Located to the west of Datong City, Huayan Temple(Huayansi) was one of the important temples for the Huayan Sect (one of the seven important Buddhist sects of China) during Liao Dynasty (916 - 1125)-the sect found receptive popularity among the imperial courts.

The temple itself is said to have been founded by the first patriarch Dushun himself sometime in the first half of the 7th century during the reign of the Emperor Taizong. It originally covered not only the area of the stupas but also the bottom of the mountain range right in front of it, where the actual temple buildings were located. These were destroyed in the 1950's and today there is nothing left of the original buildings despite the two stupas. During the cultural revolution they were protected by local people. The previous temple complex is now covered by a state school. It seems improbable that ever the monastery will get back to its original location downhill. Therefore the new monastic community fort he past year and a half has started to gradually build up a small monastery with housing facilities and small shrines around the stupas.

Traffic

Ride in Xi'an Bus 235 can be to.

Tickets

5 yuan