Xiaoxitian Temple
Originally called the Thousand Buddha Hermitage (千佛庵), it was founded in 1634. The temple is divided into Upper and Lower Courtyards, which contain many finely crafted,…
Xiaoxitian Temple, Linfen
Key facts
- Admission
- ¥28
- Opening hours
- 2026.10.01-2027.04.30 08:00-17:30; 2027.05.01-2027.09.30 07:30-18:00
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Getting there
- Located on the summit of Phoenix Mountain, 1 km northwest of Xi County, Linfen City; about 10 minutes on foot or by taxi from Xi County town
- Guidebook rating
- 4 / 5
From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 1858. Open in Google Maps
About Xiaoxitian Temple
Originally called the Thousand Buddha Hermitage (千佛庵), it was founded in 1634. The temple is divided into Upper and Lower Courtyards, which contain many finely crafted, brightly coloured and vividly modelled suspended clay sculptures, considered among the finest examples of painted sculpture from the Ming dynasty.
A distinctive feature of the temple is the long flight of stone steps leading up to its front gate. As you climb and look up, the majestic Great Hero Hall suddenly comes into view, giving the feeling of arriving in the Western Paradise.
Tips from the guidebook
- The suspended sculptures at Xiaoxitian are exceptionally fine; the smallest figures are only the size of a thumb and are hard to make out with the naked eye, so it is worth bringing a telescope.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Xiaoxitian Temple cost?
Admission to Xiaoxitian Temple is ¥28, as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.
What are the opening hours of Xiaoxitian Temple?
Xiaoxitian Temple is open 2026.10.01-2027.04.30 08:00-17:30; 2027.05.01-2027.09.30 07:30-18:00.
How do I get to Xiaoxitian Temple?
Located on the summit of Phoenix Mountain, 1 km northwest of Xi County, Linfen City; about 10 minutes on foot or by taxi from Xi County town
How long should I spend at Xiaoxitian Temple?
Plan on 2 hours for Xiaoxitian Temple.
Where is Xiaoxitian Temple?
Xiaoxitian Temple is in Linfen, Shanxi Province, in the North China of China. On Phoenix Mountain (凤凰山), 1 km northwest of Xi County (隰县) town
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