Xiyue Temple
西岳庙
The national-level sacrificial site where emperors across the dynasties made offerings to the god of Mount Hua. Known as the “Shaanxi Forbidden City,” it has a grand central axis and a well-preserved Ming and Qing architectural complex.
Xiyue Temple lies in the eastern part of Huayin city, about 5 kilometers from the northern entrance of Mount Hua. It was first built during the Western Han dynasty and served as the place where emperors across the dynasties sent envoys to worship the god of the Western Peak, Mount Hua. It is one of the largest of the Five Peak Temples and is a national key cultural heritage site. The temple faces south along a central axis that includes the Haoling Gate, Five Phoenix Tower, Lingxing Gate, Jincheng Gate, Haoling Hall, the sleeping palace and Wanshou Pavilion. Its red walls and yellow tiles give it the grandeur of an imperial palace, which is why it is called the “Shaanxi Forbidden City.” Climbing Wanshou Pavilion offers distant views of Mount Hua's five peaks. The temple houses stone steles from many dynasties. Admission prices and opening hours follow official announcements, and in recent years entry has often been free or low-cost. It is best to spend a half day here before or after the mountain climb.
Opening hours
About 08:00–18:00