Religious site
Qinglong Temple (Xi'an)
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Qinglong Temple, also known as the Green Dragon Temple, is a Buddhist temple in Xi'an that was a key center for Vajrayana Buddhism during the Tang dynasty. It was rebuilt in the 1980s in Tang dynasty architectural style after being destroyed in the 11th century. Today, visitors can see the temple grounds and a garden with hundreds of cherry blossom trees, which were introduced from Japan in 1986.
Don't miss
- Monument of Kūkai, built in 1982 by governments of Xi'an and several Japanese prefectures
- Over 600 cherry blossom trees planted in 1986, blooming in March and April
- Tang dynasty architectural style of the rebuilt temple
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Qinglong Temple (Xi'an)
You don't need a tour to visit, entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Qinglong Temple (Xi'an) with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inXi'an Airport Transfer5★ · 13 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$18 per personSee dates →
Best full dayMini Group Xian Day Tour to Terracotta Army, City Wall, Pagoda and Muslim Bazaar4.9★ · 1,542 travelers9-10 hoursFree cancellationFrom$24 per personSee dates →
Private & flexiblePrivate Xi'an Tour: Terracotta Warriors, Hanyangling Museum, Cave Homes5★ · 102 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$175 per personSee dates →Know before you go
- Cherry blossoms usually bloom in March and April, drawing many visitors.
- The temple is about 300 meters northwest of Qinglongsi Metro Station on Lines 3 and 5.
A bit of history
The temple traces its origins to 582 during the Sui dynasty. In the Tang dynasty, it was renamed Qinglong Temple in 711. The Vajrayana master Huiguo taught there, and his Japanese disciple Kūkai introduced the teachings to Japan, founding the Shingon school. The temple was destroyed in 1086 and forgotten until its site was rediscovered in 1963. Rebuilding began in the 1980s with support from Chinese and Japanese governments, and a monument to Kūkai was erected in 1982.
Common questions
Why is Qinglong Temple significant in Buddhist history?
It was where the Vajrayana master Huiguo taught, and his Japanese disciple Kūkai brought the teachings to Japan, founding the Shingon school.
When was the temple rebuilt?
After being destroyed in 1086, the temple was rebuilt in the 1980s with Tang dynasty architectural style.
What can I see at the temple besides the buildings?
The surrounding garden has hundreds of cherry blossom trees, introduced from Japan in 1986.
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