# Nanchan Temple (南禅寺)

Wutai Mountain, Shanxi Province · North China, China · Guidebook rating: 3/5
Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/places/nanchan-temple
Language: en

## Key facts

- **Admission:** ¥10
- **Opening hours:** 08:30-17:30 (2026.04.01-2026.10.31); 08:30-17:00 (2026.11.01-2027.03.31, reservation required)
- **Time needed:** 2–3 hours
- **Address:** Lijiazhuang, southwest of Wutai County, outside South Terrace (南台) on Mount Wutai
- **Getting there:** Located in Lijiazhuang Village, Yangbai Township, Wutai County, Xinzhou City, far from Taihuai Town; self-driving or a chartered car is recommended
- **Good for:** History & Culture, Architecture, Temples

## About Nanchan Temple

One of the oldest surviving temples in China. Its founding date is unknown, but the existing buildings were rebuilt in the Tang dynasty, giving it at least 1,200 years of history. When Emperor Wuzong of Tang suppressed Buddhism, Nanchan Temple escaped destruction because of its remote location on Mount Wutai. Its Tang-era Great Buddha Hall and the Tang murals inside are considered national treasures.

---
Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), p. 1834. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.
Site: China Trip (https://cnatrip.com) — independent China travel guide in 13 languages.