230m×108m ceremonial boulevard connecting Mountain Gate Square to the pagoda features ten 20m golden Bodhisattva statues representing "Ten Grounds of Bodhisattva", culminating in a 40m Ashoka Pillar symbolizing Dharma's spread - a solemn spiritual promenade.
Mountain Gate Square
The 150,000-sqm entrance plaza centers on a giant lotus sculpture (symbolizing purity) with ticket offices and visitor centers, designed for large-scale cultural events.
Cuisine
Fufeng "One-Sip" Noodles
Local specialty featuring thin chewy noodles with minced pork/tofu/carrot topping in sour-spicy broth, served in small bowls for consecutive tasting - reflecting Guanzhong's culinary boldness and refinement.
Deer-Patterned Bread
Traditional Fufeng bread named for its deer-like shape and cake-like patterns, with spongy texture - often paired with lamb soup or cold skin noodles, historically a Tang tribute item.
Oil-Splashed Noodles
Shaanxi classic: wide noodles topped with chili flakes, scallions, and garlic, sizzled with hot rapeseed oil, served with bean sprouts/greens - a popular spicy delight.
Vinegar Jelly
Unique snack made from vinegar fermentation residue, steamed into smooth jelly with garlic/sesame/mustard dressing - a clever summer delicacy showcasing local ingenuity.
Tickets
Peak season (Mar 1-Nov 30): ¥100/person; Off-season (Dec 1-Feb 28/29): ¥90/person. Includes temple, pagoda, and boulevard (shuttle bus extra: ¥30/unlimited rides). Free for seniors ≥65, disabled, active military; half-price for seniors 60-64 and students with ID.
Opening Hours
Peak: 8:30-19:00 (last entry 18:00);
Off-peak: 9:00-18:00 (last entry 17:00);
Relic veneration in pagoda: 1st/15th lunar days & weekends (check announcements).
Suggested Routes
1. Cultural Route: Mountain Gate → Buddha's Light Avenue (Bodhisattvas/Ashoka Pillar) → Temple (Pagoda/Underground Palace/Museum) → Hands-in-Prayer Pagoda (Relic/Thousand-Buddha Hall)
2. Express Route: Mountain Gate → Shuttle → Pagoda → Temple → Walk back via boulevard
3. Pilgrim Route: Temple (prayers) → Circumambulate Pagoda → Relic Veneration → Meditative walk on boulevard
Transportation
- High-speed rail: Xi'an North → Yangling South Station (30min), then bus/taxi (30km, 40min).
- Bus:
- Direct coaches from Xi'an West Passenger Station (2.5hrs);
- Baoji Station buses to Fufeng + local transit (2hrs total). - Drive:
- From Xi'an: Ring Expressway → Xibao Expressway (G30) → Jiangzhang Exit → 20km on Jiangfa Road;
- From Baoji: Lianhuo Expressway (G30) → Famen Exit → 10km on Fatang Road. Parking: ¥10-20/day.
Must-See Highlights
- Hands-in-Prayer Pagoda: World's tallest Buddhist structure for relic veneration (check schedule).
- Underground Palace Site: 1987 excavation spot with relic chamber replica displays.
- Buddha's Light Avenue: Ceremonial walk past monumental Bodhisattva statues.
- True Body Pagoda: Ming brick pagoda offering panoramic views with intricate carvings.
Travel Tips
- Allocate 3-4 hours (half-day for in-depth visits).
- Observe religious decorum: quiet attire (no shorts/skirts in sacred areas).
- Summer: sun protection; Winter: warm layers. Shuttles help elderly/children.
- Check relic veneration schedules to avoid crowds (lunar holidays/weekends).
Important Notes
- No smoking/littering; protect heritage (no graffiti).
- No photography in underground palace/pagoda interior.
- Wear comfortable shoes for long boulevard walks.
- Purchase souvenirs from licensed shops only.
- Check weather alerts for possible closures (storms).