Famen Temple, also known as Famen Si, is a renowned Buddhist temple in Fufeng County, near Baoji in Shaanxi province, China. It is best known for housing a finger bone relic said to belong to Gautama Buddha, which draws pilgrims and visitors from across the country and beyond.
What to see
The temple's underground palace is the feature that gives the site its particular character. When it was opened, it was found to contain numerous treasures from the Tang Dynasty, discovered in 1987. Many visitors come to see the relic and the objects connected with it, and to understand how the site has been preserved and presented.
- The temple complex itself, a place of active worship as well as a heritage site
- The underground palace and the Tang Dynasty treasures uncovered there
- The Famen Temple Cultural Scenic Area, which surrounds the temple grounds
Planning a visit
Famen Temple sits within the Famen Temple Cultural Scenic Area, so the visit is well suited to a half day or longer, with time to walk the grounds at an unhurried pace. Because it remains a working temple, it is worth keeping a respectful manner throughout, as you would at any place of worship.
The address is Famen Temple Cultural Scenic Area, Fufeng County, Baoji, Shaanxi 722201, China. The temple can be reached by telephone at +86-917-5254002 for up-to-date information before you set out.
The surrounding area
Baoji is the wider city in which Famen Temple lies, and the temple makes a natural focus for travellers interested in Buddhist history and the Tang Dynasty. Those who enjoy history may find that a visit here pairs well with the rest of Shaanxi province.