Xi'an Travel Guide | Yunju Temple, a royal temple hidden inside Sajinqiao

🙏 Upon hearing about the Western Five Terraces, one might think it would be located in some suburban area, but who would have guessed it's in the bustling Sajinqiao?! It's truly well-hidden and exceedingly modest! ✅ Knowledge boost: It is said that Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, built this monastery for nuns and monks on the ruins of the southern wall of the Sui Daxing City and the Tang Chang'an imperial city, to make it convenient for his mother to worship Buddha. It was modeled after the Southern Five Terraces of Zhongnan Mountain, hence it is also known as the Western Five Terraces. Moreover, since auspicious clouds are often seen circling above the temple, it is also called Yunju Temple. ▶️ The temple faces east and is approached by ascending a series of steps from the mountain gate, with one terrace higher than the next, totaling five terraces and three halls (currently, three high terraces remain: the 'Lingguan Terrace' and the 'Manjusri Terrace' in the front courtyard, and the 'Ksitigarbha Terrace' in the back courtyard, connected by a small sky bridge. The back courtyard, which opens on the 1st and 15th days of each lunar month, houses the Mahavira Hall, the Avalokitesvara Hall, and the Reclining Buddha Hall, each built in front of the second, third, and fifth high terraces, respectively). The entire temple is very serene, with only a few visitors, truly a pure land hidden in the hustle and bustle of the city, offering an unexpectedly transcendent and mysterious retreat from the world. 📍 Detailed address: No. 162 Sajinqiao, Lianhu District, Xi'an. Exit from Exit B of Sajinqiao subway station, walk forward for 40 meters and turn left into Sajinqiao Road. Not far ahead, you'll see the signpost introducing Yunju Temple. Continue walking for about 100 meters to the west, and you'll find a very small alley. Enter and walk 50 meters to reach the destination. The main gate is closed, so enter through the side gate next to it. There is also a small side gate in the front courtyard (located between the front and back courtyards, accessed through a small alley on the west side of the Ancient Capital Culture Hotel). 🎫 Ticket: No reservation required, free entry. 🕙 Opening hours: Front courtyard from 8:00 am to 11:00 am; 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm. The back courtyard is open on the morning of the 1st and 15th days of each lunar month.