Xiangji Temple and Caotang Temple in Xi'an are less-known but extremely famous temples

Xi'an, known as an ancient capital with a long history, has witnessed the birth of many popular stories and legends, and has left behind numerous historical sites and relics. Walking through this city, every piece of land you pass contains a part of its legendary history. The two temples recommended in this article, located in remote suburbs, are also low-profile in Xi'an but have a huge reputation in the Buddhist community as ancestral temples. 🌟 Xiangji Temple, located in Xiangji Temple Village, Guodu Town, Chang'an District. It was built in the second year of Yonglong (681) during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of Tang, in memory of Master Shandao, the actual founder of the Pure Land School of Buddhism. It is not only the ancestral temple of the Pure Land School in China but also in Japan, and it is a key Buddhist temple and key cultural relic protection unit in China. According to the 'Monument of Master Longchan', after Master Shandao passed away, his disciple Master Huaiyun built a spiritual pagoda for him on Shenhe Plain, and constructed a large monastery next to the pagoda, named Xiangji Temple. After the pagoda was completed, Emperor Gaozong of Tang bestowed sarira grains and gifts such as treasures and banners. Empress Wu Zetian also visited the temple to worship Buddha. Tang dynasty poet Wang Wei once visited the temple and wrote the poem 'Passing by Xiangji Temple'. ✅ The oldest building in the temple is the Chongling Pagoda, which was built in the second year of Yonglong during the reign of Emperor Gaozong. Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu often came here to worship Buddha, and its structure retains the Tang dynasty dense-eave imitation wood construction. 🎫 Ticket: Free, no reservation required 🚌 Transportation: Take a taxi for ¥13 from Hejiayuan Station on Line 2