Xichan Temple is a Buddhist sanctuary founded during the Tang dynasty, located west of Fuzhou at the foot of Yi Mountain, in Fujian province. Its complex comprises 38 halls, pavilions, and pagodas, as well as a large garden planted with historic lychee trees. It ranks among the five major Buddhist temples built around Fuzhou.

Why visit Xichan Temple

Xichan Temple offers a snapshot of Fuzhou's Buddhist history: a Tang foundation dating back to the 9th century, buildings reconstructed under the Qing, and a stone tower erected in the late 20th century. The coexistence of these layers makes it a less-visited site than the great temples of Beijing or Xi'an, yet representative of Buddhism in Fujian. The gardens spanning several hectares, its ornamental carp ponds, and its centuries-old lychee trees make it a pleasant halt, within half a day's journey from the city.

History

Xichan Temple was built during the Tang dynasty (618-907) by the monk Da An (大安, 793-883). Upon returning from his travels in neighboring provinces, the religious founder established this monastery where he welcomed nearly 3,000 disciples.

The complex was renovated during the Song dynasty (960-1279), and most of the current buildings were reconstructed during the Qing dynasty (1644-1912). More recently, the Bao'en Tower was added in the late 1980s.

Since its foundation, the site has been planted with lychee trees. Part of the original grove was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution; surviving trees were preserved and new ones have been replanted.

What to see on site

The Temple of the 500 Arhats

One of the oldest structures in the complex, attributed to the early Tang dynasty. The building rises six stories open to the public and houses a collection of 500 arhat statues. The upper balconies offer an overview of the entire complex.

The Hall of Jade Buddhas

This two-level pavilion contains a series of Buddha statues and figurines in jade, brought back from Burma. It is one of the highlights of a visit to the temple.

The Bao'en Tower

Built between 1986 and 1990, this 15-story tower reaches 67 meters and is presented as China's highest stone tower. Its walls are carved with Buddhist stories and motifs of flowers, fish, animals, and insects—a sculptural achievement that gives it, despite its recent age, an ancient appearance.

The garden and lychee trees

The temple is surrounded by a 7.7-hectare garden, crossed by shaded walkways and dotted with small ponds inhabited by carp. The historic lychee trees are one of the site's distinctive features: some survived the Cultural Revolution, while others have been replanted since.

When to visit

The temple can be visited year-round. Late spring and summer (May to July) correspond to the blooming and fruiting of the lychee trees: this is the most photogenic period in the garden. Autumn remains pleasant and less humid. However, summers in Fuzhou are hot and humid; it's best to plan a morning visit.

Practical information

• Address: 455 Gongye Lu, Gulou District, Fuzhou
• Duration of visit: allow half a day to explore the temple and garden at a leisurely pace
• Admission: modest entrance fee (to be paid on site, in yuan)
• Hours: open during daylight hours; check current opening times before your visit
• Dress code: respectful attire recommended, as in any Buddhist place of worship

How to get there

Xichan Temple is served by several urban bus lines from central Fuzhou: lines 27, 33, 39, 812, 813, and 957 stop near the site. By taxi or local ride-hailing app, expect a short journey from most central hotels.

Nearby

Xichan Temple can easily be visited as part of a stay in Fuzhou, which has several other Buddhist temples (Yongquan on Mount Gushan, Linyang) and the historic Sanfang Qixiang district. If your China itinerary includes other major Buddhist sites, you can put it into perspective with the Great Goose Pagoda in Xi'an or the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves in Xinjiang.

Frequently asked questions

Include Xichan Temple in your trip

Xichan Temple works well as a cultural stop on a circuit dedicated to Fujian or as part of a broader Buddhist itinerary. To prepare your stay and combine this visit with other sites in the region, consult our China travel ideas.