Quick Answer: Famen Temple is located in Famen Town, 120km west of Xi'an in Shaanxi. Open daily 08:00-17:30. Tickets ¥78 (includes underground pagoda). Take High-speed train to Baoji then bus, or organized day tour recommended. Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours. Home to a sacred finger bone relic of Buddha.
Where Buddhist history comes alive - home to the world's only authenticated finger bone relic of Buddha Sakyamuni
Famen Temple (法门寺), located in Fufeng County about 120 kilometers west of Xi'an, is one of the most revered Buddhist sites in China. Founded in the 3rd century AD during the Eastern Han Dynasty, this ancient temple holds what is believed to be the left ring finger bone of Buddha Sakyamuni - the only authenticated relic of the Buddha in the world.
For over 1,700 years, emperors of various dynasties have made pilgrimages to Famen Temple to pay homage to this sacred relic. The temple's significance reached its peak when Empress Wu Zetian, China's only female emperor, declared herself the reincarnation of Maitreya Buddha and supported the temple's expansion. The current magnificent pagoda was built to house the precious relic in 1987 after its rediscovery in the underground palace.
Beyond its spiritual significance, Famen Temple houses one of China's finest collections of Buddhist artifacts, including Tang Dynasty gold and silver relics, Buddhist scriptures, and ancient ceramics. The temple complex features beautiful gardens and traditional architecture that provide a serene environment for contemplation and exploration.
The world's only authenticated finger bone of Buddha Sakyamuni, displayed in the 13-story pagoda. Viewing times are scheduled - check in advance.
The mysterious chamber where the sacred relic was mysteriously buried for 1,113 years before its discovery in 1987.
One of China's finest collections of Buddhist artifacts, including Tang Dynasty gold and silver treasures.
The towering pagoda built to house the sacred relic, offering panoramic views of the temple complex.
The world's only authenticated finger bone of Buddha Sakyamuni is housed here.
Explore the world's tallest Buddhist pagoda (88m) and stunning underground palace.
For over 1,700 years, this temple has been one of China's most important Buddhist sites.
Take a high-speed train from Xi'an North Station to Yangling South Station (30-40 minutes, 30-40 CNY). Then take a taxi to Famen Temple (35 minutes, 80-100 CNY).
Tour buses depart from the West Gate of Tang Paradise Scenic Area around 8:00 AM, returning around 4:00 PM. Cost: 25 CNY one-way.
Buses depart from Xi'an Chengxi Bus Station to Fufeng, then transfer to local bus to Famen Town. Total journey: 2-3 hours.
Famen Town, Fufeng County
Baoji, Shaanxi