Guangren Temple | The "Little Potala Palace" of Northwest China

Guangren Temple, the only Tibetan Buddhist Gelug monastery in Shaanxi Province, was built in 1703 under Emperor Kangxi's imperial decree, with its name meaning "spreading benevolence." Once serving as a temporary palace for high Tibetan and Mongolian lamas en route to Beijing, it is now renowned as the "Main Temple of Green Tara in China Proper." The temple houses several national treasures, including one of only two life-sized statues of Buddha at age 12 in the world, Shaanxi's largest Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara, and stone inscriptions bearing Emperor Kangxi's calligraphy, witnessing the historical fusion of Tibetan and Han cultures. 📍Address: 152 Northwest First Road, Lianhu District, Xi'an (near Yuxiang Gate of Ming City Wall) 🚇Transportation: Take Xi'an subway Line 1 to Yuxiang Gate Station, Exit D. Walk west along Lianhu Road for about 1.2km, cross the intersection of Northwest First Road and Lianhu Road to reach the temple gate. The 15-minute walk offers a glimpse of old Xi'an's street views. ✅Entrance Rituals 👉 Enter through the left door and exit through the right. Take a big step over the threshold (right foot first for women, left foot first for men). Don't forget to collect your free incense and blessing bracelet at the entrance! 👉 Visit the Buddhist items shop on the left for a free Fortune God card (scan QR code), and tidy up at the cleansing pavilion on the right for the full ceremonial experience. ✅Recommended Route 1⃣Eight White Marble Stupas First, circle the stupas clockwise three times while chanting the six-syllable mantra. The eight stupas commemorate Buddha's eight great merits. They make stunning photos against the blue sky. 2⃣Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara Hall The main hall houses a 6.6-meter-tall Russian linden wood statue with 40 hands holding different implements. Known for granting relationship wishes! Don't forget to toss coins into the release pond with koi fish in front of the hall. 3⃣Green Tara Hall The only main Green Tara temple in China! Houses a gilt bronze statue from the Tang Dynasty, said to ward off misfortune - a must-visit for women. Look up to see Emperor Kangxi's golden inscription "Merciful Clouds Shade the West." 4⃣Fortune God Hall The most popular hall! Remember to scan the QR code for your Fortune God card! The red wall corner makes for cinematic photos. 5⃣Scripture Hall Home to the life-sized statue of 12-year-old Buddha. Remember to circle it clockwise three times. The second floor offers excellent views of the Ming City Wall with perfect lighting. 6⃣Blessing Wall and Prayer Flags Turn right after the back door to hang wish cards (20 yuan each, bring your own pen). The red walls with golden roofs make perfect photo backgrounds! ✅Special Experiences ✨Turn prayer wheels clockwise while chanting "Om Mani Padme Hum," seven consecutive turns for better results. ✨Tibetan Buddhism doesn't require fulfilling promises, but make benevolent wishes at corresponding halls for wealth or studies. ✨Buddhist ceremonies on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month - chance to witness monks chanting. ✨Keep the free vajra knot for protection when wearing it on your wrist! ✅Nearby Attractions: Half-day City Walk ✨Saijin Bridge Food Street (10-minute walk) Try paomo with sour plum soup, spicy soup with fried bread, preserved beef in flatbread - a carb-loading feast. ✨Ming City Wall at Yuxiang Gate (500m) Rent bikes on the wall, capture sunset on ancient bricks, frame the temple's golden roof for a perfect "past meets present" shot. ✨City God Temple (2 subway stops) A Taoist cultural spot - watch Qinqiang opera at the ancient theater, buy shadow puppets and fu tea in the back alley for an authentic old Xi'an experience. 💡Useful Tips: ⏰ Best timing: Sunny mornings (beautiful golden roof reflections), avoid crowds on the 1st and 15th of lunar months. ⚠️ Note: No photos inside halls, respect religious customs; don't step on thresholds or turn prayer wheels counterclockwise.