Famen Temple's Tang-dynasty underground crypt was sealed for over a thousand years until its 1987 rediscovery, when it yielded a finger-bone relic said to belong to the Buddha along with an extraordinary hoard of gold, silver, and glassware gifted by Tang emperors. The scenic area today combines the original pagoda ruins and crypt with a large modern temple complex built around a soaring stupa-shaped hall that houses the relic. The gap between the modest archaeological crypt and the scale of the modern complex built above it is part of what makes a visit here distinctive.
Famen Temple sits within a large cultural scenic area in Fufeng County near Baoji, built around a relic believed by Buddhist tradition to be a finger bone of the Buddha, rediscovered in 1987 inside a sealed underground crypt beneath the original Tang-dynasty pagoda. The modern complex combines the reconstructed historical temple with a vast contemporary devotional hall shaped like two hands cupped together, visible from a considerable distance across the flat surrounding plain. Visitors typically walk through the ceremonial approach avenue lined with statues before reaching the underground crypt museum, which displays the original relic reliquary boxes and an extensive trove of Tang-dynasty gold, silver, and glassware buried alongside the relic and rediscovered intact in the 1987 excavation. The relic itself is displayed to the public on set days tied to the lunar calendar, drawing much larger crowds of pilgrims and visitors than a routine visit. A full visit covering the approach avenue, underground crypt, and main halls takes 2-3 hours, with the scale of the walk between sections adding meaningfully to that time. Weekday visits outside the lunar relic-display dates are markedly calmer, while the 1st and 15th of the lunar month can see the complex packed with religious pilgrims.
| Admission | Adult ¥120 (~$17) peak season; ¥90 (~$13) off-season · Child Free under 1.4m |
|---|---|
| Hours | 8:30 AM–7:00 PM (Mar 1–Nov 30); shorter hours in winter |
| Typical visit | 2–3 hours |
| Best time | 1st and 15th of the lunar month, or weekends, when the Buddha's finger bone relic is displayed |
| Getting there | Bus or chartered car from Xi'an (~1.5–2 hours) or Baoji (~1 hour) |
| Address | Famen Temple Cultural Scenic Area, Fufeng County, Baoji, Shaanxi |
Location
Famen Temple Cultural Scenic Area, Fufeng County, Baoji, Shaanxi
34.5211, 107.9075 View on map
Highlights
- Underground crypt museum housing the original relic reliquary and Tang-dynasty treasures
- The modern devotional hall shaped like cupped hands
- Ceremonial approach avenue lined with statues
- Periodic public display of the Buddha finger-bone relic on lunar calendar dates
Tips for visiting
- Check the lunar calendar for relic display dates if wanting to see it displayed, or avoid those dates for a quieter visit
- Allow time for the long walk between the approach avenue, crypt, and main halls
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the complex covers a large open area
- Dress modestly, as this remains an active site of Buddhist worship
When to visit
Visit on the 1st or 15th of the lunar month or a weekend to see the relic on display, or choose a weekday for a quieter visit.
Accessibility
The main approach avenue and halls are paved and mostly step-free, though the underground crypt museum involves stairs down to the display level.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
A full visit covering the approach avenue, underground crypt museum, and main halls takes about 2-3 hours.
Is it worth it for kids?
Children may find the scale of the complex and the underground crypt treasures interesting, though the religious focus and walking distance suit older children better.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is generally allowed in outdoor areas, though it may be restricted inside the crypt museum around the relic display.