Nanchan Temple, Xining
南禅寺
A historic Han Chinese Buddhist temple on the northern foothills of Nanshan in Xining, with roots traceable to the Song dynasty. It can be combined with Nanshan Park and the Puning Pearl viewpoint.
Nanchan Temple is located on the northern foot of Nanshan in Chengzhong District, Xining. Said to have been first built during the Northern Song dynasty and restored many times since, its halls are built into the mountain in tiers. It is a leading Han Chinese Buddhist temple in Xining and faces the Beichan Temple on Beishan across the Huangshui River. Admission is free, the temple is popular with worshippers, and the setting is peaceful. From the back of the temple, you can continue up to Nanshan Park and reach the Puning Pearl viewpoint for a view of the city at night. It is about 2 km from Central Square, easily reached by taxi or bus. It is best to plan half a day to visit together with Nanshan Park.
Opening hours
08:00–17:30
Nearby sights
- Nanshan Park & Puning Pearl Tower
- Mojia Street & Shuijing Lane
- Qinghai Provincial Museum
- Dongguan Great Mosque
- Beichan Temple (Tulou Taoist Temple)
- Ma Bufang Mansion
- Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Wild Zoo
- China Tibetan Medicine Culture Museum