Yuhua Palace
玉华宫
A summer retreat built by Emperor Taizong of the Tang, and the place where the monk Xuanzang translated scriptures and passed away in his later years. Mountain forests, streams, lakes, and grotto ruins alternate, and autumn foliage is famous.
Yuhua Palace lies in a valley about 40 km north of Tongchuan urban area. In the 21st year of the Zhenguan era of the Tang (647), Emperor Taizong built a summer retreat here, which under Emperor Gaozong was converted into Yuhua Temple. In his later years, Master Xuanzang translated the 600-fascicle Mahāprajñāpāramitā Sūtra here and passed away in 664. The site is protected as a major national cultural heritage unit. Today the scenic area is mainly mountain forest. Visitors tour along Fenghuang Valley and Lanzhi Valley, seeing the ruins of Sucheng Monastery, the Yuhua Palace grottoes, memorial sites for Xuanzang's translation work, and mountain lakes. In summer it is several degrees cooler than Xi'an, and in autumn maple leaves and smoke trees cover the hillsides. The scenic area charges admission, and ticket and shuttle prices follow official announcements. Driving from Tongchuan urban area takes about 1 hour; take the “Yuhua Palace” exit on the Baomao Expressway. The mountain trails are long, so wear running shoes.
Opening hours
About 08:30–17:30 (check scenic area notices)
Nearby sights
- Yuhua Palace Ski Resort
- Xiangshan Mountain (Daxiangshan Temple)
- Zhaojin Danxia Landform (Xuejiazhai)
- Yaozhou Kiln Museum
- Wangshiao Coal Mine Heritage Park
- Zhaojin Revolutionary Base Memorial
- Chenlu Ancient Town
- Shende Temple Pagoda