Guangren Temple: Xi’an’s Only Tibetan Buddhist Temple by the Ancient City Wall
Tucked beneath the northwest corner of the Xi’an City Wall, Guangren Temple offers a spiritual experience unlike anywhere else in the city.
As the only Tibetan Buddhist temple in Xi’an and Shaanxi Province, Guangren Temple feels like a quiet Tibetan oasis hidden within the ancient capital. With its red walls, golden roofs, prayer wheels, and fluttering prayer flags, it is the perfect place to experience the fusion of Han and Tibetan Buddhist culture without leaving the city.
1. A Royal Temple of Qing Dynasty Friendship
Guangren Temple was founded in 1705 during the Qing Dynasty by Emperor Kangxi. Unlike most temples in Xi’an, it was built specifically as a royal residence for important Tibetan Buddhist figures, including the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama, when they traveled through the capital.
For more than 300 years, the temple has symbolized religious harmony and cultural exchange between Han and Tibetan peoples. Today, it remains an important center of Tibetan Buddhism in Xi’an, attracting both worshippers and travelers seeking a deeper cultural experience.
2. Must-See Highlights Inside Guangren Temple
Green Tara Hall (Main Hall)
The spiritual heart of Guangren Temple is the Green Tara Hall. Inside stands a 2-meter-tall golden statue of Green Tara, the Buddhist goddess of compassion, protection, and swift rescue.
- Prayer Wheels: Outside the hall are 40 Tibetan prayer wheels. Walk clockwise and spin them gently—each rotation is believed to carry the power of one spoken prayer.
Golden Roof Scripture Pavilion
With its shining golden roof, this pavilion is the most eye-catching structure in the temple.
- It houses a rare statue of Shakyamuni Buddha as a 12-year-old, one of only two such statues in the world.
- You will also see a statue of Princess Wencheng, the Tang Dynasty princess whose marriage helped connect Han and Tibetan cultures over 1,300 years ago.
Hall of the Thousand-Hand Guanyin
This hall contains the largest Thousand-Hand Guanyin statue in Shaanxi, standing 6.6 meters tall. Carved from wood and covered in gold, it represents infinite compassion and mercy.
Bodhi Tree & the “Tickle Tree”
In the west courtyard, a sacred Bodhi tree brought from India grows quietly under the city wall. Nearby stands the famous “Tickle Tree”—legend says that when you gently touch its trunk, the branches shake as if the tree is laughing.
3. Practical Travel Guide
Basic Information
- Location: No. 152 Northwest Yilu, Xi’an (Northwest corner of the City Wall)
- Subway: Line 1 to Yuxiangmen Station, about a 10-minute walk
- Opening Hours: 08:00 – 18:00 daily
- Tickets: Free entry, no reservation required
Blessings & Temple Etiquette
- What to pray for: Peace, safety, harmonious relationships, and family well-being
- Prayer Wheel Rule: Always spin and walk clockwise
- Festival Tip: Visit during the Butter Lamp Festival (usually late November or December) to see thousands of glowing lamps lighting up the temple at night
Best Experiences
- Spin the prayer wheels beneath the ancient city wall
- Light a butter lamp and make a quiet wish
- Browse souvenirs such as Green Tara pendants or prayer wheel keychains at the temple shop
4. Why Guangren Temple Is Worth Visiting
Guangren Temple is more than a religious site—it is a living reminder of Xi’an’s multicultural past. While the city is famous for Terracotta Warriors and Tang Dynasty relics, this temple reveals another side of Xi’an: a place where different beliefs and traditions have peacefully coexisted for centuries.
Quiet, colorful, and deeply spiritual, Guangren Temple offers a calm escape from the busy streets outside the city wall. Whether you are interested in Tibetan art, Buddhist culture, or simply need a peaceful hour in Xi’an, this temple delivers a unique and meaningful experience.
Conclusion
When walking along the Xi’an City Wall, don’t miss the northwest corner. Step into Guangren Temple, listen to the chanting, watch the prayer flags move in the wind, and admire the golden roofs glowing against ancient stone.
It’s a journey to the Tibetan plateau—without ever leaving Xi’an. Furthermore, to explore more highlights of a Xi’an journey, don’t miss our page on Xi’an Tourist Attractions!
