Location & How to Get There

Shiweng Temple sits nestled in the forested hills of Lishan National Park, on the eastern Xiu Ridge of Mount Li, near the famous Huaqing Palace. The exact address is Huaqing Road, Lintong District, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province. To reach here, take the metro to Lintong Station (Line 9) and switch to bus 602 or 613. Alternatively, a 30-minute taxi ride from downtown Xi’an works too. If driving, park at Huaqing Palace’s Zhaoyang Gate lot and hike uphill for 20 minutes—the trail is shaded and scenic!

Natural Scenery: A Mountain Retreat

Perched at the mid-slope of Lishan, Shiweng Temple feels like a hidden gem. Surrounded by towering trees and fresh mountain air, it’s peaceful year-round. In autumn, the nearby maple leaves turn fiery red, framing the temple walls. From the courtyard, you can spot Huaqing Palace perched on the west ridge, and glimpse the Wu River winding through the valley below. Bring a camera—sunrise and sunset light up the temple’s ancient rooftops dramatically!

Cultural Heritage: Royal Buddhist Roots

Shiweng Temple isn’t just any temple. It was named by Emperor Xuanzong of Tang Dynasty (AD 713–755) himself, using leftover materials from Huaqing Palace’s construction. While the emperor built Changsheng Pavilion (a Taoist hall) for his own use on the west ridge, his beloved Consort Yang (Yang Guifei)—a devout Buddhist—chose this spot for its serene vibes. The temple’s name, “Shiweng,” comes from a giant stone jar (shiweng) legend says she used to collect mountain spring water. Inside, hand-carved Buddha statues from the Tang era still stand, showing why it was once a royal monastery.

What to See: Art and Architecture

The temple’s main hall, Dabei Dian, holds intricate murals and gilded statues. Look for the Three-Tier Stone Urn in the courtyard—a relic from Consort Yang’s time. Unlike Huaqing Palace’s grand pavilions, Shiweng Temple feels cozy, with wooden beams and stone lanterns aged to perfection. A small bell tower offers mountain views, and a quiet path leads to a cliffside gazebo where you can sit and meditate.

Practical Tips: Visiting Shiweng Temple

  • Opening hours: 8 AM–5 PM daily.
  • Tickets: Included in Lishan Park’s entry (¥60) or buy a combo ticket with Huaqing Palace (¥120).
  • Guides: Rent an audio guide for ¥20, or join a free English tour at 10 AM (check availability).
  • Souvenirs: Buy mini stone urn replicas or local Lishan plump apricots from the gift shop.
  • Food: Try vegetarian noodles at the temple’s teahouse or bring a picnic—there are tables near the entrance.

Hiking & Nearby Attractions

After exploring Shiweng Temple, continue hiking up Lishan’s East Ridge to see more historic sites. The trail connects to Huaqing Palace’s rear entrance, so you can loop back down. For a full day, pair this with a visit to the Terracotta Army in Xi’an (40 minutes by car) or the hot springs at Huaqing Pool.

Why It’s Worth a Trip

Shiweng Temple offers a rare mix of nature and history. Unlike crowded Huaqing Palace, it’s quiet and intimate—perfect for escaping crowds. You’ll get a sense of Tang Dynasty royalty, from Consort Yang’s faith to the emperor’s architectural leftovers. Plus, the mountain air and views make it a refreshing break from city tours. Come early or late to catch the golden hour light on the temple’s red walls—trust us, your Instagram feed will thank you!