Kongxiang Temple
空相寺
Said to be where Bodhidharma, the first patriarch of Chan Buddhism, was buried after his death. The temple houses a Bodhidharma Pagoda and is regarded as one of the ancestral sites of Chan Buddhism.
Kongxiang Temple sits at the foot of Xiong'er Mountain in Xiliji Village Township, Shanzhou District. In ancient times it was known as Dinglin Temple, and it is said to have been founded in the Eastern Han dynasty. It was renamed Kongxiang because of the legend that Bodhidharma was buried on Xiong'er Mountain after his death, leaving behind the story of a single sandal returning to the west. Relics such as the Bodhidharma Pagoda survive in the temple. Together with Shaolin Temple, it is an important Chan Buddhist practice center. The temple is built into the mountainside, with a serene setting, and attracts many pilgrims and meditators. It is about 60 km from the city and requires a car. The coordinates are an estimate for Xiliji Village Township, so check the temple's exact location with navigation before setting out.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:30