Zoella Last updated 06 Aug 2026
China’s long history has given rise to tens of thousands of temples, some perched on mist-shrouded sacred mountains. In contrast, others are tucked away in bustling modern cities, interspersed among office buildings and shopping streets. Still others are pilgrimage sites that attract tens of thousands of devotees each year. In this guide, I’ll introduce you to 15 of China’s most famous temples, along with some cultural etiquette to be aware of before entering any temple.
Whether you're chasing ancient Chinese temples for their architecture, their spiritual weight, or simply for the photos, this list gives you a solid starting point for planning a trip that goes well beyond the usual tourist checklist.
Lingyin Temple, Hangzhou
Lingyin Temple is one of China’s most famous temples, and locals often come here to pray for career success, financial prosperity, and safety.
Location: Lingyin Temple is located at No. 1 Fayun Lane, Lingyin Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, at the foot of a forested hill on the northwestern edge of the city, just a short drive from West Lake. The path to the entrance winds past Feilai Feng, a limestone outcrop covered in hundreds of Buddhist carvings
History
Founded in 328 AD by an Indian monk named Huili, Lingyin Temple is one of the largest and wealthiest Buddhist temples in southern China. The name translates roughly to "Temple of the Soul's Retreat," and once you're inside, that name makes a lot of sense. The Grand Hall houses a towering gilded statue of Sakyamuni Buddha carved from camphor wood, and the scent of incense hangs thick in the air. Yonghe Palace, Beijing
Yonghe Palace is one of the most visited Tibetan Buddhist sites in China, and locals often come here to pray for career advancement, academic success, and good fortune in the year ahead.
Location: Yonghe Palace is located at No. 12 Yonghegong Street, Dongcheng District, central Beijing, easily reached by subway and often paired with a visit to the nearby Confucius Temple. The grand red walls and golden rooftops make it hard to miss even from a distance.
History
Also known as the Lama Temple, Yonghe Palace started life as a residence for Qing dynasty princes before it was converted into a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in 1744. That royal backstory is exactly why the architecture here carries an imperial weight you don't see at other temples in Beijing. The biggest draw is a colossal 26-meter statue of Maitreya Buddha, carved from a single piece of white sandalwood and recognized by Guinness World Records as the tallest statue of its kind. Arrive early if you can, since locals line up before sunrise to burn incense here on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month. Baiyun Temple, Beijing
Baiyun Temple is the most important Taoist site in Beijing, and people often come here to pray for health, longevity, and good luck in the year ahead.
Location: Baiyun Temple is located at No. 9 Baiyunguan Street, Xicheng District, in western Beijing, just outside the West Second Ring Road, in a quieter pocket of the city away from the usual tourist crowds.
Gene Zhang, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
History
Baiyun Temple, or the White Cloud Temple, is the spiritual headquarters of the Taoist Quanzhen sect, and it feels noticeably calmer than Beijing's Buddhist landmarks. Originally built during the Tang dynasty, it has been rebuilt and expanded several times, most notably under the Ming dynasty, and today it functions as both an active monastery and the base of the China Taoist Association. Visitors rub the bellies of stone monkeys hidden around the courtyards for good luck, and during Chinese New Year, the temple hosts one of Beijing's most popular temple fairs, complete with vendors, performances, and crowds of families. Putuo Mountain, Zhoushan
Putuo Mountain is a sacred site dedicated to Guanyin and is considered highly effective for prayers regarding love, marriage, and children.
Location: Putuo Mountain is actually an island within the Zhoushan archipelago off the coast of Zhejiang province, reachable by ferry from the mainland port of Zhujiajian or Ningbo. Its main temple, Puji Temple, sits at No. 15 Xianghua Street, Putuo District, Zhoushan City.
History
Putuo Mountain is considered one of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains, dedicated to Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion and mercy. Dozens of temples, shrines, and meditation halls are scattered across the island, but the centerpiece is a massive 33-meter bronze statue of Guanyin overlooking the sea. Pilgrims often walk the island's paths barefoot or prostrate themselves every few steps as an act of devotion. If your trip allows for an overnight stay, watching the sun set over the East China Sea from one of the coastal temples is worth the extra day. Wutai Mountain, Xinzhou
Wutai Mountain is one of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains, and students and scholars often come here to pray to Manjushri for wisdom, clarity, and success in their studies.
Location: Wutai Mountain rises in northeastern Shanxi province, roughly a five-hour drive from Beijing or Taiyuan, with the temple complex spread across five flat-topped peaks that give the mountain its name. Its founding temple, Xiantong Temple, sits in Taihuai Town, Wutai County, Xinzhou City.
History
Dedicated to Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom, Wutai Mountain holds UNESCO World Heritage status for good reason. The mountain is home to over 50 temples spanning more than a thousand years of continuous religious practice, including Nanchan Temple and Foguang Temple, two of the oldest surviving timber structures in all of China. What sets this site apart is the mix of traditions on display; Han Chinese Buddhist temples stand right next to Tibetan-style monasteries, since monks from both traditions have gathered here for centuries. Give yourself at least two days; rushing through 50 temples in an afternoon just isn't realistic. Baimasi Temple, Luoyang
Hailed as “China’s First Ancient Temple,” it was the first government-sponsored monastery built after Buddhism was introduced to China.
Location: Baimasi is located at No. 6 Luobai Road, Baimasi Town, Luolong District, about 12 kilometers east of downtown Luoyang in Henan province, easily reached by taxi or bus and often visited alongside the Longmen Grottoes.
History
Baimasi, or White Horse Temple, holds a title none of the others on this list can claim: it's widely regarded as the first Buddhist temple ever built in China, dating back to 68 AD during the Eastern Han dynasty. Legend says the emperor sent envoys to India who returned with Buddhist scriptures loaded onto a white horse, and the temple was built to honor that journey. Because of its status as the birthplace of Chinese Buddhism, Baimasi has become something of an international site, with pavilions built by Buddhist communities from Thailand, India, and Myanmar standing alongside the original Chinese halls. Shaolin Temple, Dengfeng
The Shaolin Temple is arguably the most famous Chinese temple in the world and is considered a Buddhist holy site.
Location: Shaolin Temple sits at the foot of Wuru Peak on Song Mountain, Dengfeng City, Henan province, roughly a two-hour drive from Zhengzhou, and the surrounding forested hills make the setting feel remote despite the crowds.
History
You already know Shaolin Temple, even if you've never been to China — it's the birthplace of Shaolin kung fu and one of the most recognizable ancient Chinese temples on the planet. Built in 495 AD, it later became the center of Chan (Zen) Buddhism after the monk Bodhidharma reportedly meditated in a nearby cave for nine years. Beyond the martial arts demonstrations that draw crowds daily, the grounds hold real historical weight, including the Pagoda Forest, a cluster of over 200 brick and stone pagodas marking the burial sites of respected monks. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa
A central monastery of Tibetan Buddhism, it houses a life-size statue of the 12-year-old Shakyamuni brought by Princess Wencheng and serves as the spiritual heart of Tibet. Devotees often make long journeys here to seek spiritual merit and pray for blessings for their families.
Location: Jokhang Temple is located at No. 2 Barkhor West Street, Chengguan District, at the heart of Lhasa's old town in Tibet, at the center of the Barkhor, a circular pilgrim path lined with shops and prayer flags.
History
Jokhang Temple is considered the most sacred temple in Tibetan Buddhism, and the atmosphere around it proves that instantly. Built in the 7th century under King Songtsen Gampo, it remains the spiritual heart of the city, drawing pilgrims from across the Tibetan plateau every single day. Inside, the temple houses a statue of Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha said to have been brought to Tibet as part of a royal marriage alliance, and it remains one of the most revered Buddhist relics in the region. Because Lhasa sits at high altitude, plan for some acclimatization time before you visit, and expect a permit process if you're traveling as a foreign visitor. Guqing Temple, Tiantai
This is the birthplace of the Tiantai sect of Buddhism; it has a long history, and there is no admission fee.
Location: Guoqing Temple is located on Guochi Road, Guoqing Temple Village, Tiantai County, Taizhou City, at the base of Tiantai Mountain in eastern Zhejiang province, surrounded by pine forests and terraced tea fields that make the setting feel worlds away from nearby cities.
History
Founded in 598 AD, Guoqing Temple is the ancestral temple of the Tiantai school of Buddhism, one of the earliest distinctly Chinese Buddhist traditions. This temple carries real international significance too — Japanese and Korean monks traveled here centuries ago to study, and the Tiantai school they carried home became the foundation of the Tendai and Cheontae sects still practiced today. If you want a temple in China that feels quiet, scholarly, and a little off the standard tourist path, Guoqing fits that description well.
Jiming Temple, Nanjing
Jiming Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Nanjing; people often visit it to pray for peace and a harmonious marriage.
Location: Jiming Temple is located at No. 1 Jimingsi Road, Xuanwu District, perched on a hill near Nanjing's ancient city wall, close to Xuanwu Lake, and it's an easy addition to a day spent exploring the city's historic core.
History
Jiming Temple, or Rooster Song Temple, has one of the oldest histories on this list, tracing back to the 3rd century, though most of what stands today reflects Ming and later reconstructions. It's especially known for its Yaofeng Pagoda, which offers panoramic views over the lake below. Spring is the best time to visit, when the walkway leading up to the temple turns into a tunnel of blooming cherry blossoms. Nanputuo Temple, Xiamen
Backed by Wulao Peak and facing the sea, it is the center of Buddhist culture in the Southern Fujian region. Locals often come here to pray to Guanyin Bodhisattva for health, wealth, and family harmony.
Location: Nanputuo Temple is located at No. 515 Siming South Road, Siming District, at the base of Wulao Peak on Xiamen Island, right next to the campus of Xiamen University, giving it a coastal setting unlike any other temple on this list.
History
First built during the Tang dynasty and later renamed during the Qing dynasty, Nanputuo Temple is dedicated to Guanyin, echoing the devotion found at Putuo Mountain. One detail that surprises a lot of visitors is the on-site vegetarian restaurant, which draws its own crowd of diners who aren't even there for the temple itself. You can easily combine a visit here with a stroll through one of China's most scenic university campuses.
Daci Temple, Chengdu
Daci Temple is one of Chengdu’s most popular temples. Located in the city center, it is surrounded by a bustling commercial district. You can touch the auspicious characters at the entrance to pray for good luck, longevity, and success.
Location: Daci Temple is located at No. 23 Daci Temple Road, Jinjiang District, in the middle of a lively commercial district in central Chengdu, surrounded by teahouses, restaurants, and shops.
History
Daci Temple traces its origins back over 1,600 years, though its most famous resident was the Tang dynasty monk Xuanzang, who studied here before setting out on his legendary pilgrimage to India. That journey later inspired "Journey to the West," one of the most beloved stories in Chinese literature. The contrast between spiritual stillness and everyday city life makes this stop stand out. Grab a cup of tea nearby afterward and watch how naturally locals move between the sacred and the ordinary here. Jing’an Temple, Shanghai
Jing'an Temple is very beautiful. Although it is smaller than other temples, it is located in the bustling Jing'an District.
Location: Jing'an Temple is located at No. 1686 Nanjing West Road, Jing'an District, in central Shanghai, surrounded by the city's glass-and-steel skyline, right above the Jing'an Temple subway station.
History
Originally built during the Three Kingdoms period and relocated to its current site during the Song dynasty, the temple you see today is largely a modern reconstruction finished with gold-plated roofs and detailed woodwork. Some purists argue it feels more like a polished showpiece than an ancient site, and that's a fair point. But there's something genuinely striking about standing in a Song dynasty-rooted temple with skyscrapers rising directly behind it. It's proof that ancient Chinese temples and modern China aren't as separate as you might expect. Daxing’an Temple, Xi’an
Daxing'an Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in China, and Chinese often come here to pray for good luck and protection, a tradition tied to the temple's famous stone cat statues.
Location: Daxing'an Temple is located at No. 55 Xingshansi West Street, Yanta District, near Xi'an's Xiaozhai business district, a short walk from the metro and an easy stop to fold into a day trip that also covers the Terracotta Warriors or the ancient city wall.
History
This temple dates back to the Western Jin dynasty, around 265 AD, making it one of the oldest Buddhist temples in China and a birthplace of Chinese Tantric Buddhism. During the Tang dynasty, it became one of three major sutra translation centers in Chang'an, the ancient name for Xi'an, where Indian monks worked alongside Chinese scholars to translate Buddhist texts. The current halls mostly reflect Qing dynasty restoration work, and the grounds include a centuries-old wisteria vine planted near the end of the Ming dynasty.
Nanyue Grand Temple, Hengshan
This is a complex of ancient buildings that combines folk shrines, Buddhist temples, Taoist temples, and imperial palace architecture; it is also the most complete palace-style ancient architectural complex in southern China.
Location: Nanyue Grand Temple is located at No. 2 Beizhi Street, Nanyue District, Hengyang City, at the base of Mount Heng in Hunan province, one of China's five great Taoist mountains, and forms the anchor of the surrounding pilgrimage route up the mountain.
History
This is the largest ancient temple complex in southern China, and its layout deliberately mirrors Beijing's Forbidden City, with nine courtyards arranged along a central axis that gives it an imperial grandeur few Taoist sites can match. What makes this temple genuinely unusual is its blending of traditions — Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian shrines all coexist within the same complex, a rare arrangement that reflects centuries of religious tolerance in the region. If you're building a trip focused on temple of chinese architecture at its most ambitious scale, this complex belongs near the top of your list.
Dos and Don'ts in Chinese Temples
Whether you're visiting a Buddhist or Taoist temple, please follow certain rules to show respect and avoid awkward situations. Here are some tips for visiting ancient Chinese temples.
Do
- Dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees whenever possible.
- Walk clockwise around temple halls and statues, following the direction most worshippers use.
- Keep your voice low, especially inside prayer halls where monks may be chanting.
- Ask before photographing monks, worshippers, or private ceremonies.
- Bring small change if you'd like to make a donation or light incense respectfully.
- If you wish to burn incense, three sticks are usually sufficient. Hold the incense sticks gently with both hands, typically, men place their left hand on top and their right hand below, while women do the opposite, and raise them high above your head to pay respects to the deities and Buddhas.
Don't
- Never step on the threshold or the prayer mat.
- Don't point your feet toward Buddha statues or other people when sitting.
- Don't touch statues, offerings, or ritual objects without permission.
- Don't wear hats or sunglasses inside main prayer halls.
- Don't use flash photography near murals or fragile artifacts.
FAQ
What is the most famous temple in China?
Shaolin Temple is arguably the most internationally recognized, thanks to its association with kung fu, but Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou and Yonghe Palace in Beijing are just as famous within China itself for their scale and religious significance.Does China have Hindu temples?
Traditional Hindu temples are rare in mainland China, since Hinduism never took root the way Buddhism and Taoism did. That said, you can find a small number of Hindu temples in cities with historic Indian trading communities, such as Guangzhou, and remnants of Hindu-influenced carvings survive in a few archaeological sites in southern China.What is the biggest temple in China?
By total complex size, Nanyue Grand Temple at Mount Heng is often cited as the largest ancient temple complex in southern China, while Wutai Mountain, with its more than 50 individual temples spread across the mountain range, represents the largest concentration of temple architecture anywhere in the country.
