Gansu Baita Temple

Gansu Baita Temple Travel Guide I. Basic Information • Name: Baita Temple (also known as Bai Ta Si) • Location: Baitacun Village, Wunan Town, 20 km southeast of Liangzhou District, Wuwei City, Gansu Province • Type: National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, National Unity and Progress Education Base, National AAAA Tourist Attraction • Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00 (It is recommended to check the latest opening hours in advance) • Best time to visit: Suitable for all seasons, especially spring and autumn when the climate is pleasant for outdoor tours. II. Transportation Guide • By Car: Navigate to "Baita Temple Site, Baitacun Village, Wunan Town, Liangzhou District, Wuwei City". Get off at the Wunan or Huangyang Expressway exit, follow National Highway 312, and drive 2.5 km along the scenic avenue when you see the Liangzhou Baita Temple sign. • By Public Transportation: It is recommended to check local bus or long-distance bus routes in advance to find out how to get to Wunan Town, and then transfer to local transportation to Baita Temple from Wunan Town. III. Attraction Introduction 1. Pagoda Forest: Baita Temple is surrounded by white pagodas of varying heights, the most famous of which is the Tibetan Lama Stupa, about 42.7 meters high, built to commemorate Sakya Pandita Kunga Gyaltsen (referred to as "Sapan"), the religious leader of the Sakya School of Tibetan Buddhism. 2. Baita Temple Site: This is the ancient site of Baita Temple, where you can feel the weight of history and vicissitudes of time. 3. Sapan Stupa: As a landmark building of Baita Temple, Sapan Stupa witnessed the history of friendly exchanges between Tibet and the central government. 4. Liangzhou Meeting Memorial Hall: The hall displays in detail the historical background, process, and significance of the "Liangzhou Meeting" held in 1247 at Wuwei Baita Temple between Sakya Pandita of Tibet and Prince Kotan of the Mongol Khanate. IV. Historical Background • Historical Evolution: Baita Temple was built in the Yuan Dynasty and has a history of more than 750 years. In 1247, in order to solve the problem of Tibet's affiliation, Sapan and Kotan held the famous "Liangzhou Meeting" at Wuwei Baita Temple and issued the "Letter from Sakya Pandita to the Tibetans". Tibet was officially incorporated into the territory of China since then, and Baita Temple has become a historical witness to Tibet's official incorporation into the territory of China. • Cultural Significance: Baita Temple is not only a Buddhist temple, but also a symbol of national unity and cultural exchange. It has witnessed the friendly exchanges and profound friendship between Tibet and the central government. V. Travel Tips 1. Ticket Information: The ticket price of Baita Temple starts from CNY 16 (subject to the scenic spot announcement). It is recommended to book tickets online in advance to save queuing time. 2. Dress Code: Baita Temple is located in a mountainous area with a large temperature difference between morning and evening. It is recommended to bring a coat and comfortable walking shoes. 3. Photo Opportunities: The architecture and scenery of Baita Temple are very suitable for taking photos, especially the iconic scenic spots such as Sapan Stupa and Pagoda Forest. 4. Respect Customs: Baita Temple is a Buddhist temple. Please respect local religious beliefs and customs, and do not make loud noises or touch cultural relics in the temple. VI. Recommended Surrounding Attractions • Leitai Park: Located in Beiguan Middle Road, Liangzhou District, Wuwei City, it is famous for the Leitai Han Tomb where the "Galloping Horse Treading on a Swallow", China's tourism logo, was unearthed. • Wuwei Confucian Temple: Located in Wenchang Road, Liangzhou District, Wuwei City, it is a magnificent complex of Confucian temples, known as the "Crown of the Longyou Academies". VII. Food Recommendations • Wuwei Cold Noodles: One of the special snacks in Wuwei, known for its thin and long noodles, chewy and refreshing texture, and sour and spicy taste. • Mutton Paomo: One of the traditional delicacies in Wuwei, popular for its tender mutton, delicious soup, and soft steamed buns. VIII. Summary Gansu Baita Temple is not only a Buddhist temple with a long history, but also a tourist attraction with profound historical and cultural significance. Whether for tourists who like history and culture, religious culture, or for tourists who like natural scenery and outdoor activities, Baita Temple is a place worth visiting. During the tour, please respect local religious beliefs and customs, and jointly maintain this precious cultural heritage.