Your China & Yunnan Travel Experts
China's famous temples and monasteries represent different traditions, regions and functions. Some remain active places of worship; others are best known for architecture, art, education or imperial patronage. This list preserves ten established stops while helping travelers choose by route rather than fame alone. Before entering, check current opening and photography rules, speak quietly, avoid interrupting rituals and distinguish a temple's historic claims from the age of its surviving buildings. Read Buddhism in China for religious context and Taoism for Daoist sites.
White Horse Temple
Located east of Luoyang , White Horse Temple White Horse Temple near Luoyang is traditionally linked with Buddhism's early transmission to China. The present complex contains architecture from multiple periods as well as newer halls inspired by international Buddhist traditions. It fits naturally with Luoyang and Longmen Grottoes. Visitors should interpret the “first temple” title as a longstanding historical tradition, not assume every visible building dates to the Eastern Han.
White Horse Temple
Opening time: 7:00 a.m.-7:00p.m.
Recommended time: April-May、September-November
How to get:
Xiangguo Monastery
Xiangguo Monastery
Daxiangguo Temple in Kaifeng has a history associated with imperial patronage, urban Buddhism and repeated rebuilding. Its value lies in understanding Kaifeng's former-capital landscape rather than chasing a modern attraction rating. Pair it with the city's Song-history sites, allow time for active worship and verify which halls are accessible on the day.
Opening time: 8:00 a.m.-6:30p.m.
Recommended time: February-May, September-November
How to get:
Shaolin Temple
First built in 495 AD, Shaolin Temple Shaolin Temple stands near Mount Song in Henan and is associated with Chan Buddhism and martial-arts traditions. Temple courtyards, the Pagoda Forest and performance areas serve different purposes. Crowds and show schedules can dominate a rushed visit, so prioritize the religious and architectural complex before optional demonstrations. Martial arts should be presented as one strand of Shaolin history, not the sole meaning of the monastery.
Shaolin Temple
Opening time:
Recommended time: spring and fall
How to get: take long-distance bus from Dengfeng urban
Jokhang Temple
Located at the center of the old Lhasa , Jokhang Temple
Jokhang Temple in central Lhasa is among the most important pilgrimage sites in Tibetan Buddhism. The surrounding Barkhor circuit remains an active devotional route. Visitor access, security procedures and photography restrictions can be strict and may change. Move with the flow of pilgrims, allow altitude-adjustment time and confirm current Tibet travel requirements before booking.
Jokhang Temple
Opening time: 9:00a.m-6:00p.m.
Recommended time: May-October
Famen Temple
Famen Temple Famen Temple west of Xi'an is renowned for its Buddhist relic tradition and Tang connections. The historic pagoda-temple area contrasts with a large modern ceremonial zone, so the experience is different from a compact ancient monastery. It requires a dedicated road journey; verify exhibition access and transport timing before adding it to a short Xi'an stay.
Famen Temple
Opening time: 8:00a.m.-5:30a.m.
Recommended time: May-November
How to get: take the No.2 bus for tourists at Xi'an train station bus stop
Confucian Temple
Confucius Temple
The Confucius Temple in Qufu is not a Buddhist or Daoist monastery but a monumental ritual complex honoring Confucius. Including it here helps travelers compare functions: its courtyards, halls and stelae relate to education, state ceremony and commemoration. Combine it with the Kong Family Mansion and Cemetery rather than treating it as a generic place of worship.
Opening time: 8:00a.m-4:30p.m.
Zhongyue Temple
Zhongyue Temple Zhongyue Temple at Mount Song is a major Daoist complex with a long ceremonial axis and numerous historic buildings. It offers a useful counterpoint to nearby Shaolin Temple. Visiting both reveals how one mountain region contains distinct religious traditions; leave enough road and walking time instead of assuming the sites share one entrance.
Zhongyue Temple
How to get: take the No.2 bus to Zhongyuemiao Temple bus stop
Taer Monastery
Taer Temple
Kumbum Monastery, commonly called Ta'er Monastery in Chinese travel material, lies near Xining and belongs to the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Its halls, stupas and artistic traditions remain religiously significant. High-elevation weather, worship schedules and restricted interiors affect the visit. Labels and local guidance are important because translated names for the monastery vary.
Opening time: 08:00a.m.-17:00p.m.
Recommended time: June-August
Hanging Temple
Hanging Temple
The Hanging Temple near Datong is famous for buildings attached to a cliff above the valley. Its visual drama can overshadow its mixed religious symbolism and complex rebuilding history. Narrow stairs and controlled capacity may limit access, while weather or maintenance can change arrangements. Combine it with Datong or Mount Heng only with realistic driving time.
Opening time: 08:30a.m.-5:30p.m.（Nov-May） 08:00a.m.-6:00p.m.（Jun-Oct）
Recommended time: spring, summer, fall
How to get: take the long-distance bus from Datong bus station to HUnyuan.
Labrang Lamasery
Labrang Lamasery is one of the six Tibetan Buddhism
Labrang Lamasery
Labrang Monastery in Xiahe, Gansu, is an important Gelug monastic center with a large architectural and educational complex. It is not a theme-park stop: prayer circuits, debate areas and residential zones have living functions. Ask before entering halls, do not photograph monks without permission and consider the region's elevation and transport schedule. For sacred landscapes that combine mountains and monasteries, use the Buddhist mountains comparison.
Opening time: 8:00a.m.-6:00p.m.
Recommended time: all year around
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